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29 August 2013 Accessibility for Disabled gamers

Since the creation of Wii and Kinect growth in new technology towards full-body engagement has proved to be popular however what does this mean for those that have a physical disablement?

I enjoy gaming online, with friends or on my own it's something I can still take part in and because I'm unable to physically go out and play football or any kind of physical activities it gives me something to do!

I have recently been struggling to grip the controller and there are some buttons depending on which game I'm playing I can't reach or press which are buttons you need to process to the next stage of the game which is really frustrating.

I feel bad for those who can't even use the controller at all because of no strength in their hands or fingers. I believe
gaming should be available for all no matter the disability.

I would like to campaign about these issues so this is my proposal.

What Challenges and issues are there?

Physical Restrictions

Muscle function

Controller shape and weight

Controller positioning

Controller surface material (Better gripping)

Lack of adaptations

How the campaign would work?

Survey potential disabled gamers those who want to see improvements

Research current adaptations that are available

Research alternative adaptations for those who can't use their arms

Discuss how new technology will affect disabled gamers

Compare each console controller

Interview big companies like Playstation (Sony), Xbox (Microsoft) and Nintendo

Would be great to hear your opinions.

Carl

Mancunian of the year 9/10
012 Olympic torchbearer
Living with Duchenne MD

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3 Comments

• Adam Smith replied on 29 Aug 2013 at 18:13
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  Hi my names Adam, age 27 DMD

  I have being an avid gamer since the age of 6, however since 2006 I have being unable to play console games due to my DMD, something that really affected me. I have now learned to adapt to various PC games that only requires mouse & on-screen keyboard use. Obviously I am incredibly limited still as more games get complex. However I am happy to share which games are accessible

• Vivek Gohil replied on 4 Sep 2013 at 15:33
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  Hello fellow gamers, I'm Vivek (23 DMD)
  I think this is right time to start a campaign regarding game console/controller accessibility as the next-generation of consoles (Playstation 4 & Xbox One) is round the corner.

  It's a worrying thought that the new consoles may have a controller I cannot use effectively or the use of (the dreaded) motion controls.

  I've been a gamer for about 9-years, I have a PS3 & Xbox 360 but am thinking of selling the Xbox 360 as I cannot press the analogy sticks down & the triggers. The PS3 is easier for me to use but it's getting slightly more difficult.

  I must say that the iPhone/iPad is a brilliant gaming platform for a DMD gamer.

  There are some incredible aids for disabled gamer but very expensive as always.

  There is a need for this campaign, Carl made some excellent well structured points

• Tanvi Vyas replied on 5 Sep 2013 at 14:57
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  Hi everyone, this is fantastic to hear, I really think you should get together and take this campaign idea forward. Many others have mentioned support on our facebook group too. https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/mdctrailblazers/?fref=ts

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