Systems and methods are provided for use with a computing device having a touch sensitive display including a touch sensor configured to detect touches of a digit of a user. The method may include detecting an initial digit down position on the display via the touch sensor, and establishing a neutral position for a virtual controller at the digit down position. The method may further include detecting a subsequent movement of the digit relative to the initial digit down position, and determining a controller input parameter based on the subsequent movement of the digit relative to the initial digit down position. The method may further include generating a controller input message indicating the determined controller input parameter.