The Steam Controller is a controller that already created hype in the PC community. But Valve’s controller can also receive modifications that can improve the experience, as has now happened for deaf players.
Since the first units of the controller reached users, modders have been working to modify or add certain features to the Steam Controller. A few weeks ago, one user managed to play Portal music using the device’s haptic motors.
New Steam Controller Mod Makes Gaming More Accessible for Deaf Players
However, the project that is really interesting and exciting for many people is the one created by developer FamBoy32. Under the name LiveHaptics, he has created an open-source tool that captures system audio and turns it into haptic feedback in real time. This not only makes the controller an extraordinary option for gaming, but also for watching movies.
As can be seen in the post shared by the user, for now this project works with the controller connected through USB, the Steam Puck and Bluetooth. It is also available on both Windows and Linux, allowing it to be used directly on SteamOS
The community’s response to this project has been fantastic. In fact, one user who said they were deaf said they were looking forward to trying this feature when they receive their own Steam Controller. This is especially because the PS5’s haptic vibration had already considerably improved their gaming experience, and this feature could provide another step forward in immersion with their games.
Best of all, LiveHaptics does not require support from developers. The program captures system audio, applies gain, bass and limiter processing, and automatically sends the result as stereo haptic data.
