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"When we think about it in these terms, it’s a mismatched interaction with a barrier, resulting in difficulty in completing a task. To help explain it in gaming terms, say an enemy is about to attack you from off-screen. You can’t see it, but you can hear it about to attack, which can be an intentional barrier that the player is supposed to overcome. So if the designer wanted that encounter to be at a difficulty level of 5, consider the scenario of a deaf or hard-of-hearing player who cannot hear that sound. Now, that difficulty is closer to a 10. The interaction between the player and the game is mismatched, presenting a barrier." Man, Ian Hamilton nails it. The interaction mismatch of the cause of the barrier. That's a flight of stairs with no ramp. That's a video with no captions. That's a non decorative image with no alt. It's true in games, it's true in life. #a11y #accessibility

Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Beyond Yesterday marked 13th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Quoting from https://accessibility.day: "The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities." I want to applaud three efforts that I came accross this week. They are very promosing in extending the opportunities to people with disabilities. 1. Rise of audio-only video games: These games allow people who can't see to play immersive games using other senses. The Vergecast episode explores the history of these games with Paul Bennun, who created Papa Sangre more than a decade ago, and how audio-only games are evolving with technologies like spatial audio and even highly visual focus technologies like AR/VR, thanks to their rich sensors. https://lnkd.in/ga3nc2tY 2. Microsoft's Proteus Controller by Byowave: This modular adaptive video game controller kit gives gamers with disabilities the tools to build their own way to play with 'snap and play' parts. https://lnkd.in/gZwFRAw8 3. Apple's Eye Tracking and Music Haptics: Eye Tracking allows users with physical disabilities to control their iPad or iPhone with their eyes. Music Haptics enables users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music through the Taptic Engine in iPhone. https://lnkd.in/gqb7yNrb Please add to the comments if you have seen any other accessibility focused efforts recently. #accessibility #globalaccessibilityawarenessday #GAAD #designforall #universaldesign #inclusivedesign #deia #dei #digitalaccessibility

🎮 Inspiration Strikes from the Unlikeliest Places 🐍 Today, I witnessed something that reignited my passion for game development. A colleague of mine was playing the classic Snake Game on a low-end mobile device. This simple, yet timeless game reminded me of the power of inclusive design in gaming. 🌟 Our mission as game developers should be to create engaging experiences for all types of players, regardless of their device's specifications. From high-end PCs to the most basic mobile phones, we must strive to make gaming accessible to everyone. 🌍 As a fellow game designer, I see firsthand the importance inclusive game design. It's about understanding diverse player needs and creating experiences that resonate universally. 📚✨ In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, let's not forget the charm and impact of simplicity. Let's design games that are fun, inclusive, and accessible to all. 🚀 #GameDesign #InclusiveGaming #MobileGaming #SnakeGame #GameDevelopment #Accessibility #PlayerExperience #IndieGames #GamingForAll #AID #AsianInstituteofDesign 🎮🌟

Article | Accessibility Is More Than Just ‘Easy Mode’.  Read more at this link (https://lnkd.in/eaTFf7pJ). #GameAccessibilityNow  #AccessibleGaming #InclusiveVideoGames #DisabilityInGaming #AccessibleGamingCommunity #UniversalGameGuidelines #BreakingBarriersInGaming

My second book, Tabletop Game Accessibility: Meeple Centred Design, was published today! https://lnkd.in/dne7zXsG For those working in the area of games and accessibility, I think it's likely to be of interest. It's the first outing of the Tabletop Game Accessibility Guidelines (TTAG), which are a wide ranging set of actionable suggestions for how to make board games more playable for people with impairments. It talks about how various conditions manifest, how board games work within various accessibility categories, and digs into a whole bunch of cool examples. Based on years of research and with the involvement of a wide spectrum of disabled gamers, I think the contents here can really push the needle when it comes to making board gaming a more inclusive hobby. #boardgames #gaming #accessibility #a11y #tabletop #ttag

🤔 Whilst it may be argued that without turning down persuasive design features, parents are not set-up for success when it comes to using parental controls, they have become very much a focus for industry. ❔ The latest announcement from Epic Games, on parental controls for games such as Fortnite, highlights for me the question of how much user-testing or UX input there is for these controls. 👀 Take a look, but I can't help feeling many time-poor parents may struggle to navigate the options. 🤞 It would be helpful to have advice on how to discuss and set-up any restrictions, and on helping a young person disengage at the end of their allotted time, if conflict is to be avoided. ❓ Time to support positive parenting by design? https://lnkd.in/euc9UPcz

