Topic: Do you use motion controls in driving games?

The reason I'm asking is in our game Car Quest (out Oct 25) we only support steering with the joystick. I'm wondering if we should add motion/tilt controls for steering in an update. I never use tilt steering in Mario Kart, but are there any players out there that do?

Yup, always if it is available.
Takes a certain skill in mario cart because of the drift boost, but got that down nowadays as it came in on the Wii version and have used it ever since (even on the 3DS version)

@NaviAndMii. This guy is incredible with the tilt controls. He uses motion control exclusively. I thought motion controls hinder your results in time trials but he has the best time trial records on all the courses out of my friends list.

@ezonecom Depends on the style of game, to some extent at least. If it's a game like an F1, Gran Turismo, Grid etc. then I would always want motion controls, based on my experience with Gran Turismo Sport. The lack of a universal steering wheel that works across all formats means I don't bother buying one at all, and motion controls are the next best thing (and free!).

But if it's a less realistic game eg. Mario Kart, Micro Machines then I'm less bothered. I have to admit to not giving motion controls much of a chance in Mario Kart yet, but maybe I will based on the above.

I found that I couldn’t stand motion controls in mario kart. But loved using them in a wii game called excite truck, it just worked perfectly. I think it depends on each individual and each game, and a combination of both. It’s always nice to have the option but not to be forced into motion controls.

@gcunit most wheels nowadays work on xbox/pc or ps4/pc. Just get an adapter like the Brook ones and your wheel can work across all current platforms. Obviously except switch but there really aren't games that warrant it.

To answer the question, no I never use motion controls unless the game requires it. If given the option I always stick to traditional, definitely in a racing game.

Motion control steering? Eh, it's interesting. And can be immersive too. I don't use it often though cause it can be somewhat twitchy. Especially if using split joy con form multiplayer n Mario Kart. Motion controls for paired joy con in the controller grip, sweet. Motion controls for a single joy con, er, too sensitive. Although getting the steering wheel accessory might help with that to an extent. I'm just hesitant to spend that much money for a couple pieces of plastic shaped like a wheel.

In general, motion controls intrigue me. When done well they can make a game more immersive while sneakily getting the player to exercise. But all too often 3rd party developers don't do motion controls well. There's either a delay that can be a killer in games like Skyrim, or they just aren't responsive.

If they are good I use them. I can't play Mario Kart Wii without them, they're that good.

Sorry, my first sentence in my earlier post was totally borked by predictive text.

@redd214 I should have said also, that the space requirements for wheels/pedals and having them setup ready when you want them etc. is another reason I avoid wheels, despite liking them. But I'll look up those adapters anyway thanks.

@gcunit ahh gotcha, yeah if you don't have a really dedicated gaming space can be a hassle, I know what you mean.

I used too when i was younger, mainly in Mario kart Wii, but I’ve used analog controls since mk8 on the Wii U

Use both. Both great

The general consensus is

• millions of Mario Kart players use motion steering,
• Excite Truck (Wii) did motion steering right,
• and options are always best.

Always for Mario Kart. Makes the experience much more fun for me.

@ezonecom I personally don't use it, but I think having the option to do so is never a bad thing.

MK8 doesn't have an icon next to your name to indicate motion controls. As such, there's no way of knowing what control system your opponents are using unless they're sitting on the couch next to you.

Looks like we better add motion controls in an update (as long as we do it well). Thanks everyone for your input, really helpful!

Haha! Thanks man! ..I've always been a sucker for overpriced plastic accessories and underappreciated gameplay gimmicks! 😂

Don't really mind motion control steering, but no, I don't use it (I mean, in pretty much all cases, if there's an option to not use motion controls, that's the one I'll go for).

Dépends on your target audience too... while I don’t, my son exclusively do as his hands are too small to precisely steer with a joystick, but tilt just fine and control with shoulder button.