GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Feel the World: The DualSense™ Experience Behind ASTRO BOT (Presented by Sony)
Masayuki Yamada ( Principal Gameplay Programming Lead, Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Location: Room 3020, West Hall
Date: Thursday, March 20
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Indie Games Summit Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Audio, Programming
Format: Sponsored Session
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All

Team ASOBI released ASTRO BOT in September 2024, earning widespread acclaim as a 3D platformer. In this session, the team's lead gameplay programmer showcases how DualSense™ features bring ASTRO BOT's interactions to life.
The game uses haptics and adaptive triggers to deliver tactile sensations such as the feel of different ground textures, unique abilities from power-ups, and interactions with numerous physical objects. These experiences are enhanced by the seamless integration of haptics, sound, and all visual elements, including models, animations, and effects, creating a unified sense of immersion.
This session explores the principles behind these interactions, including how in-game data is extracted and transformed into feedback, supported by custom tools and workflows. The presentation also includes an overview of the unique characteristics of the DualSense™ controller and examines gameplay footage alongside the waveforms used to create ASTRO BOT's signature tactile feedback.
Takeaway
Attendees will leave with an understanding of the unique characteristics of the DualSense™ controller and how haptics, sound, and visuals combine to create immersive interactions. Examples implemented in ASTRO BOT will demonstrate how these elements enhance gameplay through precise tactile feedback.
Intended Audience
This talk is targeted at those interested in ASTRO BOT's haptic feedback, its seamless integration with gameplay, and the tools and processes behind creating its immersive experiences.