Gaming and entertainment technologies for includification

Abstract

We propose research focussing on new approaches to help disabled persons to gain access to the world of computer games. In this context, Includification means actively helping disabled people to become competitive players, being able to master and win difficult and challenging computer games, either played against the computer or other human players, abled or disabled. Since disabilities may present a significant drawback in terms of reaction time, coordination, cognitive skills, or other aspects, computer games should actively balance such drawbacks to even the chances to win. The goal goes way beyond the commonly used term Accessibility which usually simply means improving audio/visual presentation, and requires changes starting at the game design, up to providing advanced software components, to include algorithms that actively support these players and fill the gap between abled and disabled gamers.