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Home/r/IndieDev/2025-07-02/#3975
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Manual aiming or auto-shooting?

r/IndieDev
7/1/2025

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
SpecialEffect DevKithttps://specialeffectdevkit.info/gameplay/6_assistance/Game Development / AccessibilityProvides resources for making games more accessible, including auto-shooting features

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Players with motor control issues struggle with dual-stick controls
  • Mixed feedback from playtesters on aiming preference
  • Manual aiming feels awkward in top-down/isometric perspectives
  • Implementing both systems increases development workload

Problems to Solve:

  • Balancing accessibility for players with disabilities
  • Catering to different player preferences (casual vs. hardcore)
  • Determining optimal camera perspective for aiming mechanics
  • Preventing feature bloat while maintaining gameplay depth

Potential Solutions:

  • Toggle between auto/manual aiming modes
  • Auto-aim as default with manual override option
  • Accessibility settings for motor-impaired players
  • Camera adjustments (zoom, higher top-down angle)
  • Direction-locking button for strafing while shooting
  • Weapon-specific aiming mechanics (like Vampire Survivors)
  • Auto-targeting as unlockable weapon feature

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Implementing accessibility features to broaden audience
  • Offering gameplay customization (toggle options)
  • Balancing depth vs. simplicity through player choice

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging accessibility as marketing point (SpecialEffect reference)
  • Targeting both casual and hardcore player segments

Monetization & Product:

  • Using toggle options as value-added feature without extra cost
  • Adding unlockable auto-targeting weapons for progression depth
  • Pricing model not discussed, but implied free feature inclusion

User Engagement:

  • Community feedback integration (Reddit/forum discussions)
  • Playtesting for feature validation
  • Referencing successful implementations (20 Minutes Till Dawn, Soulstone Survivors)