From ttefertiller at igda-gasig.org Fri Jan 6 13:44:45 2012 From: ttefertiller at igda-gasig.org (Tara Voelker (Tefertiller)) Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:44:45 -0500 Subject: [games_access] Global Game Jame - 2012 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello! Just so everyone knows, we have an informational packet on this located here- We've gotten several chapters swigned up for this already, and it's looking to be a great year! http://gasig.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/globalgamejamaccessibilitychallenge.pdf -- Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org On Wed, Dec 14, 2011 at 2:46 PM, Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) < ttefertiller at igda-gasig.org> wrote: > Hello! > > So, Global Game Jam is right around the corner, and this is the time for > us to get involved. > > Some of you may remember, last year we tried to put together a game > accessiblity challenge for some GGJ sites. Most of the feel through, but > the central Florida chapter went a head with it. The result was this. > > This year, I'd like to get something similar going at other sites. I've > already got the New England Tech Chapter in Rhode Island signed on, as well > as the MIT GAMBIT Game Lab. I'm going to be putting together an > informational packet with info on game accessiblity, rules for the contest, > and the score sheet and so on soon. > > Is anyone else interested in getting a hold of their local GGJ chapter and > get this happening there as well? Let me know and I can forward you the > information once it's complete. > > I may also post it on the site for access to everyone. > > Thanks! > > > > -- > Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org > > > > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thomas at pininteractive.com Mon Jan 9 17:39:29 2012 From: thomas at pininteractive.com (Thomas Westin) Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2012 23:39:29 +0100 Subject: [games_access] Global Game Jame - 2012 In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: <34360E91-91B4-4FE7-8D9C-D7E9770D5389@pininteractive.com> Great Tara, This competition is a great idea, well done. Personally, I will not attend GDC this year (I'll be at at the Fun for all conference in Spain, in March) but I hope the GA-SIG meeting gets lots of attention. Best wishes, Thomas --Do("orDoNot(" & QUOTE & "there is no try{}" & QUOTE & ")") On 6Jan 2012, at 7:44 PM, Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) wrote: > Hello! > > Just so everyone knows, we have an informational packet on this located here- > > We've gotten several chapters swigned up for this already, and it's looking to be a great year! > > > http://gasig.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/globalgamejamaccessibilitychallenge.pdf > > > -- > Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org > > > > > > > > > On Wed, Dec 14, 2011 at 2:46 PM, Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) wrote: > Hello! > > So, Global Game Jam is right around the corner, and this is the time for us to get involved. > > Some of you may remember, last year we tried to put together a game accessiblity challenge for some GGJ sites. Most of the feel through, but the central Florida chapter went a head with it. The result was this. > > This year, I'd like to get something similar going at other sites. I've already got the New England Tech Chapter in Rhode Island signed on, as well as the MIT GAMBIT Game Lab. I'm going to be putting together an informational packet with info on game accessiblity, rules for the contest, and the score sheet and so on soon. > > Is anyone else interested in getting a hold of their local GGJ chapter and get this happening there as well? Let me know and I can forward you the information once it's complete. > > I may also post it on the site for access to everyone. > > Thanks! > > > > -- > Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > games_access mailing list > games_access at igda.org > http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access > The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rkoman at fullsail.com Wed Jan 11 11:27:17 2012 From: rkoman at fullsail.com (Koman, Robin) Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:27:17 -0500 Subject: [games_access] Interesting Article In-Reply-To: Message-ID: I thought this was interesting: http://www.theengineer.co.uk/sectors/automotive/news/ford-uses-online-softwa re-tool-to-simulate-visual-impairments/1011329.article On 1/10/12 10:00 AM, "games_access-request at igda.org" wrote: > Send games_access mailing list submissions to > games_access at igda.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > games_access-request at igda.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > games_access-owner at igda.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of games_access digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Global Game Jame - 2012 (Thomas Westin) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2012 23:39:29 +0100 > From: Thomas Westin > Subject: Re: [games_access] Global Game Jame - 2012 > To: IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List > Message-ID: <34360E91-91B4-4FE7-8D9C-D7E9770D5389 at pininteractive.