SXSW 2012 - Thoughtless Design Leaves Disabled Gamers Logged Out

Thoughtless Design Leaves Disabled Gamers Logged Out
Event	Interactive 2010
Format	Panel
Organizer	Michelle Hinn – IGDA Game Accessibility Group
Description	With approximately 20% of the US having some sort of disability, potential gamers are being left out of game play due to most design being far too conservative. How different disabilities affect game play and how game design can be more innovative to achieve social justice will be discussed.
Questions Answered	What is game accessibility? What issues do gamers with disabilities face depending on the type of disability they have? What are some concrete ways to create more accessible games? What support communities exist for gamers with disabilities? What developer communities exist for game designers to learn more about issues disabled gamers face? What types of controllers do disabled gamers typically use and where is this technology available? Why is game accessibility important to people with disabilities and what benefit(s) could there be? How does accessible game design help non-disabled gamers? How do game designers and creative directors feel that accessibility impacts their designs in negative and positive ways? What are some examples of commercial games that have been commercially successful and included accessibility features?
Level	Intermediate
Category	Accessibility / Web Standards, Design Thinking, Digital Divide, User Experience, Video Games

Thoughtless Design Leaves Disabled Gamers Logged Out