Analogue games at SightCity
In an increasingly digitalised world, analogue games have lost none of their fascination and social significance. Board games, card games and other haptic forms of play offer an immediate, tangible experience that digital media cannot replace. They promote personal encounters, tactile experiences and a special form of concentration and presence in the moment.
Analogue games have been part of human culture for thousands of years and connect generations through shared experiences. They train strategic thinking, promote social skills and offer a welcome balance to screen time. Especially in times of virtual networking, the shared gaming experience at the table is once again gaining in importance.
Accessibility for analogue games
The challenges for accessible analogue games differ fundamentally from those of digital media:
- Visual information: Game boards, cards and tokens are often highly visual and difficult to recognise for visually impaired people
- Tactile distinctiveness: game elements must be distinguishable by touch
- Rules of the game: Accessible rulebooks in various formats (large print, Braille, audio) are necessary
- Game flow: The game must also work without visual control
- Balance between adaptation and original experience: adaptations should maintain the feel of the game
The good news: thanks to innovative materials, 3D printing and well thought-out design, many analogue games can now be made accessible without compromising the fun of playing.
Our commitment to inclusive play culture
SightCity has deliberately included analogue games in its programme because we are convinced that playing together is an important form of social participation. Playing games connects people of different backgrounds and abilities and creates encounters at eye level.
With our exhibition of accessible analogue games, we would like to:
- Demonstrate the diversity of inclusive play options
- Giving game manufacturers impetus for accessible design
- Show families, educational institutions and leisure groups options for playing together
- Promoting dialogue between game developers, manufacturers and the community
- Promoting innovative approaches such as 3D printing for game adaptations
Classic in barrier-free design
At SightCity, we will be presenting a selection of classic games in an accessible version. These tried and tested games have been carefully adapted to make them accessible for people with visual impairments without changing the original game character.
Chess
Experience the “Game of Kings” in a fully tactile version. The accessible chess variant has clearly distinguishable pieces with different shapes and textures. The board has raised edges between the squares, and the black squares are slightly raised in relation to the white ones. Each square is also labelled with Braille coordinates to make it easier to communicate the moves.
Yahtzee
This popular dice game is presented in a version with tactile dice. The dice have clearly tactile dots and a special dice cup with lid prevents the dice from accidentally falling out. The game pad is available in both large print and Braille, and an innovative tactile grid helps with entering the scores.
Card games
Our collection of accessible card games includes various classics with large, high-contrast symbols and Braille markings. Ergonomic card holders are available for people with limited hand function. Discover how traditional card games can be made accessible for all players through thoughtful adaptations.
Innovative adaptations of modern games
The board game scene has experienced a remarkable upswing in recent years. At SightCity 2025, we will be showing how modern board games can also be designed to be accessible through creative adaptations.
The games on display demonstrate different approaches to accessibility:
Tactile play boards with tactile structures and elevations
Play elements with different shapes and textures
Colour coding complemented by tactile patterns
Innovative holders and positioning aids
QR codes that lead to audio descriptions and digital play aids
You’ll be surprised which well-known titles from the modern board game scene will be presented in an accessible form!
3D printing revolutionises accessible gaming
3D printing plays a special role in the adaptation of analogue games today. This technology makes it possible to produce customised game elements that are precisely tailored to the needs of people with visual impairments.
At SightCity we show:
- How 3D-printed game figures become distinguishable through tactile details
- How game boards with tactile structures and guide rails can be printed
- How modular systems facilitate the adaptation of different games
- How the maker community contributes to the development of accessible gaming solutions
- How you can adapt games yourself with simple means
Experience the fascinating possibilities of this technology and be inspired!
Games that have been designed to be inclusive from the ground up
In addition to adapted games, we also present games that were developed from the outset with the aim of being accessible to all people. These games show that accessibility is not an obstacle to creative game design, but on the contrary can lead to innovative concepts.
The inclusive games are characterised by:
- Multi-sensory game elements that appeal to different senses
- Game mechanics that work without visual control
- Flexible difficulty levels for different abilities
- Co-operative elements that encourage playing together
- Clear, easy-to-understand rules in various formats
Discover how thoughtful inclusive design leads to play experiences that are enriching for everyone involved!
Join in and try it out
The games area at SightCity is not just for looking at – we cordially invite you to get active yourself!
Games tables to try out
You can try out all the games on display for yourself at our games tables. Experienced game guides explain the rules and are available to answer your questions. Experience how accessible games work and how much fun they can be!
Exchange and networking
The games area also offers space for socialising and networking. Meet like-minded people, share your experiences and make contacts in the inclusive gaming community. Game developers, manufacturers and users come together here to learn from each other and shape the future of accessible gaming together.
Playing connects – visit our games area!
We cordially invite you to discover the variety of barrier-free analogue games and experience for yourself how playing together connects people – regardless of their individual abilities. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of tactile gaming experiences and be inspired!
The games area is open throughout SightCity and accessible to all visitors. We look forward to your visit and exciting rounds of games!