The Xbox Adaptive Controller was almost canceled before teams across Microsoft rebelled
Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller almost didn’t make it into production, but it sounds like teams from across the company stepped in to see the project receive the funding.
In an interview with The Verge, Microsoft’s executive vice president of Windows and devices Robin Seiler revealed that the Xbox Adaptive Controller was once “on the cut list,” and was in danger of losing funding. The controller initially began as an employee-driven effort to improve accessibility options, and saw its first iterations at the company’s hack-a-thons.
According to Seiler, employees across the Xbox and Surface teams saved the project, leading to collaboration between global divisions determined to “make it happen”.
Seiler says that when faced with budget issues, the teams maintained, “No, this is actually important to the world. This isn’t about revenue or brand positioning; it’s just important for people to be able to play games if they want to.”
Microsoft employees go on to describe a culture shift at the company following the launch of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, prioritizing inclusion. That message remains consistent and came up as recently as last month at the Tokyo Game Show when Xbox CEO Phil Spencer and executive vice president Sarah Bond emphasized the importance of eliminating barriers between players. Bond highlighted the Xbox Adaptive Controller, while Spencer described a desire to see everyone play together “regardless of your ability”.
Speaking to IGN, Xbox director of accessibility Anita Mortaloni echoed those sentiments and explained how collaboration across the industry is improving accessibility.
“Yes, we can all do a lot individually, but when we come together and collaborate and share ideas, whether it’s across companies or with the community, we get a lot more done and we’re able to advance the industry a lot longer,” Mortaloni said.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller debuted back in 2018, and Microsoft continues to add more accessibility accessories to its offerings. This year, the company revealed its plans for the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse and Adaptive Keyboard. Other accessibility initiatives at the publisher include Game Evaluations, a process where developers can review guidelines and seek feedback in partnership with Xbox’s Gaming & Disability Community.
Andrea Shearon is a freelance writer at IGN