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Great Tara, > > This competition is a great idea, well done. > > Personally, I will not attend GDC this year (I'll be at at the Fun for all > conference in Spain, in March) but I hope the GA-SIG meeting gets lots of > attention. > > Best wishes, > Thomas > > --Do("orDoNot(" & QUOTE & "there is no try{}" & QUOTE & ")") > > > > > > On 6Jan 2012, at 7:44 PM, Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) wrote: > >> Hello! >> >> Just so everyone knows, we have an informational packet on this located here- >> >> We've gotten several chapters swigned up for this already, and it's looking >> to be a great year! >> >> >> http://gasig.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/globalgamejamaccessibilitychallenge. >> pdf >> >> >> -- >> Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Wed, Dec 14, 2011 at 2:46 PM, Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) >> wrote: >> Hello! >> >> So, Global Game Jam is right around the corner, and this is the time for us >> to get involved. >> >> Some of you may remember, last year we tried to put together a game >> accessiblity challenge for some GGJ sites. Most of the feel through, but the >> central Florida chapter went a head with it. The result was this. >> >> This year, I'd like to get something similar going at other sites. I've >> already got the New England Tech Chapter in Rhode Island signed on, as well >> as the MIT GAMBIT Game Lab. I'm going to be putting together an informational >> packet with info on game accessiblity, rules for the contest, and the score >> sheet and so on soon. >> >> Is anyone else interested in getting a hold of their local GGJ chapter and >> get this happening there as well? Let me know and I can forward you the >> information once it's complete. >> >> I may also post it on the site for access to everyone. >> >> Thanks! >> >> >> >> -- >> Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> games_access mailing list >> games_access at igda.org >> http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access >> The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > 6/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > games_access mailing list > games_access at igda.org > http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access > The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org > > End of games_access Digest, Vol 96, Issue 2 > ******************************************* Cheers, Robin N. Koman | Department Chair | Game Design Masters T 407.679.0100 x8921 | F 407.673.5306 ?We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.? --Joseph Campbell From i_h at hotmail.com Thu Jan 12 10:45:48 2012 From: i_h at hotmail.com (Ian Hamilton) Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:45:48 +0000 Subject: [games_access] Call for accessibility mentors for UK Global Game Jam In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I have one UK venue so far for the Global Game Jam, but I can't really approach any more unless we can provide GASIG members to advise and help judge. So.. London are taking part, I've had some initial talks with Bristol and Plymouth, and would like to approach Stafford too as they're one of the biggest in the world. Are there any UK people on this list (eg. Special Effecters) who might be able to help out? I don't mind travelling if someone would prefer to do the London one. Commitment would be regular presence at the event, consisting of initial group chat on the first evening, ongoing advice over Saturday and part of Sunday, then lastly help with judging on the Sunday. Payoff is accessible games being produced on the day, and a fantastic awareness-raising opportunity for tomorrow's AAA decision makers. 5pm Friday 27th Jan -> 6pm Sunday 29th Jan Ian -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lgraham at blitzgamesstudios.com Fri Jan 13 05:39:47 2012 From: lgraham at blitzgamesstudios.com (Lynsey Graham) Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:39:47 +0000 Subject: [games_access] Call for accessibility mentors for UK Global Game Jam In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Ahoy, We're helping to run the Birmingham Game Jam (Scott from our Indie City division is actually the organiser), so I might be able to help out. We're currently working on a Kinect game aimed at people recovering from serious physical injury, and I've always been interested in accessible design (hence why I joined this list a couple of years ago) so we're more than willing to assist where we can. J Cheers, Lynsey From: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of Ian Hamilton Sent: 12 January 2012 15:46 To: games_access at igda.org Subject: [games_access] Call for accessibility mentors for UK Global Game Jam I have one UK venue so far for the Global Game Jam, but I can't really approach any more unless we can provide GASIG members to advise and help judge. So.. London are taking part, I've had some initial talks with Bristol and Plymouth, and would like to approach Stafford too as they're one of the biggest in the world. Are there any UK people on this list (eg. Special Effecters) who might be able to help out? I don't mind travelling if someone would prefer to do the London one. Commitment would be regular presence at the event, consisting of initial group chat on the first evening, ongoing advice over Saturday and part of Sunday, then lastly help with judging on the Sunday. Payoff is accessible games being produced on the day, and a fantastic awareness-raising opportunity for tomorrow's AAA decision makers. 