Cutting-edge technology has paved the way for visually-impaired individuals to participate in the realm of video gaming. With the assistance of AI software and machine learning algorithms, those with sight impairments can now engage in playing first-person shooter games, an accomplishment that was previously beyond their reach.
Games such as Call of Duty, among others, have been widely popular among gaming enthusiasts. However, the visually-impaired community has encountered limited opportunities to partake in these immersive experiences. According to the non-profit organisation Ablegamers, an estimated 50 million aspiring players are eager to become part of the FPS community.
The innovative JBL Quantum Guide Play, developed by the benevolent organization, has set the stage for inclusivity in the gaming industry. By integrating audio cues over objects and locations in games, the tool empowers visually-impaired gamers to navigate virtual environments. Through advanced head tracking and Spatial Audio technology, it simulates echolocation, granting players a heightened sense of awareness within the gaming environment.
The fact that the JBL Quantum Guide Play is compatible with any headset and is available at no cost makes it even more accessible for the visually-impaired gaming community. Paralympic athlete and visually impaired gamer, Sophie Soon, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I believe gaming is now a genuine possibility for me,” after testing the technology. Similarly, digital accessibility specialist and visually impaired gamer, Josh Tseng, shared, “It feels really nice to be included in a multiplayer game like this.”
Grace Koh, of JBL’s parent company Harman, underscored the company’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive gaming community. She emphasized the potential of gaming to unite people and provide immersive experiences for players of all abilities. Koh also announced that the JBL Quantum Guide Play is open-source, enabling brands and developers to adopt and contribute to its enhancement, furthering the mission of accessibility in first-person shooter games.
The JBL Quantum Guide Play is now available for download at no cost, and gamers are encouraged to provide feedback on their user experience. This groundbreaking development follows a study which suggests that video game makers are not adequately catering to gamers with disabilities. Despite the video game industry’s explosive growth, valued at around £7.05bn, research indicates that many disabled individuals feel excluded due to specific challenges such as control options, hard-to-read text, fast-paced gameplay, and flashing lighting effects. In fact, 39 per cent have had to discontinue playing a game due to these barriers.
The study further revealed that 52 per cent of participants expressed a desire to see more characters in games representing their disability, believing that this would encourage them to play more. The ongoing efforts to address these challenges, as seen through the development of the JBL Quantum Guide Play, signify a significant step towards a more inclusive and accommodating gaming environment for individuals with disabilities.