So I found this on X and after I read all of your comments I still don't understand what the problem is. Isn't the flashing icon fixed already?
- Icon is easy to misclick: Is it? As a UX designer myself I don't think the size is the problem.
- Still having pulsating effect: You sure upgraded your game? If you still have that on latest version why not create a NEW bug on bugs section with a video?
- Waah waah just remove it!: This is a game developed by EA and devs can do whatever they want.
Seriously, can someone TLDR 44 pages of comments into one thread with detailed description?
Another question for those who have problems:
Q1. What is your computer's screen size? Surely you're not playing The Sims 4 on 800x600 screen, no?
Q2. If I can ask - what kind of health-related problem you would trigger, by simply looking at the flashing small icon? If this is real, how are you living IRL? There are many flashy things like road sign.
@poolfactor wrote:Another question for those who have problems:
Q1. What is your computer's screen size? Surely you're not playing The Sims 4 on 800x600 screen, no?
Q2. If I can ask - what kind of health-related problem you would trigger, by simply looking at the flashing small icon? If this is real, how are you living IRL? There are many flashy things like road sign.
There are more issues people can have with flashing icons than health related problems. I have autism and ADHD and have enough triggers and stimuli throughout my day that I refuse to unnecessarily endure more when I try to unwind in a game that used to be relaxing for me. I get really overwhelmed by little things because of my impulses. If you do not understand why this may bother people maybe just don't comment and enjoy being able to continue playing unbothered.
@poolfactorOn the supposition that you are not actually a troll trying to make a splash, which is always a concern on any forum, I am going to respond to you charitably. 🙂
Photosensitivity is a well known and well documented phenomena. Doubting it is real is simply a matter of not being educated enough in that area to understand what happens to the human body when light penetrates through the eyes or flesh. I could go deep into the scientific explanations about photons, etc, but that is really way beyond the scope of simple conversation in this setting. So, if you are really interested in knowing the whys and wherefores, I suggest you do some research online.
Suffice it to say that lack of knowledge about something should never be an excuse to dismiss out of hand the concerns of others who face negative impacts because of a trigger, whatever that trigger may be.
People who make video games should be aware of common triggers to light and sound. Some games even come with written warnings, because they are both aware and concerned that their product may be a trigger in some people. So, yes, the phenomena is real. There is no doubt of that.
In this case, the potential trigger is not the game itself. Instead it is an unnecessary component recently added that is causing a significant number of people real discomfort. Companies have a duty to respond to the outcry of a significant portion of the people who use their product, if the company is savvy enough to understand such things impact their bottom line.
This discussion has been about the degree of discomfort the pulsating or flashing cart is causing. And the many ways the pulsating or flashing light is causing the discomfort. To summarize with a quick, off the top of my head, list:
1. The possibility of an epileptic episode (rare, but a real danger)
2. complications with migraine headaches, either triggering an episode in people prone to them or worsening a condition that was previously borderline to the point of causing them
3. disorders of the nervous system worsened by photosensitivity resulting in nausea, dizziness, and so forth
4. autism triggered by photosensitivity resulting in a number of symptoms that vary in negative impact to the individual
5. attention disorders that vary in degree from merely irritations to making it impossible to concentrate enough to play the game
6. astigmatism and other visual disorders (some as common as "dry eye" syndrome) that are irritated by photosisitivity resulting in physical discomfort
7. difficulty with anger management in certain people who find minor irritations to be overwhelming, making it impossible to relax enough to enjoy a game
8. heart or asthma conditions that make it necessary for the person to avoid situations that cause constant stress due to persistent irritation, in this case from photosensitivity
That is not a complete list, but certainly enough to demonstrate a cause for concern.
As to whether or not the patch solved the problem, we have heard indications it did not entirely stop the flashing. Since it has been reported, I will take it at face value, ie, the problem is not yet solved for all people.
The number of people who trouble themselves to write in a forum are always going to be a tiny fraction of the people who are affected enough to quit playing a game, because of something like this. So when a company sees an instant and very negative response by a number of people, they should be worried.
At the very least, they should offer a solution. Like a toggle to turn off pulsing or flashing lights in the game. (A mod isn't a viable solution for those who cannot use mods.)
The other component of the discussion is a separate issue: Whether or not a cart belongs in this part of the game even if it does not pulse or flash. I will not summarize the arguments for that, because I think it unnecessary to make a summary, being self-evident. People were insulted. It was an affront. The company will have to grapple with that. They upset their base.
If you are not a troll, I hope this helps answer your concerns about our discussion.
