WipEout HD delayed due to epilepsy test failure

by Majed Athab { Jul 22nd 2008 at 7:30PM }

When SCEE president David Reeves said there were technical problems with WipEout HD, we really didn't know back then what that incurred. Now, according to CVG, the reason as to why the futuristic racer was slightly delayed is because it failed epilepsy testing.

Apparently, the dazzling flashes of ships rocketing at sub-light speeds is too much for those with the medical condition, and the game will be undergoing "re-engineering." It's unknown exactly how long a fix of this nature would take but, as Mr. Reeves had previously said, the game should "come out before the end of the year."

Tags: wipeout, wipeout-hd

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

TheBaByBLuEdeViL @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:35PM

So theyre making it slower then? And testing a game for epilepsy reactions would be hilarious.

Cory @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:45PM

Way to ruin everyone else's fun!

It does suck that they have to tone down the visual flair to an awesome looking game. Booo epilepsy tests!

Hashbrown Hunter @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:11PM

Nah, they'll only tone down the really trippy levels.

Averna @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:00PM

Thats silly. What kind of person prone to seizures buys this kind of game?

Gervin @ Jul 23rd 2008 11:00AM

Exactly... heck, the games used to have Epilepsy warning on them. I'm all for not selling harmful products, but this is yet another case of liberalism dumbing things down to meet the needs of the lowest common denominator. The good of the few continue to outweigh the good of the many.

Gambit07 @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:37PM

Damn, hope they include both versions!

alienclays @ Jul 23rd 2008 9:40AM

did you ever play the virtual boy? the red stereoscopic 3d display would cause epliptic reactions in people who never had them before. even if you didn't have them most people at least got headaches. that's the main reason (amoung many others) the VB failed. it's a liablity in a product that if they know or should know it has a regular occourance of happening could get sony sued.

Captain_Canada @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:39PM

Sorry but thats the funniest thing I have read in awhile. Poor kids can't play a great game.

freker @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:40PM

Wow, that has to be one impressive Wipeout game!

Also, this reminds me of the Net Yaroze game "Between the Eyes" on OPM Demo disc 42. Never heard any attack reports.

Anyone, anyone?

mezzanine @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:41PM

It induced kickassilepsy so they had to tone it down.

Stephen @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:46PM

LOL! 3 minutes later and I'm still laughing.

frankym @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:43PM

There always something with highly anticipated titles.

DELAYSTATION 3 at it again!

bayn @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:43PM

WOW,
At least though they test for that, I'm ok waiting especially if it ensures no one has an attack while playing it.

Sucks for a delay but good that they are responsible enough to fix it.

Phantom @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:03PM

Yea , I agree with you , at least there ARE resposible people out there . Wouldn't be too happy if I had epilipsy and couldn't play this game .

The other people here are just plain mean , how would they feel if they had epilipsy . Hope the include both versions tho .

Kazper22 @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:43PM

so... instead of re enginering the game, they should put a epilepsy warning like the japanese do with there games and shows... problem solved in 2 minutes.

VeganTnT @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:56PM

I think the problem is that those warnings that the game MAY cause seizures...

If it failed testing it must mean that Wipeout was causing seizures more times than it didn't.

So I suggest a sign like this
"This game may induce seizures. Those affected with epilepsy should obtain a pair of sunglasses, a stick to bite on, a cellphone with 911 pre-dialed, and a note from your doctor before pressing x"

Parker @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:26PM

You know how it is in America. No matter how many warnings you issue someone with epilepsy will play it, have a seizure and sue the crap out of Sony.

MV @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:46PM

Wow. This makes me want to play it even more.

Tim Bettridge @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:48PM

just put an epilepsy disclaimer in the beginning sequence and let me have it, this sucks, i want flashy strobes and pure speed. its going to be a pony race by the time they have finished it!

d3rr1ck64 @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:49PM

Why the hell do the majority of us have to suffer for the minority? Couldn't they just slap some kind of a warning on it for those with the condition?

....I really want some WipEout....

