Gaming Can Be Accessible For All: Musings From A Future Twitch Streamer By Jason Hahr

image of the Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit


I have been writing for this blog for 12 years. I have found a new passion in the form of advocacy, and over the last 12 years, I have not only found my voice but have also helped others find theirs. However, when I was younger, I had a slightly different passion, which some would have called an obsession. I was a hardcore gamer. The first system I could play by myself was the Super Nintendo. My favorite game was Bart’s Nightmare—one of the many Simpsons games that came out in the early '90s. I also played the classics such as Paperboy and Yoshi’s Island, just to name a few. That slowly changed as time progressed; my love for video games did not disappear, but my ability to use my hands drastically changed, and even though, whenever possible, I used an adaptive controller. It was basically an arcade-style joystick with big buttons to make it easier to see.

Also, you did not have to use a great deal of force for the buttons to react to your touch. Unfortunately, as time and technology progressed, the Super Nintendo system was rendered obsolete, and two major systems took its place. They are the PlayStation and Xbox. Apparently, as my fiancée says, “I live under a furnished rock.” Usually, she is talking about herself when she says this. However, this time it applies to me. I was not aware that both companies have reintroduced adaptive controllers. She recently sent me a video on Facebook.

The video was posted by the account Roll With Cole and Charisma. Cole and Charisma are an interabled couple. In the video, Cole is playing a game on his Xbox using an adaptive controller. How is this possible? I don’t know everything about his setup, and I would love to interview him for a future blog, but from what I can tell, he has a unique setup. He was using the Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit and a goal post joystick similar to the ones found on some power wheelchairs. Thanks for sharing, love bug.

Watching the video reinforced the idea that I needed to write this article about adaptive gaming. Before I sign off, I would be remiss if I did not mention that the developer of the popular game Minecraft is also looking into making gaming accessible for all. I would love to get in contact with the developers of the games and pick their brains, or at least be able to inform the Voiceless Minority community about the future of accessible gaming. Till next time, your friendly neighborhood super advocate, gamer at heart, Jay.

 

 


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