We needed to share a transparent overview of how we’ve made Wax Heads simpler to play for extra folks! Accessibility is extremely vital to us, and we would like everybody to benefit from the expertise. Right here’s how we approached it:
01 – Language
Language is an accessibility function. Many video games rely closely on English, which could be a barrier in story-driven experiences.
Wax Heads is offered in English plus 4 further languages. All important gameplay textual content is translated, and when photos include vital embedded textual content, you’ll be able to view it in your chosen language.
We selected to not translate report covers, music titles, or band names, as they’re usually introduced of their authentic language in actual report retailers. Nonetheless, liner notes and any textual content related to gameplay are translated.
When a band performs at a live performance, the lyrics are synced to the music of their authentic language – however in case you’ve chosen a special language, the interpretation reveals up slightly below, so you’ll be able to observe alongside in each on the identical time!
Patattie Video games is simply two folks. A Spanish lady and a Scottish man. Localization issues so much to us personally. We actually want we may cowl extra languages, and hopefully we’ll be capable of add extra sooner or later.
02 – Skipping and Issue
Issue is a type of accessibility matters that doesn’t all the time get talked about, nevertheless it issues simply as a lot as anything. Not everybody performs video games the identical means, and for some folks the problem itself – not the story, not the characters, not the music – is what will get in the way in which.
Each minigame may be skipped. If one is getting in the way in which of the story, you’ll be able to skip it and transfer on. Skipping could change the textual content end result barely in future conversations, however there aren’t any additional penalisations.
Document suggestions are the center of the sport. There are two modes:
- Authentic mode – one shot per buyer
- “The shopper is all the time proper” – limitless tries, no penalisation
The second mode is nice in case you have a low frustration tolerance, need extra respiration room, or get pleasure from exploring each report earlier than making your choose. You’ll be able to hold attempting till you discover the proper match, or transfer the dialog on everytime you really feel prepared. Each methods of taking part in are equally legitimate.
03 Fonts and Studying
The sport’s default fonts are already on the readable aspect: clear, sans-serif! However for folks with dyslexia, even a well-designed customary font could make studying tougher than it must be.
We embrace two fonts particularly designed to assist with that:
- OpenDyslexic 2
- Atkinson Hyperlegible
Each may be switched on within the settings at any time. As a result of the sport leans so closely on studying, we felt it was vital to get this proper. In case you have dyslexia, we needed you to have the ability to get pleasure from that aspect of the sport with out the additional effort of preventing the textual content.
04 – Taking part in Your Manner
Button interactions
We tried to make each interplay easy sufficient which you can play the sport utilizing only a mouse and a single left-click, or a touchscreen.
One thing that feels utterly pure to many individuals (like transferring the left stick whereas holding a button, or controlling two sticks on the identical time) may be onerous and even inconceivable for others. We saved that in thoughts when designing each interplay, and we keep away from any mechanics that require urgent or holding a number of inputs on the identical time.
For gadgets you’ll be able to choose up and transfer, the sport adapts to the way you work together. Click on and maintain to pull; or simply carry out a single click on and the merchandise follows your cursor till you click on once more to position it – no holding wanted. The sport reads your intent and responds.
Cooperative play
Some folks could discover it onerous to deal with all of the interactions on their very own. A second particular person can plug in their very own controller and their inputs mix with yours. It’s not a co-op mode itself – it’s extra like having somebody by your aspect whenever you want it, when you nonetheless have the total expertise of taking part in the sport!
05 – All the things else
Stick vs D-pad
The D-pad is a full different to the analog stick: it really works for menus and anyplace within the sport the place you’d usually transfer a cursor or navigate.
Digital cursor pointer sensitivity
Within the few locations the place a digital cursor is the best software for the job, you’ll be able to modify how briskly the pointer strikes within the settings to match what feels snug. Your common system mouse pointer is just not affected.
Tailored controllers
The sport works with adaptive {hardware} (such because the Xbox Adaptive Controller) so long as it’s registered as a controller and follows the SDL customary.
Seeing issues clearly
We made buttons, arrows, and key icons greater than traditional, and paired them with clear symbols so that they don’t rely solely on form or color to speak that means. Targeted parts get a brilliant body in the event that they’re interactive so that they’re straightforward to identify.
Whenever you’re utilizing a controller, objects present the button you have to press to work together with them – lowering the psychological load of protecting observe of controls. Button prompts are on by default, and you may flip them off in the event that they turn out to be visible noise.
We spent loads of time ensuring vital parts stand out clearly from their backgrounds, checking distinction ratios in opposition to accessibility requirements.
Tutorials and assist
The tutorial is a small zine obtainable within the in-game retailer that explains the core mechanics in plain language. It’s straightforward to search out and skim – not interactive, however clear and pleasant. It additionally reminds you of the core loop and the stuff you’ll do most frequently, which may be useful in case you discover it troublesome to retain directions or simply need a fast refresher!
That’s all for now. We actually hope you get pleasure from Wax Heads!
Wax Heads
Curve Video games
Wax Heads is a cozy-punk narrative sim about working in a struggling report retailer. Chat to quirky clients with distinctive tastes, discover a handcrafted report assortment, fall in love with bands (and their drama!), or simply slack off along with your colleagues – no matter will get everybody’s groove again!
IMMERSIVE COZY-PUNK LIFE SIM
Lose your self in an emotional, uplifting narrative about neighborhood, musical mysteries and underdog spirit. Assist endearing and indecisive clients discover their excellent information whereas debating all issues music along with your loveable colleagues. It is your job to assist Repeater Information discover its rhythm once more!
ORIGINAL KILLER SOUNDTRACK
Drop the needle on a stacked soundtrack that includes dozens of authentic tracks spanning throughout many genres, bands, and eras. Each music is crafted to really feel like a nostalgic gem. From dirty basement bangers to dreamy indie deep cuts. It’s a playlist constructed to loop in your head lengthy after you clock out.
HANDCRAFTED RECORD COLLECTION
Dig via crates filled with 80+ hand‑drawn albums, lovingly imagined bands, and liner word lore that rewards curiosity. Every report has its personal persona, historical past, and fanbase. Did Scandinavian steel band Jarhead actually homicide their singer and put his head in a jar? Is it true large shot rapper RXXX was a child’s TV presenter? Has anybody ever seen Mimi?
MOTLEY CREW OF LOVEABLE ODDBALLS
Repeater Information is staffed and frequented by a rotating solid of eccentrics, music nerds, and chaotic regulars. Each character is bursting with persona, quirks, and questionable opinions about what “actual music” is. Get to know them and luxuriate in their banter. They’re the soul of the store in any case!
CRATES OF PUZZLES TO DIG THROUGH
From buyer requests to retailer shenanigans, you’ll dive into quite a lot of cozy puzzles. Decode clues and hunt for the proper music advice by searching information, scrolling social media, and poring over native music zines. You would possibly even end up working the lights for native bands, designing gig posters and packing orders!
CREATORS OF WAX HEADS
Patattie Video games is the two-person indie punk duo made up of builders; inventive doodler Murray Somerwolff (Welcome to Elk, Spitkiss, Useless Pets Unleashed) and artistic programmer Rothio Tome (Former UNITY developer assist engineer and high Spanish GameDev streamer).