Lucas @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:51PM

What is the requirement for Epilepsy Testing? Is it a legal requirement? If so, what countries is required in? Are the epilepsy warnings that come with every video game not enough to get around this issue? And I'm sure everyone want's to know how is this test performed?

jitty @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:57PM

Damn this sucks, why do people with epilepsy have to ruin it for everyone else. Can't they simply put a warning like some other games? I mean we don't dumb down games for people who are mentally retarded, why do we have to tone down games for people who have epilepsy? (I'm not trying to offend people with epilepsy, I'm just annoyed because of the delay, it's cause, and the potential outcome)

Ptrack_Git @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:58PM

Everybody knows the best games cause seizures... sheash! Man up Sony and give me my WipEout HD!!

freker @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:11PM

No offense, but if that was to happen without fixing the problem, that could actually cause it to get banned and we'd get no game. Besides, particle effects, lighting and shading are far more advanced now than last gen, so this would make sense.
I'd like Wipeout HD as much as the next guy, but I assume they're just putting in options to lower the intensity as default. I hope they don't actually remove anything during the process.

jitty @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:59PM

This sucks, I mean they have to delay the game, re-enginer it which could cost millions and it will also make millions wait. All for some people with epilepsy who are too dumb to read the warning. They should just simply putting a warning on it. I mean we put warning on foods that contain nuts, we don't freaking re-engineer those foods!!!

Ty @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:07PM

How do they test for this? They aren't using human subjects right?

boltu222 @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:15PM

They try it out with a person who suffers from it and then when it fails that persons just throw in a bin and they tweak the game and try agian with a "fresh" person...

boltu222 @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:20PM

My friends had a go at me for saying that... so I shall post the true method...

They check for flashes per minute and if its too many then it won't pass... I'm not sure how many is the maximum...

I still think my method sounds better... I'd use ppl I don't like as my test subjects... first person to come to mind is that woman complaining about Fat Princess...

Ty @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:36PM

@Boltu222,

I laughed hysterically at your original response. Thanks for clearing it up for me.

wisconsinista @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:11PM

Whoa. This is beyond fucking cool. From now on, any Sony delays better because they cause seizures from coolness -I'm looking at you Home, you better have some underground lair for raves and such.

OddyOh @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:11PM

If this game causes life threatening attacks for certain people, then I applaud the delay. Plenty of other games to play in the meantime that won't kill people. Plus, it'll be extra sweeter when it gets here!

stargateheaven @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:18PM

Since when are epilepsy sufferers allowed to play games anyway? I didn't they they could.. Not only that.. but surely a warning would all it would need.

Amos @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:45PM

I agree. I always figured that people with epilepsy could not play games because of the risk of seizure. I wonder if any people with epilepsy read PS3fanboy and what do they think?

boltu222 @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:20PM

AGADAUH O_O

HENCE THEY TEST FOR IT SO PPL WITH THE CONDITION CAN PLAY >_

TripG @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:58PM

Wow, I am actually suprised by the lack of caring and sympathy posters have had regarding individuals who suffer for epilepsy. It's quite obvious that you know no one that has this disoder for your comments are simply inexcusable.

It's a video game people - not the holy grail. And you should be applauding the companies involved for taking the time to ensure that the risks are mimized. Then again, perhaps you are so self-absorbed, that as long as you get your precious video game, you could care less as to who gets hurt.

People should realize that in some countries (United Kingdom, Australia, France, Greece, Spain, Canada, United States, etc), this type of testing is a mandatory legal requirement that all games are required to go through. Just as all games, in their instruction manuals, are required to post warnings that seizures may occur when playing video games.

So take a chill pill and relax - your game is going to come out; it's just delayed. Oh, and maybe get some sensitive training while your waiting.

Tristan @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:04PM

I cant imagine how flashy the lights must be for this game to cause that. I personally think some movies of late shouldhave been reworked for that light was zomg.

But anyway, I cant wait to see what happens. I they could easily just make the night levels daylight levels.

Dreadhead541 @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:34PM

Can't we just sign a waver or something before we buy it?

Rated-G @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:50PM

Actually it's mostly color patterns that cause seizures. Yes, strong flashing lights can also do that, but that's rarely caused by a TV set itself, color patterns on TV screens are what does it.

For example, that episode of Pokemon that got banned, with Porygon in it. It had a scene with alternating flashes of red and blue, contrasting colors which caused seizures in even those who didn't have epilepsy.

What they would have to do with WipEout is probably change any contrasting colors that flash on screen, replace some say, the red with green so the contrast wouldn't be so great. They'd probably also have to desaturate some colors. We won't lose any speed or gameplay, at the most it'll just be a minor change in color palettes.

I'm guessing it was probably Zone that caused the seizures... that mode looks SICK on HD... I love that mode, hopefully they won't change that too much...

John @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:58PM

I want the Pokemon thing with red and blue, you said it causes seizures in people not prone to that. I would like to try it and see. I don't think I'll die, and if I do... not a bad way to go.

John @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:54PM

This sucks. I don't have epilepsy, most people don't. Can't we give a warning like all the other games, or have a big screen with a choice: A) Seizures B) No Seizures

leatherface @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:21PM

they should have a seizure on/off option.

