[games_access] message to developers at conference

[hinn at uiuc.edu]

Hi Robert --

Basically what we'll be doing at the Game Developers
Conference (the one in March that you applied for a
scholarship to) is not only trying to get the message across
that accessibility needs to happen earlier (much, much
earlier) in the development process and that perhaps there
will be no "universally" accessible game but maybe games that,
say, are accessible for the blind, others for the hearing
impaired, etc. We've talked about coming up with ratings
systems and more in this SIG and so a game that is accessible
for the blind would have a certain symbol on the game
packaging, etc.

For right now, we're focused on getting  our Game Dev
Conference stuff pulled together and what we learned from
participating last year is that mainstream game devs just
don't know how to take the first steps in creating games that
are more accessible. So, for instance, the "top ten" list that
Tim emailed about the other day is one attempt for us to
bridge that gap in understanding that developers have, help
them learn how to start implimenting accessibility features. 

However, our day-long session is going to be focused on giving
mainstream developers an idea of what accessible games look,
sound, and play like. Then we'll talk about tailoring to
specific crowds during that session.

So I hope that you'll be able to attend GDC and win that
scholarship that will give you the access to the conference.
And be sure and check out our papers that we've written to
date that are available at www.igda.com/accessibility -- that
might give you a better idea about where we come from as a
special interest group and where we're going. :)

Michelle

---- Original message ----
>Date: Sun, 1 Jan 2006 21:53:37 -0500
>From: "Robert Florio" <arthit73 at cablespeed.com>  
>Subject: [games_access] message to developers at conference  
>To: <games_access at igda.org>
>
>   This might make a good topic.  I was thinking today
>   getting inspired about my career field game design. 
>   As a new student and quadriplegic artist I get very
>   anxious sometimes just to get creative.  I know Tim
>   suggested some pointers about covering all areas for
>   game developers accessibility issues. Honestly I
>   think games need to be centered directly toward some
>   crowds which is why special adaptive equipment needs
>   to be used and that's why I think developers are not
>   making their games accessible. Making games
>   accessible with some changes might make the game
>   partially accessible but it's still wired for those
>   who can use their thumbs.
>    
>   I was taking about this the other day very intently
>   still frustrated by many games I can't play and want
>   to be able to play. If I could make the point it
>   seems Tim and others are going to it needs to be
>   stressed that a large-scale needs to be worked on.
>   To cover all the area's blind, limited motion,
>   hearing-impaired, those that cannot speak, and many
>   others.  I catch myself at a cross road wishing I
>   was at the level I want to be at and in the
>   situation to make this big decisions but you guys
>   are going to make these points.  I wish I could be a
>   spokesperson and be there with you. I picture
>   standing next to Bill Gates at a conference someday
>   using his business gestures to talk to the masses
>   about this issue and really seeing a huge market
>   exploded.  What do you think?  Thanks for picking up
>   these pieces some of you might not have disabilities
>   and I cannot know how you got into this situation
>   but it's a very incredible cause.
>   Robert
>
>   www.RobertFlorio.com all about art and game
>   accessibility
>________________
>_______________________________________________
>games_access mailing list
>games_access at igda.org
>http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access