5pm Friday 27th Jan -> 6pm Sunday 29th Jan Ian -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From i_h at hotmail.com Fri Jan 13 10:40:16 2012 From: i_h at hotmail.com (Ian Hamilton) Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:40:16 +0000 Subject: [games_access] Call for accessibility mentors for UK In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Fantastic, will mail you directly > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:39:47 +0000 > From: Lynsey Graham > Subject: Re: [games_access] Call for accessibility mentors for UK > Global Game Jam > To: 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List' > > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Ahoy, > > We're helping to run the Birmingham Game Jam (Scott from our Indie City division is actually the organiser), so I might be able to help out. We're currently working on a Kinect game aimed at people recovering from serious physical injury, and I've always been interested in accessible design (hence why I joined this list a couple of years ago) so we're more than willing to assist where we can. J > > Cheers, > > Lynsey > > From: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of Ian Hamilton > Sent: 12 January 2012 15:46 > To: games_access at igda.org > Subject: [games_access] Call for accessibility mentors for UK Global Game Jam > > I have one UK venue so far for the Global Game Jam, but I can't really approach any more unless we can provide GASIG members to advise and help judge. > > So.. London are taking part, I've had some initial talks with Bristol and Plymouth, and would like to approach Stafford too as they're one of the biggest in the world. Are there any UK people on this list (eg. Special Effecters) who might be able to help out? I don't mind travelling if someone would prefer to do the London one. > > Commitment would be regular presence at the event, consisting of initial group chat on the first evening, ongoing advice over Saturday and part of Sunday, then lastly help with judging on the Sunday. Payoff is accessible games being produced on the day, and a fantastic awareness-raising opportunity for tomorrow's AAA decision makers. > > 5pm Friday 27th Jan -> 6pm Sunday 29th Jan > > Ian -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Roland.Ossmann at jku.at Tue Jan 17 05:40:36 2012 From: Roland.Ossmann at jku.at (Roland Ossmann) Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:40:36 +0100 Subject: [games_access] CFP - Entertainment STS at ICCHP 2012 References: <4F13EA6F0200007100043793@gwia1.im.jku.at> <4F155E3402000071000437E6@gwia1.im.jku.at> Message-ID: <4F155E3402000071000437E6@gwia1.im.jku.at> Dear Games Accessibility Colleagues, I would like to inform you about a call for papers regarding accessible games and entertainment software. A special thematic session about this topic will be held at the 13th International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs (ICCHP 2012, see http://www.icchp.org/ ). A detailed description of the call can be found here: http://www.icchp.org/node/362 I'm looking forward to many interesting contributions and if you have any questions or need any information, don't hesitate to contact me. Best regards, Roland -- Dr. Roland Ossmann Institut Integriert Studieren Johannes Keppler Universit?t Linz Altenbergerstr. 69 4040 Linz, Austria Tel: +43 (0)732 2468 3774 Fax: +43 (0)732 2468 23774 http://www.integriert-studieren.jku.at -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sandra_uhling at web.de Tue Jan 17 11:40:50 2012 From: sandra_uhling at web.de (Sandra Uhling) Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:40:50 +0100 (CET) Subject: [games_access] Imagecup Microsoft, EIGA AWARD Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From eleanor at 7128.com Sun Jan 22 10:21:52 2012 From: eleanor at 7128.com (Eleanor Robinson) Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:21:52 -0500 Subject: [games_access] 2012 Lists of Top Websites for gamers who are blind, motion impaired and deaf published Message-ID: <4F1C2990.10909@7128.com> 7-128 Software has just published the 2012 lists of top websites for gamers who are blind, motion impaired or deaf. This annual review ranks websites that relate to games, information, and community in accordance with the criteria listed at the end of each ranked list. It is an ideal place for gamers to go and have direct access to the best places to find games and information that they can use. Also, a number of the sites have discussions with other gamers who can provide help and suggest games that are fun and accessible. So, check out our lists at www.7128.com and select the Top 25 button at the bottom of the page. I do think our analysis of these websites provides value added for people who are looking for accessible games. Eleanor Robinson 7-128 Software From oneswitch at gmail.com Mon Jan 23 06:09:34 2012 From: oneswitch at gmail.com (Barrie Ellis) Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:09:34 -0000 Subject: [games_access] Interesting Article In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <024AB27584654CBE98BBA6F38076198C@OneSwitchPC> Great info, but wondering if a person with that degree of sight-impairment simulated with that image should really be driving at the moment! Good colour-blindness checker here: http://www.etre.com/tools/colourblindsimulator/ - (you need to put images in JPEG RGB format and less than 1000x1000 in size). Would be good to collate a list of such tools to aid designers. Barrie -------------------------------------------------- From: "Koman, Robin" Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 4:27 PM To: Subject: [games_access] Interesting Article > I thought this was interesting: > > http://www.theengineer.co.uk/sectors/automotive/news/ford-uses-online-softwa > re-tool-to-simulate-visual-impairments/1011329.article > > > On 1/10/12 10:00 AM, "games_access-request at igda.org" > wrote: > >> Send games_access mailing list submissions to >> games_access at igda.org >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >> http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >> games_access-request at igda.org >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >> games_access-owner at igda.org >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >> than "Re: Contents of games_access digest..." >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> 1. Re: Global Game Jame - 2012 (Thomas Westin) >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2012 23:39:29 +0100 >> From: Thomas Westin >> Subject: Re: [games_access] Global Game Jame - 2012 >> To: IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List >> Message-ID: <34360E91-91B4-4FE7-8D9C-D7E9770D5389 at pininteractive.com> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >> >> Great Tara, >> >> This competition is a great idea, well done. >> >> Personally, I will not attend GDC this year (I'll be at at the Fun for >> all >> conference in Spain, in March) but I hope the GA-SIG meeting gets lots of >> attention. >> >> Best wishes, >> Thomas >> >> --Do("orDoNot(" & QUOTE & "there is no try{}" & QUOTE & ")") >> >> >> >> >> >> On 6Jan 2012, at 7:44 PM, Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) wrote: >> >>> Hello! >>> >>> Just so everyone knows, we have an informational packet on this located >>> here- >>> >>> We've gotten several chapters swigned up for this already, and it's >>> looking >>> to be a great year! >>> >>> >>> http://gasig.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/globalgamejamaccessibilitychallenge. >>> pdf >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Dec 14, 2011 at 2:46 PM, Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) >>> wrote: >>> Hello! >>> >>> So, Global Game Jam is right around the corner, and this is the time for >>> us >>> to get involved. >>> >>> Some of you may remember, last year we tried to put together a game >>> accessiblity challenge for some GGJ sites. Most of the feel through, but >>> the >>> central Florida chapter went a head with it. The result was this. >>> >>> This year, I'd like to get something similar going at other sites. I've >>> already got the New England Tech Chapter in Rhode Island signed on, as >>> well >>> as the MIT GAMBIT Game Lab. I'm going to be putting together an >>> informational >>> packet with info on game accessiblity, rules for the contest, and the >>> score >>> sheet and so on soon. >>> >>> Is anyone else interested in getting a hold of their local GGJ chapter >>> and >>> get this happening there as well? Let me know and I can forward you the >>> information once it's complete. >>> >>> I may also post it on the site for access to everyone. >>> >>> Thanks! >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> games_access mailing list >>> games_access at igda.org >>> http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access >>> The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org >> >> -------------- next part -------------- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> > 6/attachment-0001.html> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> _______________________________________________ >> games_access mailing list >> games_access at igda.org >> http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access >> The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org >> >> End of games_access Digest, Vol 96, Issue 2 >> ******************************************* > > > Cheers, > > Robin N. Koman | Department Chair | Game Design Masters > T 407.679.0100 x8921 | F 407.673.5306 > > ?We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that > is > waiting for us.? > --Joseph Campbell > > _______________________________________________ > games_access mailing list > games_access at igda.org > http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access > The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org From oneswitch at gmail.com Mon Jan 23 07:59:48 2012 From: oneswitch at gmail.com (Barrie Ellis) Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:59:48 -0000 Subject: [games_access] IGDA / Special Effect at Gamescom 2012? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: <94D3A8295E8246389A28A6D2F6D5567D@OneSwitchPC> Hi Ian, Sorry so slow with this... The problem with a trip over to Germany as I see it is the cost for an organisation such as SpecialEffect is if they send two or three people. It's not just the ?1000 stand (which is a lot) - it's the travel, accommodation and subsistence. Does mount up to a lot of money very rapidly, that maybe can be used in more cost-effective ways for the moment (would German gamers have much sympathy for supporting a UK based charity I'm wondering, where things like the Loan Library are UK only presently). But.... when/if the cash and time could be found - I agree with you that this could be a great event to support. That's not the official SE line - just my feeling on things. Brilliant though what you and Sandra pulled off last year. Barrie From: Ian Hamilton Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2011 2:59 PM To: games_access at igda.org Subject: [games_access] IGDA / Special Effect at Gamescom 2012? Being able to get into Gamescom last year was fantastic, but being in the conference area was obviously quite