SpecialEffect's accessible GameBase

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31-01-2012 | Huizen, The Netherlands

The Nintendo wii game The Explorer and the Mystery of the Diamond Scarab is available. For the first time, children with and without visual impairment can play together on an equal level. In addition to the positive effect of playing unhindered with peers on the same level, this game also contributes to improving motoric functions and physical coordination. Royal Dutch Visio announced the game on March 25th 2011. Due to delay in the process of approval it was not available sooner.

                   


We are very proud to announce the launch of the SpecialEffect app in the App Store today. It is launched with the aim of keeping you up to date with the latest game accessibility news and reviews as well as giving you access to SpecialEffect's database of information on accessible gaming hardware and software.

With articles and reviews of games across a wide range of categories, from eye-controlled to switch playable, the app is a great resource for anyone looking for information on how to get themselves or someone they know playing.

The app was kindly created by Shane McCafferty at http://www.buildmeanapp.net/ who volunteered his time and app making skills after meeting the SpecialEffect team on their stand at Eurogamer Expo.

Download the SpecialEffect app for free onto your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad here: http://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/specialeffect/id480734293?mt=8&ls=1

XBox 360, PS3, PC

24hrs after the release of the Fifa 12 demo on Xbox 360 and PC (PS3 available from today) we give a short overview of new control and gameplay features, what's been added to the latest incarnation of the game and what's been left out.

Perhaps the first and biggest noticable change is the new role and importance of 'Tactical Defending.' There is an excellent training mode when you first load up the demo which takes you through the new controls in a quick seven part session.

This new emphasis on defensive play takes practice to get used to, but undoubtably adds new skill and variety to the gameplay and an immense sense of satisfaction with a each well timed tackle.

For those who prefer the old control style of defensive play, a 'Legacy Defending' option can be found in the controller settings.

 


SpecialEffect has a team of experts in special needs, games and access technology who offer free advice to game developers who are interested in making their games playable by a broader audience.

If you would like us to take a look at your game or ask our 'take it or leave it' advice at the ideas stage, please contact us at info@specialeffect.org.uk

Below you can find our top five accessibilty tips to consider adding to your game. For more in-depth information please take a look at our Wish List for Accessible Game Design.

SpecialEffect invite you to make history at this year’s Eurogamer Expo

Video games charity SpecialEffect invites guests at this year’s Eurogamer Expo to participate in two Guinness World Record™ attempts

Visitors to this year’s Eurogamer Expo will be invited to set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time lap time in a racing game using only eye-movement sensing controllers.  By participating, all guests will also become part of SpecialEffect’s second record attempt; the greatest number of people competing in a videogames tournament using only eye control technology.

Visitors will need to register at the SpecialEffect stand and then set their time around the track using just their eyes. The participant with the fastest lap time over the duration of the Expo will be crowned the new Guinness World Record holder and considered for inclusion in the next Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition.

It is hoped the record attempts will showcase the advances SpecialEffect have made in designing and adapting technology to enable those with a disability or severe illness to be able to play videogames, whether for therapy, rehabilitation or fun.