Accessible Gaming
Many of our children and grandchildren often tell us how much they enjoy gaming online. Whether it’s using a video game console, a powerful Windows PC or casual gaming on a mobile phone or tablet, it has definitely got their attention. Seniors often ask themselves if this is an area where they can join in, and this is even more true of seniors with disabilities.
The good news is that in the past few months we’ve seen a flurry of activity in accessible gaming which has made it even more possible to join in on the latest releases.
One recent example is a flight simulator monitor which has opened the door for people who have low vision to play flight simulator games. Another notable trend is that some older games are being remade for modern hardware and adding in a host of accessibility features that weren’t present in the original game. This means that not only can people who loved the older game are able to play it again on a modern system but seniors with disabilities are able to join in when perhaps playing the same game 10 years ago wouldn’t have been possible.
A good example is the release of Brook the Investigator which now has lots of accessibility features available.
One of the challenges with all these new accessible games is trying to figure out which games have the new features.
Happily Sony has addressed this on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles by now adding the ability to search for a game based on its accessibility features which is having a great impact on finding games that everyone can play. So, if you are a senior with a disability and you want to join the grandkids for a game, hopefully there’s a few things here that can help you get involved.
Dr Scott Hollier
Director Accessibility