View source

[[Image:PSinterface.jpg|thumb|Description]]

I was first made aware of accessible games in 1994 when working for severely learning and physically disabled adults at a Day Centre just outside London. It was here that I discovered computers that had been made more accessible via switch interface boxes, specialised switches and specially written software. These allowed people to use the most practical part of their body to press switches to get something interesting to happen within simple games. Undoubtedly, these games gave people power and fun, however, they always seemed so primitive to me, especially when compared to the games of the time, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Kart.  


I decided I would try to find or invent some more interesting things for people to play, which has led me on a path that I am still following today. Early projects included an adapted Commodore 64 (1982 computer) set up so that people could play darts with a single switch press against people using the real thing.


The turning point for me came after watching severely disabled people having fun playing [http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/2/I/Playstation-PC/Iplaystation13.htm "Destruction Derby"] (Reflections 1995) on an adapted Playstation using just one or two buttons. This game was highly playable thanks to crash barriers that guided the player around the track without slowing them down too much, and a helpful self-righting mechanism that kept you pointing in the right direction.


I suddenly realised how simple game features could turn a potentially impossible and frustrating game into a highly accessible and fun one for almost everyone.


If only more games featured accessibility features by design...


Barrie Ellis (e-mail: barrie.ellis@oneswitch.org.uk)

[http://www.oneswitch.org.uk www.OneSwitch.org.uk]