I am Macs, I was born without both hands and one leg. I drive, I work out, I have a job and I live an indipendent life. Oh, and I play videogames. AmA.

Hey Macs! I am a moderator/close personal friend of Edward (handicapdgaming.com | twitch.tv/new/flarinus), a quadriplegic gamer, it's great to see you doing an AMA, and bringing the spotlight to gamers with disability!

My question: Given the situation many disabled gamers find themselves in, what advice would you give to those who are having difficulty adapting to gaming w/a disability?

Hey man, I know Edward! Well, adapting to gaming with disability is never easy. What I find really important is to keep in mind that games are meant to be fun. You should play to have fun and challenge yourself while improving. If you truly want to improve you shouldn't try to be better than others, all you need to do is trying to be better than yourself. Only by doing so I think you'll enjoy the games and adapt to gaming with disability.

Sorry for no question, just wanted to tell you that you are awesome! Keep doing what you are doing, it is really inspirational. Respect!

Thanks man :)

How do you handle having a sexual relationship? Are you able to masturbate?

Well, I saw someone downvoted your question, I just upvoted it. I think it's important to know, I prefer talking about it and fight this prejudice rather than leaving people with doubts. To me it's not really hard to handle a sexual relationship, of course I can't show you how but it's much easier than how you could think of :) Beside missing hands and one leg, my body is not any different and I don't have any other kind of limitations. Yes, I can also masturbate.

I am going to sleep guys, keep asking if you feel to, I promise to answer as soon as I will wake up!

Edit: available again! good morning!

Hi Mac, could you describe what kind of modifications were made so you could drive?

I think watching this video would help you understanding all the kind of stuff I edited a bit more! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2qGTfodSQM

Basically, I added an elevator for my wheelchair so I can get into the car from behind. In order to get on the driving place I just jump without any support. Arrows, lights, horn and so on are all into a little remote control which I use with my foot. More than that, I use my left arm to drive and my right arm to accelerate and slow down.

Is it possible for you to get prosthetics? If so have you considered it?

Edit: fixed grammar

I used them for long time, mostly "forced" by my parents, when I was old enough I totally rejected them as I am way more indipendent without.

Can you give more details on this?

Well, look at it in this way: if you were able to do everything without any support (as prosthetics), why would you use them? They just slowed me down, fixing a fork into that hand, rotating it to grab food and then to get it closer to my mouth was 200 times slower than just using my own arms. About the legs, this is even more fun because I couldn't wear them by myself, I needed someone to help me doing so. Right now, by just using a wheelchair, I am able to live alone, wake up, get a shower, dress up and go to work, all by my own.

Have you played any of the Deus Ex games? If prosthetics ever became as advanced as they are in those games, would you consider them?

Didn't play any of them :)

"League of Legends: It's so easy, a guy without hands can play it!"

I never thought I'd say that seriously

Seen worst comments than that on my videos :D

You ever thought about getting a razer nostromo to place on the ground to put your foot on? I watched the video you put up and lifting your leg up to use the keyboard looked uncomfortable, but i'm sure you're pretty flexible :)

I am currently using a Nostromo with my foot, check the intro to this video :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHaqQ5hU9H0&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLvkGDwQXCuCR-exsylbJd7xAoCLdllwwm

What are your favorite games and work out exercises?

My favorite game has always been Quake 3 Rocket Arena. That's also the game that introduced myself into the competitive eSport scene. When it comes to work out, I mostly work on abs, core, shoulders, back, arms. You can find how do I work out in the following video, the other 2 episodes are linked on left/bottom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP5v6kWoJmI

Do you get frustrated playing games at all and think "Damn, if only I had hands I could have got that!"? Or indeed in any other aspect of life?

Let's be honest, I can't say it wouldn't have been easier or better to do everything without handicap. The thing is, I am so self-sufficient that I don't feel my handicap SO much. When it comes to gaming, my disability has always made everything harder as well but if I'd think like "Damn, if only I had hands I could have got that!", it would wouldn't help me improving at all.

Sometimes I think like "if I could have been playing some different roles on League (I main support) easily, I would probably have a much higher elo" but then I just think I am making an excuse as those crying about team mates (even tho in my case it's different and might be true).

It's a fact, I am born without hands and need to do my best in this condition, thinking of how it would have been without handicap is a waste of time and energies :)

Can you describe how you game? (like the setup and how you move the character and stuff)

When it came to FPS games, you can see how did I play them by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYxRsiSFGVU I explain it from minute 1.05

Hi macs your an inspiration to me, when i seen your irl video i knew anything was possible. While im not handicapped i want to ask, what is your goal in life dude? What do you want to achieve?

I think it's important to update our goals in life, we always need to achieve something new. If you ask me what's my main goal right now, I got no doubts about it: seeing people getting inspired by my videos, trying to achieve things they never thought they could reach, getting beyond obstacles, that's my goal.

Wow! You're truly amazing, whats your favorite platform to play games on and how are you enjoying life?

