Sunday, 24 June 2012

Game Accessibility Information symbol

Game Accessibility Information

You may have noticed the symbol above appearing more and more, and wondered about it. Formally known as the "Game Accessibility Information" symbol, and informally as "The Joypad Rider", it was designed for the SpecialEffect GameBase by the talented Chris Thornton as part of their call for a game accessibility related symbol.

The function of this symbol, when attached to a game or gaming product, is to point people to access related information. This is especially useful for people who often find games too hard or impossible to play.

Imagine... that you have found the symbol and link below on the box (or home-page) of a game you are interested in called "Parkour Heroes". Imagine that you are colour-blind and don't have very quick reactions. Click on the symbol below to see if this game might suit you.

Game Accessibility Information
http://tiny.cc/gamebase7

Without being able to quickly find this information, imagine how much more money and time you would waste trying to find a game that suits your particular abilities. Frustrating.

Read more on the pilot use of the Game Accessibility Information symbol at SpecialEffect Accessible GameBase.

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Children's Voices for the Proloquo2Go App




Two fantastic videos from AssistiveWare's YouTube channel. I'm not a huge fan of the iPad and won't be until it gets comprehensive support for switch access, but this I love.

For switch users access is due to be possible for Proloquo2Go via the Tecla Shield switch interface.

Sunday, 10 June 2012

Video Olympics 2012

Atari Asteroids meets the 2012 Olympics

Inspired by the up and coming London 2012 Olympics, and a fascinating missed opportunity linked to Atari in the 1980s, SpecialEffect are looking to bring an accessible video game olympics to all: GameBase Video Olympicks.

They plan to review and point people to some of the best accessible games that will feature in the Olympics. There will be one-switch games, audiogames, mind-controlled games, point and click games and more.

Read more over at SpecialEffect's Accessible GameBase. Please do get in touch if you have any games you think should make the list.