Accessibility Issues for Disabled Players Since Jan 31 Update

"GirlFromIpanema;c-18227674" wrote:
While I appreciate this on behalf of those experiencing crashes (and the quickness of this response) it would have been nice if the negative response to the control changes had been acknowledged as that is the main issue. Ignoring it makes it seem like the elephant in the room. Saying that, I am sure there are many conversations going on behind closed doors and we will get some news soon.
Thank you @simgirl1010 for keeping everyone updated!

Heya,

Sorry for the delay in replying here (this came in while I was out of office). We're closely monitoring the thread on Answers HQ on console control feedback.

I hate the new build mode update, not being able to close the catalogue, the way everything has to be manually navigated with the cursor instead of the using shortcut buttons on the controller, can’t scroll with the joystick anymore.. I don’t understand why they’ve done this in the first place, it worked perfectly fine!

I am surprised (and disappointed) that there has been no response.

I feel sorry for those who claim to be unable to play now due to disabilities. As Sims 4 does so much to promote inclusivity, I hope these players are considered and that something is done.

@JustinB113 to be fair not everyone that plays on console uses the forums or even know the feedback thread exists.

I watched a little simsie video the other day covering the pj set drama and there where console players the comments that were completely unaware of the update and assumed it was just a problem with their game.

It's horrible, I don't get why they changed it. I really hope that they change it back soon.

I think at this point console players just want some acknowledgement. It's been over a month since anyone even acknowledged the issues. Just a "hey we haven't addressed the console controls in this patch but are actively working on a solution soon" would have been fine. Instead we got absolute radio silence and a new ep drops tomorrow, which I am sure many console players wanted to enjoy but now won't.

These new controls I imagine are incredibly difficult for players with disabilities. I can only imagine how much having to scroll using two buttons would irritate someone with RSI for example. Please look to address this, it isn't fair on players. Console players seem to constantly be overlooked as a lesser player base, when in all actuality probably pay more for content than PC players, as the packs aren't often on discount sites and we don't have access to CC.

Made an account yesterday just to discuss this. I haven't played for months and tried recently, it's completely unplayable with a controller. I tried using my mouse and keyboard and I hate it - hate the controls, hate everything about it. I hope they fix it soon. Like I said in the Answers HQ thread, I do like the added ability to extend the roof and hope they add the ability to place trims where we want. I was planning on finally getting the Werewolves GP but will be waiting now. Hopefully they can tweak the controls a bit and make it better.

I've change the title of the thread as it was created before I realised how much players with disabilities had been impacted by the update and I wanted to make sure it was highlighted as it's really important and shouldn't be ignored. Updates shouldn't make the game less accessible for players.

For those of you who are unaware, some players with disabilities or conditions that cause issues in their hands and wrists etc. (such as arthritis) are finding the new console controls really difficult and at times painful to use. Having to hold down different buttons to manually scroll or search through swatches is really difficult.

Many players have been unable to play at all for the past months as they cannot physically use the controllers.

Using a mouse and keyboard is not feasible for everyone and those who have chosen to play on a console should not be forced to play with a keyboard and mouse.

It's been marked as solved on Answers HQ but the thread is still growing so if you'd like more information or to share your own feedback (that EA have promised they are reviewing), please check it out.

Thank you

Hi there! I tend to avoid the forums because I always get the feeling that console players are being kinda shunned. Also it's absolutely enraging and depressing how EA treats console players (which is ... giving us the silent treatment I guess?). I still created an account here, just to say thank you to @/GirlFromIpanema. It's so great that you bring up this topic, especially for the inclusion of disabled players. /gen

Also kudos to everyone who still plays. I have given up after trying the new controls for about 2 hours. I mainly build to relax after work, and it was so stressful, I wished to be back at the office :s

Please EA acknowledge the underlying issues and please try and provide some sort of ETA. Almost 4 months this has been going on for. Game has been unplayable in my eyes and the eyes of many console players all over the globe. I miss the ability to scroll through all the items and constantly having to drag the scroll bar down is tedious, complex and sucks all fun from the build/buy mode experience. The way swatches are now selected does not work.. even when we have finally been able to select the swatch we want (which is incredibly difficult in itself, like who really wants to have to scroll over a tiny area to choose the right swatch and select the same button multiple times) the swatch is difficult to grab and then grabs the item beside the one you actually want, so you have to go back into the item/swatch you want and start all over again with trying to select it! How frustrating. The fact we cannot now close the catalogue is also highly frustrating.. I had no issue before coming out of the catalogue and going back in.. since the 31/01 update we now have to select options multiple times.. many more times than having to just physically open and close a catalogue when we need to. No one asked for these changes and the lack of acknowledgment from you is completely unacceptable. People including me have spends hundreds and hundreds if not thousands of pounds/dollars on your product and it has now been rendered useless. Listen to your consumers please. I’m not surprised that players with disabilities are in extreme pain/discomfort.. I am finding the new controls incredibly uncomfortable on my hands and I don’t have a disability, in fact I type for a living and this is much more uncomfortable than a full time job typing. Again, please sort this out before everyone on console demands a full refund and you lose all of your loyal customers!