limiting in terms of who could be reached. They also have a huge business-to-business area, which Sandra and I were discussing. If we could get in there then it would allow us to get in front of the largest meeting of game developers in Europe. I had an interesting chat yesterday with a developer who was due to be exhibiting in the B2B area of Gamescom last year. The rate for a stand there is around ?2000, and she was able to get half of that cost covered by UKTI, and the other half met my simply sharing a stand with another developer. Within this list I know that in Europe at least there's Special Effect who are very well practiced at demoing their assistive tech at these kind of events, perhaps a joint venture with stand costs split between SE and IGDA? Once split / funded etc it wouldn't be a great deal of money to get together (if anything at all, the combination of SE's charity status and IGDA's past history with Gamescom might even allow us to get in there for free), and it would be a fantastic opportunity to spread some awareness throughout the industry. Even just something as simple as handouts with the existing wishlists (or formal standards if they're around by then) would be exactly what developers are crying out for. Any thoughts? Ian -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ games_access mailing list games_access at igda.org http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From oneswitch at gmail.com Mon Jan 23 12:45:35 2012 From: oneswitch at gmail.com (Barrie Ellis) Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:45:35 -0000 Subject: [games_access] 2012 Lists of Top Websites for gamers who are blind, motion impaired and deaf published In-Reply-To: <4F1C2990.10909@7128.com> References: <4F1C2990.10909@7128.com> Message-ID: <408AFD99B5B943829C88FB8A3E2DE7CF@OneSwitchPC> Great resource - and amazed and delighted to still be top of the Mobility section. Thanks so much! Though I must work harder on the SpecialEffect stuff to get it moved up your 2013 list is my resolution for this year. Very best wishes, Barrie -------------------------------------------------- From: "Eleanor Robinson" Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 3:21 PM To: Subject: [games_access] 2012 Lists of Top Websites for gamers who are blind, motion impaired and deaf published > 7-128 Software has just published the 2012 lists of top websites for > gamers who are blind, motion impaired or deaf. This annual review ranks > websites that relate to games, information, and community in accordance > with the criteria listed at the end of each ranked list. > > It is an ideal place for gamers to go and have direct access to the best > places to find games and information that they can use. Also, a number of > the sites have discussions with other gamers who can provide help and > suggest games that are fun and accessible. > > So, check out our lists at www.7128.com and select the Top 25 button at > the bottom of the page. I do think our analysis of these websites > provides value added for people who are looking for accessible games. > > Eleanor Robinson > 7-128 Software > _______________________________________________ > games_access mailing list > games_access at igda.org > http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access > The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org From oneswitch at gmail.com Mon Jan 23 16:49:13 2012 From: oneswitch at gmail.com (Barrie Ellis) Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:49:13 -0000 Subject: [games_access] Global Game Jame - 2012 In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Great work, Tara! Can't wait to hear what comes from it. Good on you! Barrie From: Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 6:44 PM To: IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List Subject: Re: [games_access] Global Game Jame - 2012 Hello! Just so everyone knows, we have an informational packet on this located here- We've gotten several chapters swigned up for this already, and it's looking to be a great year! http://gasig.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/globalgamejamaccessibilitychallenge.pdf -- Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org On Wed, Dec 14, 2011 at 2:46 PM, Tara Voelker (Tefertiller) wrote: Hello! So, Global Game Jam is right around the corner, and this is the time for us to get involved. Some of you may remember, last year we tried to put together a game accessiblity challenge for some GGJ sites. Most of the feel through, but the central Florida chapter went a head with it. The result was this. This year, I'd like to get something similar going at other sites. I've already got the New England Tech Chapter in Rhode Island signed on, as well as the MIT GAMBIT Game Lab. I'm going to be putting together an informational packet with info on game accessiblity, rules for the contest, and the score sheet and so on soon. Is anyone else interested in getting a hold of their local GGJ chapter and get this happening there as well? Let me know and I can forward you the information once it's complete. I may also post it on the site for access to everyone. Thanks! -- Tara (Tefertiller) Voelker - Chairperson : igda-gasig.