The Convergence of Alternate Controllers and Musical Interfaces in Interactive Entertainment

This paper will investigate a variety of alternate controllers that are making an impact in interactive entertainment, particularly in the video game industry. Since the late 1990’s, the surging popularity of rhythmic and musical performance games in Japanese arcades has led to the development of new interfaces and alternate controllers for the consumer market worldwide. Rhythm action games such as Dance Dance Revolution, Taiko No Tatsujin (Taiko: Drum Master), and Donkey Konga are stimulating collaborative gameplay and exposing consumers to custom controllers designed specifically for musical and physical interaction. We are witnessing the emergence and acceptance of these breakthrough controllers and models for gameplay as an international cultural phenomenon penetrating the video game and toy markets in record numbers. Therefore, it is worth considering the potential benefits to developers of musical interfaces, electronic devices and alternate controllers in light of these new and emerging opportunities, particularly in the realm of video gaming, toy development, arcades, and other interactive entertainment experiences.