Well, I got my first personal computer when I was 4 years old and started playing by then actually. The best game back then was Prince of Persia, I even made a video about it few months ago :D

I also used to play a lot of PlayStation, either PS1 and PS2, my favourite games were Pro Evolution Soccer and Tekken!

Overall, I prefer PC because it's much easier to get into the competitive scenario.

How do you play with a Playstation controller?

I press the arrows with my left arm, the other 4 buttons with my right atm, the L1/L2 R1/R2 with my foot.

Why not have some sort of custom controller made?

Because I never needed it actually :p

I posses all four of my limbs and an average body. I possibly have some capabilities others do not have. Yet you have accomplished far more than I have. You inspire me. thank you.

I also have a couple of questions for you.

Serious:

What was the hardest thing for you to learn to do?

What has been your proudest moment or greatest accomplishment?

Goofy:

How do you get your underwear on?

The hardest thing to learn? I honestly don't know. The greatest accomplishment has surely been getting a driving license. Since I was young I've been told I would have never been able to drive a car, I proved that nobody can tell me what I can or can't achieve.

Goofy: I use either my arms and my foot, it's pretty easy to be honest :)

Where in Italy do you live?

Sardinia

How do you wipe? I have to know!

with my foot

I'm so sorry I asked, but there was that episode of tosh.0 where he aske the chick that made a sandwich that and I have wondered ever since. You're awesome, bro!

it's ok :)

You're pretty cool, man! How involved are you in disability movements like the independent living movement? I think a lot of other people with disabilities would like to hear about your life.

Considering I am overall new into all this kind of stuff, I only know one little group of Italian disabled people. Movements aside, I mostly get in contact with single people and talk/try to help them one by one "privately".

Hey Macs! I absolutely adore you. I don't have any disabilities, or health problems. But seeing you, makes me have faith in humanity. You're a great gamer (better than me), you can be independent, and you are a amazing person. I am also Italian :). What part are you from?

Grazie :) Sardegna!

Do you have amniotic band syndrome? Also, your first name is incredibly bad ass.

No, I don't :)

When I first read the title I thought to myself "So, we he born WITHOUT one leg, or born WITH one leg?"

Did you eventually manage to find out the right answer? haha

Do you play the Wii

No, never tried actually.

how do u play games

Watch the first video, it's explained from minute 1:05 :)

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thanks man!

Ever try playing DotA2?

Actually not, just because I like league of legends and I am focussed on it though.

What are some of the things that you do to workout?

Arms, core, shoulders, abs, back

Which champions from League of Legends do you find easier or harder to play in terms of mechanics and why?

It's mostly about roles and not champions. What I find harder is playing carries (even tho I love playing adc) because of the attack-move (kiting in general). The easier role is the support because I don't have to focus on farm and I also love trading in lane (harassing) and lead a lane/make calls. Jungling is pretty much as supporting, with the only difference that I never got into the role too much, but mechanics-wise it's not hard to play for me.

Interesting. How do you feel about champions like Malzahar and Morgana who auto-farm?

Never played Malzahar to be honest but when I was forced to mid in s2 I used either Morgana or Brand or Gragas, the problem is that they're all "out-of-meta" right now.

Just between you and me, the meta can go and get fucked :p

haha that's true, the problem is that it's really hard to do good with those champs right now (I am talking about ranked games) :p

How do you type?

With my arms, you can see how fast do I type here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLCycAQ2ZbI

Hi Macs! You got the health and job portion of your life figured out, how's the relationship side coming along? Really curious!

Hi man! Well, before having an electric wheelchair it surely was harder to have a serious and long relationship. Having this kind of wheelchair / indipendence is fundamental to hold such a relationship in my opinion. Can't hide that it's harder to "capture" a girl on disco and so on, mostly because when people look at someone with disability, they're skeptical at first and have no idea of your potential, it's up to you to prove them what you're capable of. I will be honest to you dude, finding a relationship has never been too hard for me, the real issue is finding the right person, and I guess it's the same for everyone :)

Have you found that potential someone yet?:D

Yea, and we've been together for 3 years and half (longest relationship for me), the previous one lasted 2 years and half (still talking only about serious ones).

Wow sounds like it could last a lifetime :) Wish you all the best with her :D (or him, to be politically correct)

Time will tell, as soon as she will finish her studies we will see if we can get to the next level :)

If someone approached you offering to pay you to appear in a movie, TV show, haunted house or something else that takes advantage of your missing limbs, how would you respond?

I would seriously consider the offer. Think about it in this way, if I manage to get in there I will be recognized by more people. By doing so I will also be able to spread my message further.

You said you would be able to spread your message further, but what if the role wasn't necessarily 'amputee-positive'? Like an oddly shaped monster or a horror movie victim? Or if someone wanted to use you in a magic act? What kinds of roles (if any) would not be appealing to you, and how would you respond to them?

It's all about the message. If the message is: "this guy sucks because he's handicapped" - I would not accept that, that's wrong and offensive to me. If the message is: "people think this guy sucks because he's handicapped but he fights and prove them otherwise" - I would insta-accept that. If it's a horror, shaped monster, magic art, I might consider it. Overall it might be a great life experience and make me more known (and it would help my project). Basically, I would be offended by roles that imply being handicapped as being in fault, being inferior and so on.

