Certain aspects of games may make assumptions about the player’s physical capabilities, such as color perception, hearing or the ability to play with two hands. A game mod or cheat code may make a game accessible to a player who otherwise would not be able to speedrun it, and I would like to discuss the implications and acceptability of doing so.

As a simple example, consider Super Mario Galaxy. The spin action is performed by shaking the controller and cannot be performed by pressing a button. This is a fundamental action in the game that must be performed often. A hypothetical player may have good finger dexterity, but be unable to shake the controller repeatedly for such a duration as a full game run. In response, this player might use a custom controller that allows them to perform the spin action with a button press. Would this player’s runs be accepted competitively?

Beyond controllers, certain game mods or cheat codes could be used as well. Perhaps the game is reprogrammed to perform the spin action with a button press, or a cheat code could be used for the same purpose. In either case, care is taken to ensure the gaming experience is not fundamentally changed and the player receives no practical advantage from doing so. Would runs using such mods/cheats be accepted competitively?

Certainly, a line needs to be drawn somewhere. The classic case is the turbo controller, which gives players a clear mechanical advantage over players using standard controllers. Similarly, game mods and the aptly-named “cheat” codes can get out of line in short order.

Personally, I believe any means that do not change the fundamental game experience should be acceptable. If a player wants to use a more comfortable controller or a cheat code that adjusts the button mapping or whatever, I feel it should be allowed as long as the human interface itself is the only thing being modified.

What do you guys think? Is this something that can be applied generally, or does it merit consideration on a game-by-game basis?