Introduction: Fighting Game Controller and Macro Set
This is an adaptive customizable controller created with the intention of making it easier to engage with fighting games. This controller was made alongside a set of macros which are attached below. Together these two tools should allow a far easier and more customizable play experience. As a side note, the macros works completely independently of the controller, and can be used with any device, feel free to install the macro and utilize it with any controller.
This controller consists of 4 buttons, 2 pedals, and the included macro.
Supplies
*Links included are examples if you have another brand you would like to use that is better or more cost effective feel free to do so*
Foam Core - you can also purchase from the dollar store or arts and crafts store
Single Pin Male/Male Wires (also referred to more commonly as breadboard wires)
Pool Noodle - if using non-3d printed
Important Links:
The Macro was designed for Guilty Gear Strive, but can be used with any 2d Fighting Game
CAD File for optional 3d Printed Buttons below:
Button V1
Step 1: Create Buttons (non-3d Printed Option)
Begin by trimming one end from the pool noodle. Next, divide the removed end longitudinally into two equal segments, which will represent the corners of the noodle, following the illustration provided. Affix these two segments to a piece of foam core using hot glue. Although I employed measurements of 4.5 inches by 4 inches for the foam core, you may adjust the size to suit your needs. Attach the noodle segments to the shorter sides of the foam core unless it is a square; in that case, choose any two opposing sides.
Proceed by wrapping a strip of conductive tape around the middle of the foam core, ensuring it encircles the entire piece so that the tape is visible on the underside as well. Next, prepare several strips of conductive tape, but do not peel off the adhesive backing. Turn these strips upside down and place them over the top of the button, securing them with duct tape as demonstrated. Stretch the conductive tape strips tight to ensure they remain flat and taut. These strips should remain suspended above the lower contact surface when not pressed and make contact when pressure is applied, creating a connection.
You may repeat this step to create as many buttons as you want, however the macro was designed to work with four buttons. More on this will be explained below in step 5.
Step 2: Create Buttons (3d Printed Option)
In the CAD file provided, the button assembly is depicted as comprising two distinct components: a spring/button, and a button cap. To assemble, begin by threading a strip of conductive tape through the aperture at the base of the button body. It’s crucial to position the tape so that it will come into contact with the spring once the button is pressed. Also, ensure the tape extends sufficiently on the underside to facilitate any additional attachments you might want to add to the button.
After positioning the tape, attach another piece of conductive tape to the bottom of the spring. The attachment should be secure, yet should not hinder the spring's ability to compress. This tape will make electrical contact with the tape at the button's base upon depression. For optimal connectivity, wrap the edges of the spring with the conductive tape, following the guidance of the illustrations above.
Once the spring is prepared, incorporate it into the button body
The final step involves fixing a piece of foam core to the bottom of the completed button assembly. The thickness of this foam core piece is vital as it determines the spacing between the buttons on your controller. For those incorporating non-3D printed buttons into their design, it is advisable to match the dimensions of the foam core to these buttons for uniformity. Although the foam core should be slim, as demonstrated in the diagram, it must be sturdy enough to support the attachment of Velcro tape later on. Secure this foam core to the button using conductive tape that extends from beneath the button, ensuring it anchors to your chosen attachment point effectively.
Step 3: Create Board
For step three, begin by adhering Velcro tape to the underside of the button—this will allow you to secure the button to a board. Once the Velcro is in place on the button, align and apply a corresponding piece of Velcro tape to the board itself. It's important to maintain consistent spacing between the Velcro strips, as this will afford you flexibility in button placement later on.
Next, proceed to cut small squares of foam core. These will act as elevations for what will become the electrical contact points, so position them as indicated in the provided image. Upon setting these pieces in place, apply conductive tape across them. This tape not only bridges the foam core pieces but also establishes a unified ground connection among all contact points.
Upon completion of these steps, your board should resemble the one pictured. While the example serves as a guide, feel free to customize the size of the board to fit your needs and add as many contact points as your design requires.
Step 4: Create Pedals
To construct the pedal mechanism, start by cutting a long, narrow strip of foam core, as depicted in the reference image. For my project, I used dimensions of 6 inches by 24 inches, but you can adjust the size to fit your needs. Next, divide this strip into two pieces, ensuring one is slightly shorter than the other. In my case, the lengths were 10 inches and 14 inches, but feel free to modify these measurements as you see fit.
Focus on the shorter piece and make a careful incision. The foam core typically consists of three layers: paper, foam, and another layer of paper. Your goal is to slice through the first layer of paper and the foam, but leave the final paper layer intact. This cut should be made at the point where you want your pedal to hinge or rotate; I made mine at 3 inches from one end. This design allows the piece to bend freely, creating two distinct sections: a shorter base and a longer pedal section.
Next, apply hot glue to the base of the pedal section, as illustrated in the provided image. Attach this glued section to the end of the longer base piece. This method of attachment allows the two pieces to remain connected while still permitting the pedal section to rotate.