It's all very ideal you know, such things should be taken into consideration deeply, case by case.

One more case - what if they wanted you to play a zombie?

To simply and combine that and all those questions about horror movies, monsters and magic acts - what if they wanted to use you for special effects purposes? Would you potentially find it exploitative at all?

If you recieved an offer that offended you, how would you react? Would you get angry?

I am very curious about the cinema's world, I would probably consider going there for special effects purposes. Let's be honest, it would help me meeting more famous/known people and once again, it would help either showing them what I am able to do (so eventually fight theirs prejudice if they got any) and then (as consequence) spread my message further. I wouldn't get angry actually, there's no reason to, I would simply explain my reasons.

How often to amputees and people born without body parts tend to be easily-offended people? Do you think they're right/wrong to be that way?

Well you know, being easily-offended people is a sign of frustration. Of course, handicapped people got "some more reasons" to be frustrated. Personally, I joke a lot about my disability because hiding it is not the solution. If you want to succeed, you need to be 100% aware and conscious mind about your disability so you can react to it.

If someone accidentally offends an amputee or other disabled person, should they back down meekly, or try to explain themselves?

Doesn't matter, as long as he understands his mistake.

When did you first learn you had the ability to play videogames and start playing them?

When I was 4 years old and received my first PC.

Did your parents teach you to use it? Also, did you ever have trouble with school?

Yes, they taught me how to use it when I was young, then I started teaching them how to use it better :D I never had trouble with school but I did retire one year due to family issues.

What do you do for a living?

I am a Customer Satisfaction Manager in a big agency

Lets say you're trying to solve a puzzle with a few people and you say, without a trace of irony "Well I'm stumped."

How does the room react?

Also favorite league champ?

I've no idea about how they would react :o

Nami right now

Fair enough. I like nami But I'm terrible with her bubble. Always miss.

That's one of the hardest skillshots right now imo.

I haven't read anything in this thread or asked any questions. I read the original post and watched the first video and all I can say is subscribed, subbed, and consider me one of those people you've touched with your story. I can't complain with the hand I've been dealt and after hearing your story and watching how you overcame, I've decided that I need to do something about the direction I've taken with my life. Stay strong Macs, and keep up the fight!

Everytime I read posts like yours, I get more and more motivated on keeping up this fight. I thank you, man.

Which video games do you play?

Right now League of Legends. In the past I mostly played Quake 3, Call of Duty 4, Diablo 2, Diablo 3, World of Warcraft.

Are you interested in open world games? For example GTA V, Saints Row IV

Didn't play them for long time but I am truly waiting for GTA V!

Have you ever considered getting a hand transplant? Especially when they eventually become more affordable and with better results (like being made from your own stem cells, so no chance of rejection).

I am against that actually and think it would just complicate my life.

Interesting to hear. Thanks for the reply. But really, if science progressed to the point it could give you 100% functional hands/legs/whatever, you would still be opposed to doing it? It's just difficult to wrap my head around. What about 100% functional prosthesis that could be removed at any time?

Well, look at it in this way. Surgery is always very risky, it's a fact, no matter how successful the hands/legs would be. So the question is, considering I am so indipendent, why would I risk my life for it?

I think you dont know how usefull having hands is. If i was in your situation i would rather be transfered to a digital realm or some shit. Because i cant imagine having to deal with with that situation.

But you're not in My situation and definitely didn't understand it. The fact that you can't imagine how to deal with it doesn't mean that its so hard to handle, you are just having prejudice :)

Hey, Macs, just wanted to say you're awesome and what server do you play LoL on? Would be really cool if I could play a game with you sometime :)

Thank you :) I play on Euw and invite people who join the chat "MacsHG" everytime I got the chance to.

Do you hate that Nick Vujicic gets so much attention?

Why would I? I truly wish he will get even more, as we're fighting with the same intent :)

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Of course, there are bad periods for everyone, I think it's impossible to stay always positive. When I am being negative tho, I always think of people who're in a worst situation than mine and I thank God for what I got and who I am. Costantly trying to achieve something and succeed is another good way to stay positive.

Bro, Come play Dota2 ... Your talents are wasted on LoL

I need to get my Diamond in here first! :)

I saw you playing support a lot in league of legends, do you play support because you have less "button" to push so its easier for you and you cant play for exemple AP mid or you play support because of your choice and you believe that you can "carry" / Climb elo as support ? Big respect for you anyways, your Thresh play is amazing !

Support is the role I enjoy the most, followed by adc. Overall, together with jungler, is the role easier to play button wise. Glad you like my thresh!

I saw your video on how you game, is it a workout for your upperbody as well?

Well, I don't really consider gaming as workout

I said workout because you use your arms and leg a lot and it must exercise them at least a little bit

Yea but the real workout starts when I go to gym :D

Favorite LOL champ?

Thresh, but since he's always banned I'd say Nami

how?

what?

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Actually, I don't :(