Fostering true accessibility in video games requires a thoughtful multifaceted approach. The exploration of 'easy mode' goes beyond mere simplification; it's about embracing diverse player needs and preferences. Customizable difficulty settings, adaptable controls, and innovative features like text-to-speech are pivotal in fostering a more inclusive gaming landscape. In his latest piece, accessibility advocate Steve Saylor delves deep into the essential role of these features in video games. More in Kotaku: #AccessibleGames #VideoGames #AccessibilityMatters

Let's talk about Accessibility in games for a moment... Accessibility in games means avoiding unnecessary barriers that prevent people with a range of impairments from accessing or enjoying play. While many gamers with disabilities choose to navigate games without accessible features, game studios may be overlooking an important and sizable segment of the population by not making their games more accessible to those with disabilities. Game makers dedicated to delivering accessible experiences face the same challenge as those working to reduce barriers in other areas: There is no one-size-fits-all solution. DAQA has specialized talent, representing the player base across core accessibility categories. We know that evaluating accessibility is more than simply running through a checklist. We evaluate accessibility utilizing real players, leveraging unique technologies, and generating useful, actionable outcomes. Our services include: 🕹 Voice-of-the player usability assessments of accessibility features. 🕹 Functionality testing of accessibility options with each target audience. 🕹 Evaluation and consulting on accessible game design. 🕹 Advisory services on accessibility best practices in games. 🕹 Market research to identify best features for the target player audience.

Exciting developments in the gaming world are ensuring that fun and engagement are accessible to all ages. A recent AARP study highlights the growing trend of older adults embracing gaming, not just for entertainment, but also for mental acuity and social connection. As the gaming community becomes more diverse, the demand for age-friendly games is on the rise. It's heartening to see the industry responding with features that cater to the needs of older gamers, such as adjustable font sizes, reduced background noise, and simplified controls. This move towards inclusive gaming is not just about entertainment; it's about recognizing the value of play at any age. Let's champion the cause for accessibility in gaming and celebrate the joy it brings to our lives, regardless of age. Here's to creating a world where everyone can play! 🎮 https://lnkd.in/esYxSPC9

🌟 Unlocking the Magic of Hyper Casual Games! 🎮 During a serene morning stroll, I stumbled upon a fascinating conversation with our society's security guard that shed light on the enchanting world of hyper casual games. 🌄 Curiosity piqued, I inquired about his daily routine, to which he confessed, "I spend my time immersed in games on my trusty phone." 📱 Intrigued, I probed further, "What kind of games do you enjoy?" His response was eye-opening - his screen adorned with a plethora of puzzle-based wonders, showcasing his dedication to gaming. Spending 4-6 hours daily on his modest phone, running on an ancient Android version, underscored the significance of crafting captivating hyper casual experiences. 💡. Here's why hyper-casual games are truly phenomenal: 🎮 Free Entertainment: Offering boundless amusement without the price tag, hyper casual games redefine the meaning of accessible fun! 🚀 Keeps Players Engaged: With addictive gameplay and captivating mechanics, these games ensure players stay entertained and engaged for hours on end! 💻 Minimal Hardware Requirements: From old budget phones to the latest devices, hyper casual games adapt seamlessly to various platforms, eliminating the need for hefty storage or cutting-edge hardware. 🔍 Easy to Pick Up and Play: Universally accessible, hyper casual games boast intuitive gameplay that transcends language barriers, inviting players of all backgrounds to dive in and enjoy the thrill! 🎯 #HyperCasualGames #GameDesign #MobileGaming #FreeEntertainment #GameDev #IndieDev #AccessibleGaming #GamingCommunity #EasyToPlay #AddictiveGameplay #GameDesignInspiration #DigitalEntertainment #InspiringConversations #GameDevelopment #CasualGaming #CreativeIdeas #GameDesigners #InnovationInGaming #InteractiveEntertainment #TechTalks #GamingIndustryInsights 🚀🎮 #gamedesign #gamedesigner