The video above is a glimpse of some of the research and development game accessibility work I'm doing at the moment for SpecialEffect.
When I first got my hands on the build your own controller Makey Makey kit, I was disappointed to find that it wouldn't connect to an Xbox 360 or PS3 via any adapters I had to hand. With the brilliant Cronus Device and a PC, it will. This enables custom very light pressure controls to be used in a wide variety of ways.
Quick D.I.Y. Help: 1. Link your PS3 and PC using the Cronus Device and supplied Cronus cable. 2. Start the Bullseye software. 3. Download, import then start this "Test: MM Pinball" profile. 4. Connect one control to the SPACE BAR or LEFT-CLICK for flippers etc. and the other control if needed to "W" for nudging.
Mark Barlet and Steve Spohn of AbleGamers have brought together a truly impressive set of Game Accessibility Guidelines: Includification.
The booklet and site give rich and colourful reasons for why access matters, and why it's not as intimidating as some may think. Really great to see.
On a personal level, I'm really chuffed to have had an opportunity to shout out to touch-screen developers to think a bit more about those who can't use their devices. Here's hoping...
"Today sees the launch of a comprehensive developer guide to addressing the accessibility issues faced by over 20% of video gamers:
www.gameaccessibilityguidelines.com has been created by a group of developers and experts, coordinated by Ian Hamilton, an accessibility and usability specialist with a background in game development.
The website offers all developers guidelines on how to better serve the needs of gamers with a range of visual, hearing, speech, learning and motor conditions. The hope is that by highlighting the relatively simple changes needed, the games industry as a whole will be able to ensure that they quickly become part of its normal working practices."
Read the full press-release at Real-Wire. Really happy to have been a part-of this effort. Now lets hope it takes hold and develops further with the support of all with an interest in this field.
Drivey is a proof of concept demo, but it is gorgeous and a pleasure. It reflects a stylised version of driving, and aims to replicate the ease of driving when you get into a comfortable head-space and environment.It achieves this with auto-steering and cruise-control, which I think is a unique and brilliant accessibility design feature. If you let go of your controls, the car will drive itself. You can choose when to overtake, speed up or slow down or go off-road. You can switch off the traffic if you wish and even the colision detection. You can drive using two switches alone for LEFT and RIGHT.The most recent demo (0.15) has no sound, but 0.13 has. For more accessible design ideas for the ultimate in accessible driving see the IGDA GASIG Top 3 and the SpecialEffect Wish List for Accessible Game Design.
Hollis Brown Thornton artwork top found thanks to Rob Fearon.
Parkat have just published a useful on-line airport guide for disabled people planning a journey by air. It's very clearly written and offers some good advice and support.
Separate from this, I can highly recommend Traveline for planning UK journeys on public transport and the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain. See more still at the OneSwitch links section marked "Places to Go".
If you were born in the early 1970s, you may enjoy some Motors and Thomas Dolby to accompany this post. Image by Julian Palapa.
"The popular Rough Guide to Accessible Britain can help you make the most of many wonderful venues, events and activities around the UK. It's not available in the shops". Free to blue badge holders, £6.99 otherwise and only available for a limited time via Motability. Looks very good.
Thanks to Alicia Howell for the tip.
