According to the AbleGamers Foundation, there are 33 million disabled gamers. And statistics from Information Solutions Group show that more than 20% of casual videogame players have a physical, mental or developmental disability, a percentage that is higher than the percentage of the general population that identifies itself as disabled (between 10% and 15%). And these gamers play more frequently, for more hours a week, and for longer times per gaming session. Surprisingly: almost 70% disabled gamers are female – which literally flips the gender gap on an activity that is invariably considered to be male-oriented. Another interesting statistic shows that those with mental or physical disabilities viewed video gaming as a way to relieve stress, while those with developmental or learning disabilities found that video gaming led to improved concentration and coordination/manual dexterity.
The AbleGamers is an organization "dedicated to bring greater accessibility in the digital entertainment space so that people with disabilities can gain a greater quality of life, and develop a rich social life that gaming can bring."
Kristin Kalning, games editor of msnbc.com, commented that "For disabled gamers, playing games can be more than just play. It’s a community. It’s a connection. It’s a life line." in her article "For disabled, video games can be a lifesaver". Playing games is seen as a way to relax, have fun, and connect with people for most people, and it offers the disabled community a similar or maybe even bigger chance to achieve similar goals. She used an example of a musician who was unfortunately disabled in the middle of her career and has come to play the "Rock Band" game which enables her to, in a way, stay in her profession. Playing the music themed game helped her to be less lonely as it created social opportunities for her.
However, not all game developers are aware of, or even if they are aware they are not too concerned about, the disabled gamers. But it is only fair if this community is taken care of and it is by no means a small market, especially at this moment when there are not many games designed for this group at all. The need of specialized designs to enable the disables gamers' participation in games might be a big concern and challenge for developers. There are different needs for different types of disability among the group; it might make the developers worry that it is too sophisticated to design a game and attached controllers, and they might be also worried about the profitability of these products. But take a look at what AbleGamers have been able to achieve in facilitating the disabled gamers! It is not just a matter of technology or money, it is about caring for the group as well. And there is really not yet any significant evidential proof that games designed for disabled people or friendly to disable people do not make good money in the market.
The AbleGamers is an organization "dedicated to bring greater accessibility in the digital entertainment space so that people with disabilities can gain a greater quality of life, and develop a rich social life that gaming can bring."
Kristin Kalning, games editor of msnbc.com, commented that "For disabled gamers, playing games can be more than just play. It’s a community. It’s a connection. It’s a life line." in her article "For disabled, video games can be a lifesaver". Playing games is seen as a way to relax, have fun, and connect with people for most people, and it offers the disabled community a similar or maybe even bigger chance to achieve similar goals. She used an example of a musician who was unfortunately disabled in the middle of her career and has come to play the "Rock Band" game which enables her to, in a way, stay in her profession. Playing the music themed game helped her to be less lonely as it created social opportunities for her.
However, not all game developers are aware of, or even if they are aware they are not too concerned about, the disabled gamers. But it is only fair if this community is taken care of and it is by no means a small market, especially at this moment when there are not many games designed for this group at all. The need of specialized designs to enable the disables gamers' participation in games might be a big concern and challenge for developers. There are different needs for different types of disability among the group; it might make the developers worry that it is too sophisticated to design a game and attached controllers, and they might be also worried about the profitability of these products. But take a look at what AbleGamers have been able to achieve in facilitating the disabled gamers! It is not just a matter of technology or money, it is about caring for the group as well. And there is really not yet any significant evidential proof that games designed for disabled people or friendly to disable people do not make good money in the market.
So far, big gaming corporations such as PopCap have been cooperating with AbleGamers. And there are some products that are developed that are compatible with popular game platforms such as Wii consoles. Together these corporations and AbleGamers are using media to raise more awareness and educate the market as well as the developers to facilitate the disabled gamers for a better quality in their life.
Sources:
The AbleGamers Foundation video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM8iNa87-Po
The AbleGamers Foundation website:
http://www.ablegamers.org/about-us.html
Statistics from Information Solution Group:
http://drumbeatconsulting.com/blog/2010/01/06/making-videogames-accessible-for-disabled-gamers/
For disabled, video games can be a lifesaver:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30116040/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/disabled-video-games-can-be-lifesaver/#.UK170LQ3kw4
One Handed Guitar Hero video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_UafzOAqc4
Sources:
The AbleGamers Foundation video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM8iNa87-Po
The AbleGamers Foundation website:
http://www.ablegamers.org/about-us.html
Statistics from Information Solution Group:
http://drumbeatconsulting.com/blog/2010/01/06/making-videogames-accessible-for-disabled-gamers/
For disabled, video games can be a lifesaver:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30116040/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/disabled-video-games-can-be-lifesaver/#.UK170LQ3kw4
One Handed Guitar Hero video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_UafzOAqc4