Accessible Games
Introduction:
Games are a big part of student life and socializing. Explore these resources and BBB projects focused on making game play more accessible. Most board games rely on vision to read card instructions, match pieces, and identify colors and shapes. The type of game also makes aÌýdifference in how accessible and inclusive playing can be. Is the game competitive or collaborative? Are moves hidden or public?ÌýWhether you are designingÌýa board game or video game, take into consideration how adjusting basic elements can broaden player participation and independence.Ìý
Experience:
For a great introduction to understanding the experience of playing board games for peopleÌýwho are blind orÌýlow vision, read theseÌýarticles from :
Design Elements:
As you design your game, try applying or adapting these enhancements that support tactile learning:
Size - the size of playing pieces or the game board may need to be increased
Shape - playing pieces that are usually recognized by color can be adapted by using textures or different tops or bases that will make them easier to identify by touch
Stability - playing pieces can be shifted or easily knocked overÌýwhen feeling or touching the board. Add magnets, velcro dots, or some other way to keep pieces upright and in place
Texture - add raised lines or different textures to help players identify spaces and actions on the game board that are usually identified by text, colors, or shapes
High Contrast - players with low vision or color-blindness may only need higher contrast, brighter colors, or color-blind palettesÌýto identify elements of the game
Braille - braille can be added for short instructions, dice, spinners, or counters, if players can read braille
Sound - add digital dice or other methods for reading cards or instructions aloud
Explore:
Try out these sound-based games that include audio cues to move through game play. Some use sound enhancements and others are audio only.
- sound enhanced word game
Ìý
Ìý- sound based platformer game
Ìý
Ìý