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ games_access mailing list games_access at igda.org http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sandra_uhling at web.de Mon Jan 23 17:56:37 2012 From: sandra_uhling at web.de (Sandra Uhling) Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:56:37 +0100 Subject: [games_access] FYI: Update German Games Award Message-ID: <000801ccda22$44119d10$cc34d730$@de> Hello, FYI: Deutscher Computerspielpreis (German Game Award) http://www.deutscher-computerspielpreis.de/16.0.html Deadline: 27. January 2012. Games and/or Gametechnology produced 80% in Germany. Games and/or Gametechnology released in 2011. Age Rating for Germany. There was an update for the eligibility requirements! The update is not online yet. Summary: They learnt that the eligibility requirements exclude some games, special from the Games for health area. They are now open also for other kind of games. Serious Games is no longer limited to learning games :-) So when it is not possible to send in 8 games or give online access to the game, You can try to send I also a video with an explanation. I am not sure, but maybe they are open also for games of mass market used in Games for Health. So it can also be nice to inform the developer of the game, when there is a proof of the benefits of the game. Note: When the game does not have an age rating for Germany, You can also ask if "Lernprogramm" is possible. This is easy to make and does not cost something. :-) Forward this email to your contacts, please. With kind regards, Sandra From oneswitch at gmail.com Fri Jan 27 07:31:40 2012 From: oneswitch at gmail.com (Barrie Ellis) Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:31:40 -0000 Subject: [games_access] Fw: Global Game Jam tackles the issue of accessibility Message-ID: <9E1BB2930BF149A3B349D06C655B64BA@OneSwitchPC> Just seen this post in the Guardian. Well done Tara, Ian and all others involved in promoting accessibility!! Barrie From: Keith Stuart Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 12:13 PM Subject: Global Game Jam tackles the issue of accessibility Thousands of coders are taking part in a global game development challenge, and many are being encouraged to consider a specific audience: gamers with disabilities The annual Global Game Jam kicks off on Friday, with thousands of coders around the world gathering in hundreds of different venues to spend the weekend writing games. Launched in 2009 and organised by the International Game Developers Association, this is the largest of many annual "game jam" events, aimed at encouraging new and experienced programmers to complete an entire, working game project in the sort of time it usually takes to instal a new piece of software on your PC. Like many of these events, the Global Game Jam has a single theme that participants have to design their projects around (last year's was "Extinction"). This year, however, entrants are being invitied to consider meeting another requirement: accessibility to gamers with disabilities. "It was all kicked off by Tara Voelker, the chair of the IGDA's accessibility group, as part of our ongoing efforts to raise developer awareness about game accessibility," says Ian Hamilton, a veteran designer and accessibility consultant, overseeing the implementation of the Global Game Jam's accessibility strand in the UK. "The reason for doing it via GGJ is that a competition is a good way to reward people for taking an active role, while letting everyone else there still learn something about accessibility." With gaming becoming a more popular and pervasive form of entertainment, accessibility issues are starting to be recognised and tackled by the professional game development community. "There are four types of disability ? visual, hearing, cognitive and motor," says Hamilton. "By knowing and thinking about these groups upfront, game designers can easily avoid the barriers that may have prevented gamers with disabilities being able to enjoy playing. "Even a simple thing, like choosing blue instead of green for a team colour, as Treyarch recently did with their colour-blind friendly mode for Call of Duty: Black Ops, can make your game playable by significant swathes of the population that would otherwise have had great difficulty. The red/green colourblindness that Treyarch addressed affects 8% of males, meaning they were finally able to tell their team-mates from their enemies." Hamilton reckons a big part of the challenge is helping developers to recognise that greater accessibility doesn't have to mean masses of extra development time or resources. "Fully functioning and accessible games being produced in the space of 48 hours is a really powerful demonstration that accessibility doesn't have to be expensive or difficult," he says. "Also, the results are often great examples of nice simple design principles that can be applied across the industry." Several organisations are engaged in getting a similar message across. In the UK, the amazing charity SpecialEffect, based in Oxfordshire, has a library of specialised game controllers that it lends out to gamers with disabilities ? its staff even hack together their own modified joypads from various bits of consumer hardware. They're also working with the UK development community to get greater accessibility into the games themselves. Last year, major British studio Splash Damage announced its support for SpecialEffect and committed to making all of its titles much more accessible. Its critically acclaimed shooter Brink, for example, offers full button remapping on the joypad, allowing gamers with physical disabilities to configure the controller to their exact requirements. In the US, meanwhile, the Able Gamers Foundation provides a similar function, working with developers while provding reviews of mainstream games, based partly on