DavidKotkin
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Hands-on with the Delta Six gun controller (video)
Glimpses of the Delta Six have been teasing an ultra-realistic and motion-enabled gaming controller since last fall, and now that it's back on Kickstarter, we've gone hands-on with a prototype to see just how it handles. Though hardware and software tweaks have been made since it first surfaced, its creator David Kotkin says the peripheral is roughly 80 percent complete. For example, the beta version we took for a spin was only compatible with the Xbox 360, but the final product is set to play nice with the PS3, PC and Wii U, in addition to next-gen consoles via a software update. Hold the matte black prototype in your hands, and you'll notice it has a fair amount of heft to it. Its weight didn't take an immediate toll on this editor's arms, but some light fatigue was noticeable after about 20 or 30 minutes of play. The hardware is actually a stock airsoft gun that's been gutted and stuffed with Xbox 360 controller parts, a rechargeable battery and an Arduino. According to Kotkin, the faux firearm's code will be made open source, and users will be able to program it to their heart's content.%Gallery-187766%
Delta Six gaming gun returns to Kickstarter, boasts Arduino innards
The Delta Six gaming controller first hit Kickstarter last fall, but the plug was pulled from the crowdfunding effort by its creator David Kotkin, as he reckoned it wasn't on track to generate enough support. With hardware and software refinements made over the last few months, the peripheral has just been relisted on Kickstarter. In case you need a refresher, the peripheral puts a premium on realism and motion-enabled gaming. Thanks to accelerometers, gyroscopes and buttons in odd places, users can do things such as bring up in-game sights by looking down the plastic rifle's barrel, or steady their shot by pulling the faux weapon close to their arm. Now, the campaign is asking $159 for controllers with black or white paint jobs and orange tips, as a second look at production costs indicated the project's original $89 price tag was too low. This time around, the funding goal has been locked in at $100,000, instead of a cool half a million. As for internals, the shooter is toting an Arduino, which opens up the hardware to software updates and customization. Not only will the blaster work with PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and the Wii U, but it's set to boast compatibility with next-gen consoles through an update, to boot. If the Delta Six reaches it fundraising mark, it'll ship out to supporters in December. Check out our hands on with the contraption or head past the break for Kotkin's video pitch.
Delta Six controller gets redesigned, Kickstarted
Most video game controllers sporting a firearm form factor are a far cry from realistic -- bright colors, odd shapes and obvious thumbsticks leave many accessories looking more like toys than weapons. Not David Kotkin's Delta Six. This gun-shaped controller's first prototype looked so much like a real rifle, Kotkin told us, it had to be redesigned. An orange tip, whitewashed body and a few less authentic looking components don't make the Delta Six look any less believable as a digital soldier's modern musket, but it does make it less likely to be mistaken for the real McCoy. The peripheral's internals haven't changed though -- an accelerometer to help players aim and turn, cheek-sensing pressure sensors (for looking down the scope), faux-recoil and its assortment of modular components are still all on target. Like all budding hardware projects these days, the Delta Six is looking towards the crowd to source its production. According to the peripheral's Kickstarter page, the Delta Six will be available between July and August next year, boasting compatibility with the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U and even the OUYA. Pitching in $89 buys the basic submachine gun body (with a free rifle attachment for first-week buyers), and subsequent levels tack on additional attachments, bonus items and more. Kotkin needs $500,000 to make his rifle-shaped dream a reality. Like-minded FPS gamers can join him at the source link below. Not a dreamer? Feel free to read on for the official press release (plus a video and an additional image), instead.
Delta Six controller brings fragging to life, worries your friends
Chances are you know someone who takes their CoD a little too seriously -- well, this peripheral is for them. The Delta Six controller is the latest brainchild of Avenger inventor David Kotkin, made to please hardcore FPS gamers with immersive and responsive input. A built-in accelerometer is used for aiming, while the faux recoil and acting out a reload will put you closer to real combat than an appearance on Stars Earn Stripes. The hardware also features a scattering of pressure sensors -- allowing you, for example, to bring up the sights by meeting cheek with gun body, or if you're feeling lazy, squeezing the side of it instead. Depending on your class bias, you can add and retract plastic from the main frame for an SMG, assault or sniper rifle form factor (see below for the gist). There's no word on availability, or if it will actually improve your game, but the price is slated as $89 at launch. After the break is a short product demo in video form, although we suggest you skip straight to 1:30 to avoid the awkward live-action CTF scene.
