People with disabilities should be able to fully participate in any activity they want. We all know this, believe it, and are working to make it a reality.
I’d like to share my experience as a visually impaired gamer in order to illustrate how things that are not accessible can be made accessible in hopes of inspiring others to make an activity they are passionate about work for them.
Understanding Visual Impairment
It’s always challenging to articulate to sighted people what seeing is like for me. I’ve been visually impaired my entire life, so I don’t know anything else but what I see, mostly a large blind spot in my central vision.
For simplicity’s sake, let’s just say my level of vision is… pretty bad. I’ve also been a gamer since I was old enough to pick up a controller back in the Nintendo Entertainment System era.
Adapting to Gaming Challenges
I recall finding cheat codes and using tools like GameShark and Game Genie to even the playing field. Games that featured parts with time limits to complete a particular task, like collecting five tokens in under two minutes, proved extra challenging for me.
This is when I would find a cheat code for unlimited time (I’m looking at you, Super Mario 64).
In addition to cheat codes and general hacking (which would eventually contribute to my interest in software development), I also used magnification. I would play GameBoy games under my CCTV (desktop magnifier) and use Windows Magnifier on the computer. Eventually, the computer became my primary gaming vehicle.
There is a lot more flexibility in hacking games to make them accessible that consoles lack. Once OCR became viable, this would be another tool in my gaming accessibility arsenal. Instead of reading lots of text, such as an in-game menu or inventory screen, I’d run OCR via NVDA to read it for me.
The Challenge of Retroactive Accessibility
As we all know, utilizing assistive technology to make software accessible retroactively isn’t the best approach to software development. Accessibility is most effective when implemented from the beginning.
Gaming presents a complex challenge to this rule, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. In fact, many games are fully accessible to blind and visually impaired players. Typically, this means audio-only games.
Sometimes, these games may also include a visual component. Ideally, the visual elements should only parallel the audio experience, creating a more equitable experience.
MUDs: A Game-Changer for Visually Impaired Gamers
One such genre of games is known as MUDs (Multi-user Dungeon). MUDs have been around for decades and are essentially text-based games played in a command-line interface. A screen reader reads the text output while the player types commands into a text box.
MUDs use a Telnet client to communicate with a server where other players are connected. You can interact with other players via in-game chat channels or directly if you are nearby. These games operate in real-time; believe it or not, there is no turn-based aspect. Some of these games even feature sound effects and music for added immersion. The most interesting point to note is that sighted players and blind or low-vision players can play together on equal footing.
In fact, no one ever knows who is actually blind or low vision unless they divulge that information personally. I think this illustrates the best-case scenarios for creating an equitable gaming experience.
The Power of Imagination and Social Interaction
“But Anthony, there are no graphics? How does that work?”
Well, text adventure games are powered by the most powerful graphics engine in existence: your imagination. I’ve never felt as immersed in another world through movies and TV as I do when reading.
The social aspect can truly create a unique experience as you role-play with other characters on quests, become part of a clan, make friends and enemies, and, of course, embark on adventures!
Some MUDs, like Alter Aeon and Materia Magica, have a large population of screen reader users. Imagine a fantasy world where everyone is blind or has low vision. Other MUDs I enjoy include StarWars MUD, Cosmic Rage, Starmourn, all the Iron Realm games, and Cyber Sphere.
A Call for Equitable Digital Experiences
My hope is that the rest of the digital world can draw inspiration from MUDs as they find creative and innovative ways to create an equitable experience for all.
We often focus on necessities like shopping, online banking, and other essential aspects of the digital world for individuals with disabilities. Still, many other areas of digital interaction, such as gaming, are often overlooked.
People with disabilities require more than just the bare minimum of digital accessibility; they also need art, creative outlets, and social opportunities in the digital realm. I believe gaming, particularly MUDs, can demonstrate that creating an equitable digital experience is indeed attainable.