their accessibility. And technology is moving in this direction anyway: motion-tracking devices such as the Xbox Kinect are bringing about new possibilities, allowing players to engage with games in more subtle and intuitive ways. Microsoft is actively encouraging the academic community to explore the wider posssibilities of its Kinect technology, making the APIs and development software free and providing libraries for elements such as head- and eye-tracking. For the Global Game Jam, the accessibility strand started up last year, at a single venue in Orlando. "It was a great success," says Hamilton. "Despite being built from scratch in 48 hours, the winning game, Gaya, considered all four disability groups, making it accessible to a huge range of players. It didn't matter if you were deaf, colour-blind or even paralysed, the game played in the same way and was just as fun for everyone." For 2012, the concept is expanding, and all 250 venues are being invited to include the accessibility challenge. In the UK, Global Game Jams in Bristol, Birmingham, London, Stafford and Ipswich will all be taking part. Entrants at any of those venues who want to consider the requirements will be given a special pack when they arrive; this contains the marking criteria and some guidance, and participants will also be offered support and advice from accessibility specialists throughout the event. There will be regional winners and an overall global winner too. Importantly though, this is all about raising the issue of accessibility with a new generation of coders and designers. The people who enter game jams are usually students or indie developers just starting out in their careers ? if they become aware of accessibility issues at this stage, they'll be aware of them in five years time when they're working on the latest Call of Duty and Fifa football games. "Access to entertainment, culture and socialising is just as important as access to services and buildings," says Hamilton. "Accessible gaming gives us an fantastic opportunity make a real difference to people's lives." a.. Games b.. Game culture c.. Events d.. Disability Keith Stuart guardian.co.uk ? 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From eleanor at 7128.com Fri Jan 27 08:48:14 2012 From: eleanor at 7128.com (Eleanor Robinson) Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:48:14 -0500 Subject: [games_access] Global Game Jam tackles the issue of accessibility Message-ID: <4F22AB1E.8070009@7128.com> Good going! If any group plans to consider accessibility for blind gamers, I suggest that they check out the guidelines at www.blindcomputergames.com. They cover the basic things to be considered if you want a game to be played by blind and visually impaired gamers. Best of luck to all the Global Game Jam teams. Eleanor Robinson 7-128 Software From i_h at hotmail.com Sun Jan 29 20:32:16 2012 From: i_h at hotmail.com (Ian Hamilton) Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:32:16 +0000 Subject: [games_access] GGJ accessibility challenge In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Game jam is now over, I'm still to hear back properly from the different venues but it looks to have been a great success. There has been significant uptake (looks like 15-20 teams taking part just in the UK) and it has been a beautiful thing to see designers and developers in the space of 48 hours go from not having heard of game accessibility to chatting in a matter of fact way about demogrpahics of different types of colour blindness or subtleties of single button control methods, and again fantastic to hear students thoroughly confused about why the mainstream games industry doesnt do this stuff as standard seeing how obvious and straightforward it is. They may be students now, but they're tomorrow's leads and decision makers. Full info coming later (once everyone has caught up on sleep), together with links to all of the games that have been produced. Exciting stuff. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From thomasw at dsv.su.se Tue Jan 31 08:14:34 2012 From: thomasw at dsv.su.se (Thomas Westin) Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:14:34 +0100 Subject: [games_access] GGJ accessibility challenge In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: great news! Best regards Thomas On 30Jan 2012, at 2:32 AM, Ian Hamilton wrote: > Game jam is now over, I'm still to hear back properly from the different venues but it looks to have been a great success. > > There has been significant uptake (looks like 15-20 teams taking part just in the UK) and it has been a beautiful thing to see designers and developers in the space of 48 hours go from not having heard of game accessibility to chatting in a matter of fact way about demogrpahics of different types of colour blindness or subtleties of single button control methods, and again fantastic to hear students thoroughly confused about why the mainstream games industry doesnt do this stuff as standard seeing how obvious and straightforward it is. They may be students now, but they're tomorrow's leads and decision makers. > > Full info coming later (once everyone has caught up on sleep), together with links to all of the games that have been produced. > > Exciting stuff. > _______________________________________________ > games_access mailing list > games_access at igda.org > http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/games_access > The main SIG website page is http://igda-gasig.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: