Beachcomber: Game for the Vision Impaired
Game concept design for visually impaired to be played on the ipad. Poster of project process and findings published at Foundations of Digital Games 2011. A collaboration between the School of Computer Science Engineering and the School of English, Media and Performing Arts UNSW.
“Video games, as their name suggests, are a largely visual medium. To make a video game for the visually impaired would therefore seem to be an exercise in futility, but this is what we are attempting. In reality, the problem is not as
impossible as it sounds. Visual impairment is not always a total lack of sight and even the legally blind can often appre-
ciate some changes in brightness and colour. Furthermore sound and touch are becoming increasingly versatile means
of interaction.
In this paper we present Beachcomber, a game of sound, touch and occasional video being developed at the Game
Design Lab at UNSW in conjunction with visually impaired children from Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Australia.
Our goal is to make a game that is fun and engaging regardless of your level of sight. Early playtesting results confirm
that we are on the right track.”
Concept Design, game play and programmers Nathan Ching & Malcolm Ryan
Graphic designer Ralph Stevenson
Interactive design & graphics Melody Wang
Sound Design Consultant Clare Andreallo