Then, affix conductive tape to the bottom of the pedal section and the top of the base section. Position the tape so that when the pedal is in its resting or base position, the two strips of conductive tape make contact with each other.
For the final assembly step, prepare a backplate with dimensions of 6 inches by 5 inches and attach it using hot glue. This backplate should be oriented towards the rotating part of the pedal. This setup ensures that when you lift the pedal away from the base, the rotating section faces the backplate.
Finally, secure a rubber band between the rotating section of the pedal and the base plate. The rubber band's tension should be enough to hold the pedal up, away from the base, until pressed down. When the pedal is depressed, the conductive tape on the pedal and base will come into contact, completing the electrical connection.
Step 5: Create Wiring Attachments
Step 5 involves creating small connector attachments for the buttons and pedals, which, while optional, can significantly enhance the ease of use. If you prefer, you can directly connect the alligator clips to the Makey Makey. But for those who opt for these attachments, here’s how to proceed:
Start by taking an alligator clip and trimming off both of its ends, leaving about an inch or more of wire exposed. Next, using wire strippers, remove a small segment of the insulation from the end of each wire to expose the bare wire. You should now have two alligator clip ends, as illustrated in the accompanying image.
With a soldering iron, solder these two ends together. This process will create a small, convenient connector that can be easily attached to your buttons and pedals. You can refer to the second image in Step 3 for examples of how these connectors are used.
For a finishing touch that adds both neatness and safety, wrap a piece of electrical tape around the exposed wire of the newly created connector. You can repeat this step for as many buttons as you have, and for twice as many pedals as you have (one needs to connect to power and the other ground).
When integrating these connectors with your buttons, it’s important to attach them to the correct location. For the 3D printed buttons, ensure the connector is attached to the uppermost part, which is the spring. In the case of non-3D printed buttons, the connector should be fastened to the upper piece of conductive tape. This guideline is crucial to follow regardless of whether you are using connectors or opting for a direct connection to the buttons, as if you connect to the wrong points the controller will not work.
Step 6: Connect Makey Makey
Step 6 details both the physical and digital setup of the Makey Makey for your controller, which is particularly relevant for those planning to use it for fighting games.
Digital Setup: For the digital configuration of the Makey Makey, key binding is essential. The specific keys you choose to bind may vary depending on the fighting game you intend to play. As a general guideline, for the macro setup, consider binding the left and right arrows on the front of the Makey Makey to 'A' and 'D', respectively. Additionally, utilize breadboard wires connected to the back of the Makey Makey to bind the 'E', 'R', 'T', and 'Y' keys to its inputs. While I've assigned these specific keys, the exact binding locations are flexible as long as you keep track of which keys correspond to each control. However, for the macro to function properly, ensure that the 'A', 'D', 'E', 'R', 'T', and 'Y' keys are all assigned.
Physical Setup: On the physical side, start by establishing a ground connection for the Makey Makey. Connect an alligator clip to the conductive tape on the extreme end of your controller board, then link this clip to the "earth" section on the Makey Makey. This connection grounds the buttons. Proceed to connect one of the conductive surfaces on the pedals (either the top or bottom surface will work) to the Makey Makey's earth connector. At this point, there should be three separate connections to the "Earth" section of the Makey Makey.
Next, focus on the button connections. Attach wires to the breadboard connections emerging from the Makey Makey's rear and to the left/right arrow keys on its front. Alternatively, if you have bound other controls, connect the wires to the corresponding parts of the Makey Makey. Finally, connect these wires to the buttons and the alternate conductive surface of the pedals, following the setup shown in the video.
Step 7: Download Macro (optional But Recommended)
Downloading and Activating the Macro:
- To begin, refer to the supplies section where a Google Drive link is provided. This link contains the macro file.
- Download the executable (exe) file from the Google Drive link.
- Once downloaded, activate the macro by double-clicking on the exe file.
- To confirm that the macro is running, check your system tray (the area of minimized applications in the bottom right corner of your screen), as depicted in the accompanying image. The macro should appear there when active.
- To deactivate the macro and revert your computer to its normal functionality, right-click on the macro's icon in the system tray and select 'exit', as illustrated in the image.
Disclaimer About Using Macros:
- It's important to note that these macros are designed to assist players who struggle with the complex inputs needed to effectively play fighting games, aiming to lower the barrier to entry for these games.
- Be aware that the use of macros can be controversial within the fighting game community. Many players and games consider them to be unfair or akin to cheating, particularly outside of accessibility technology contexts.
- This program is intended to help those who might otherwise be unable to enjoy a genre that is cherished by many. While using it, especially in online settings, please endeavor to play in good faith and avoid abusing the program.
- Although the use of such programs is sometimes frowned upon when used outside of the context of accessibility, rest assured that game developers do not take action against players for using accessibility tools like this one.