XeroKool @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:24PM

Wow. I don't have epilepsy but some of you guys are just cold blooded. If they have the ability to fix it, I say by all means delay it. I'd much prefer a game be delayed for a reason like this than be delayed because it conflicted with other games being released around the same time. (Yeah, I'm looking at you Killzone 2)

Kris @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:50PM

If only tobacco companies were required to "re-engineer" their products because it caused cancer and issues with pregnancy.

Bonnie @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:56PM

Too TripG

Get off your high horse. Some people have conditions that relegate them to restrictions. The reasons for this are obvious, its a danger to themselves or others. Reducing the amount of flashy lovely in the game will severely detract from the experience for those who aren't unfortunate enough to be born with a debilitating illness.

You don't see companies creating vehicles for the blind now do you. Simply put, its a damn tragedy that we aren't all created equal and that some of us have horrible conditions like epilepsy. But its life, get over it, and adapt. If you suffer from epilepsy you risk a seizure every time you pick up a controller, its the risks you take. It should not be the developer's job to hold your hand so you don't break your neck in a violent seizure.

Then again, we do live in a society where bleach tells you not to eat it.

Tom @ Jul 23rd 2008 4:34AM

Sorry but you're completely wrong.

First of all, there is no evidence whatsoever that "Reducing the amount of flashy lovely in the game will severely detract from the experience for those who aren't unfortunate enough to be born with a debilitating illness.". That was nonsense. This kind of thing can be toned down without ruining the game.

Secondly, car manufacturers don't design cars for the blind. But that's because people don't just go blind from driving a poorly-designed cars. What most of you don't seem to realise is that there are a lot of people out there who are susceptible to epilepsy, just as there are various grades of seriousness in the condition.

The reason that legislation was introduced in most countries to regulate this issue is that epilepsy is a common disease, meaning that those who have it shouldn't be discriminated against or placed in danger, and those who don't know they have it should be protected as far as possible.

If you really think it's acceptable to discriminate on medical grounds, or put loads of gamers at risk of suffering fits, just to get a few extra flashes in your copy of WipEout HD, then that's your problem.

Bonnie @ Jul 23rd 2008 10:05AM

Those that suffer from epilepsy to the extent that Wipeout needed to be toned down are those that are, in effect, already at risk to photosensitivity. Its a video game using particle effects, explosions and fast paced action. Toning down any of these detracts from their original focus. Thus the game begins something that it wasn't before. Stop trying to be the white knight you all want people to believe you are.

The world is a cruel place, we all know this except for you. People suffer from all sorts of disorders. I still do not believe it is up to a video game developer to protect you from yourself. Take for instance the concept posed by Kris earlier. Tobacco companies do not 're-engineer' their products because they may harm people with certain conditions. You're looking at the wrong industry to make your shouting match from. Take your righteous ideals and place it into something that actually matters.

People have epilepsy, its a horrid truth. Although 50 million people suffer form some form of epilepsy, its not what you think. Epilepsy should not be understood as a single disorder, but rather as a group of syndromes with vastly divergent symptoms but all involving episodic abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

30% of those who suffer from this are unable to control their outbreaks with medication. Only about 2-14% of people with epilepsy are affected by flashing lights, Tom. A total of 0.3%-3% of people IN THE WORLD suffer from photosensitive epilepsy.

Should we do everything we can to help these people? Yes. Is toning down a videogame the first step? No.

Its pure ignorance to assume epilepsy ONLY means seizures from flashing lights.

And its pure ignorance on your part to assume that changing a video game is a good start to cure these people. If that is all your noble intentions have to offer, then I really don't think they want your help.

Tom @ Aug 7th 2008 4:58AM

Bonnie - the law's there for a good reason, and that's the end of it.

"If that is all your noble intentions have to offer, then I really don't think they want your help." - who exactly do you think you're talking for here?

Ty @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:47AM

I know this is at the expense of those that can fall ill due to epileptic seizures but ... LOL.

This woulda been the perfect game to figure out if you and your friends had epilepsy! And explosions can't INDUCE epilepsy... SO, if the game simply needed to open with an epilepsy warning and it'd be good show all round chaps now wunt it?

BlitzyMighty @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:00AM

Not much to say that hasnt been said already...I do think that redoing the game to reduce the risk of seizures is fine..BUT delaying it by roughly 3-5 months is absolutely INSANE. More that a few weeks delay would be already completely nuts...just like some of you said, put a warning label on it like the Japs do and nobody gets sued!