Those of you that keep an eye on mobile gaming or Kickstarter in general probably know we're a little late to the game when it comes to posting about the Drone mobile Device Gaming Controller, but all things come to those who wait! We have a special TechRaptor interview with the founder and creator of Evolution Controllers, Matthew Hefferon!
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The Drone Game Controller is a much-anticipated blue-tooth compatible controller that is designed to interface with pretty much any mobile or PC platforms, making for a very versatile, sleek, portable way to controller your games, if touch controls aren't your thing. Arguably the most tantalizing feature of this controller is the ability for game and app developers to download the open source code (or individuals that want special program functions) straight from their website. The company has already made its Kickstarter goal, with just over $41k achieved of the $30k goal as of me writing this article, which doesn't only show to power of crowd-funding, but the demand for such a product.I was able to conduct an email interview with Matthew Hefferon, who has been designing and working with him development team for years to make this dream a reality, here's what he had to say:
"Congratulations on reaching your Kickstarter goal so quickly! How have the past couple of weeks been for you and your team watching the goal get achieved so fast?"
Thanks. Its been awesome! We have worked extremely hard building the best product we can and its a rewarding feeling when people want it. We're just excited and thankful for all our backers making this a product a reality and we can't wait to get the product into their hands.
"What was your inspiration for the Drone controller and what makes it different from other mobile device controllers?"
I was working as a software engineer but really wanted to make a physical product. Something tangible, something you could hold. I loved playing games on my smart phone but hated the on screen touch buttons. I wanted to play games on my phone with a portable game controller that worked with all my devices which lead to my inspiration. The major difference is we're open source. You can write custom game configs, we can send out firmware updates and the controller can get smarter and smarter and work with more and more games.
"Your Kickstarter mentions you manufactured a few hundred designs before you settled on the current design for the controller. How long did it take to develop the 'right' design and feel?"
Creating the right design and feel was a huge challenge. We wanted a full button layout in a controller that was portable but still comfortable. We went through many designs foam molds and then to 3D prints. Once we had that we got it into people's hands and people loved it. The controller looks small but we get people with large hands who are always surprised how comfortable it is.
"Are there any plans for a push or stretch Kickstarter goal?"
Yes. We want to build a intuitive app for PC, MAC, Linux so you can update firmware and customize and map any button on the controller. This will allow you to bootup in keyboard mouse mode and map your buttons and essentially work with all PC and Mac games.
"What are some of your favorite games to play with the Drone so far?"
My two favorites right now are Riptide GP2 by Vector Unit and Asphalt 8 by Gameloft.
"How will people be able to purchase a Drone that didn't fund the Kickstarter in time? When will it be available to consumers?"
We will sell them online at www.evolutioncontrollers.com and hopefully have some distribution channels setup in the near future.
"Is there anything you'd like to say to all the fans and supporters of the Drone project?"
Yes. A huge thanks for believing in us and making this product a reality.
Thank you to Matthew Hefferon for taking the time to talk with TechRaptor during a no-doubt busy time, with 2 weeks still left of his Kickstarter to go. How do you like the Drone? Will you be buying one when it's available? Have you already donated to the funding? Sound off in the comments and let us know what you think!Gaming Quiz