As Dusk Falls Is Getting Haptic Feedback on PS5

As Dusk Falls, a narrative adventure game releasing on March 7, 2023, is bringing an extra feature for PlayStation 5 players through the addition of haptic feedback. Players can get what feels like a more engaging experience with this feature that uses the DualSense controller’s haptic features.

Haptic feedback was confirmed in a tweet, but it’s hard to know what it is exactly. It essentially translates in-game actions and events into subtle vibrations and sensations felt through the controller. It provides physical sensations that correspond to your in-game actions. In the past, Dualshock had traditional rumble motors of previous generations, which produced a single, uniform vibration. The DualShock 5 uses dual actuators that create a wider range of nuanced and dynamic feedback.

Actuators can simulate various textures, resistances, and impacts, immersing you deeper into the game world. Whether it’s the subtle crunch of footsteps on snow, the satisfying tension of pulling back a bowstring, or the jarring recoil of a firearm, haptic feedback lets you “feel the action,” or so an advertiser would claim. This could add a whole new layer of realism and engagement to your gameplay. I’ve never heard of it really making a difference, but it could work better for narrative games.

The idea is that haptic feedback can enhance specific moments within the game. Imagine feeling the rumble of a car engine as you speed down a highway or the raindrops falling on your controller as you navigate a storm. These subtle details promise to make the world of As Dusk Falls even more believable and immersive.

While haptic feedback is still a relatively new technology, so many developers haven’t used it to its fullest. This could be because there’s so much going on in many games with branching paths, so they may not have time to make sure a controller’s feel is perfect. However, adventure games regularly follow set outcomes, which could mean it makes a big difference. We’ll have to wait and see if it does before we can say if this feature is significant.