The Claw! (Re: Immersion in Video Games)

I thought I’d draw your attention again to a recent, yet hall-of-fame-caliber post of mine: Immersion in Video Games, and add some evidence to further prove how right I am.

Allow me to introduce: The Claw.

In short: Typically used in Halo, The Claw is a different controller grip which brings your right index finger to the face of the controller instead of on the shoulder. Like so:

With the normal grip, your thumb tends to all six face buttons and the right joystick. With the Claw grip, you can operate the face buttons with your index finger, and devote your thumb’s undivided attention to the joystick. The goal, essentially, is to save the .00006 seconds it takes to move your thumb from the joystick to the B button to throw a grenade. And, if you can get good enough at it, it’s totally worth it.

But don’t take my word for it. The Claw grip was invented and is implemented by top-level Major League Gamer David Walsh, captain of Halo Team “Final Boss.” (And yes, Major League Gaming is in fact a real thing.)

Other known uses of the Claw.