Digital games at SightCity
In recent decades, digital games have evolved from a niche form of entertainment to a central cultural asset. They not only characterise the leisure activities of billions of people worldwide, but also influence art, education, technology and social interaction. As an interactive medium, video games offer unique opportunities for storytelling and experiencing virtual worlds that other forms of media cannot match.
In an increasingly digitalised society, video games have become important social spaces where people can come together, communicate and share experiences regardless of geographical boundaries. They promote problem-solving skills, strategic thinking and can convey complex topics in an accessible way.
The challenges of accessibility in digital games
Despite their cultural significance, digital games often remain inaccessible for many people with disabilities. The challenges are manifold:
- Visual barriers: Most games are highly visually orientated, making them difficult or impossible to play for blind and visually impaired people
- Auditory information: Important game information is often only conveyed via sound, without alternatives for deaf players
- Complex controls: Many games require precise and fast motor skills
- Lack of standards: In contrast to websites, there are no binding accessibility standards for games
- Awareness in development: Many developers lack knowledge about accessible design
SightCity and digital games: Our commitment
SightCity has deliberately focussed on the topic of digital games because we are convinced that cultural participation is a fundamental right. Video games are not just entertainment, but an important part of social life and cultural identity.
By presenting accessible games, we want to:
- Raising awareness of the importance of inclusive game design
- Show developers and publishers concrete examples of successful accessibility
- Opening up new leisure opportunities for people with visual impairments
- Promoting dialogue between game developers and the community
- Driving innovation in the field of accessible technologies
Our gaming lab in collaboration with Xbox and Inclusive Gaming demonstrates that accessibility and gaming fun do not have to be opposites, but that innovative solutions benefit all players.
Games on display
BROK the InvestiGator (COWCAT Games)
BROK the InvestiGator is a ground-breaking adventure game that combines point-and-click elements with beat ’em up mechanics. Set in a dystopian world where animals have replaced humanity, players take on the role of private investigator Brok, an alligator with a dark past.
What particularly characterises BROK is its commitment to accessibility. With the 1.3.0 update, it became the first fully-fledged adventure game that can be played entirely by blind or visually impaired players. Accessibility features include full speech output, audio descriptions, customised puzzles and positional audio for combat sequences.
Dinonid BlindShell (Inclusive Gaming GmbH)
Dinonid is a charming game from Inclusive Gaming GmbH in Leipzig that has been specially adapted for the BlindShell device. It tells the heart-warming story of two loving dinosaurs who want to get together.
Originally created as a game jam project, Dinonid has been expanded with comprehensive accessibility features and serves as an important test platform for inclusive game mechanics. The BlindShell version impressively demonstrates how games can be optimised for devices that have been specially developed for blind and visually impaired people.
Dotris (Braille Tetris) (N A Soft)
Dotris is an innovative reinterpretation of the classic game Tetris that has been specially developed for blind and visually impaired players. Through the use of Braille elements and sophisticated audio design, Dotris makes the iconic block game principle completely accessible.
The game uses spatial audio to convey the position and movement of the blocks, while tactile feedback and Braille visualisations make the playing field tangible. Dotris proves that even fast, reflex-based games can be made inclusive with the right adaptations.
Dreamtrip (Inclusive Gaming GmbH)
You wake up in a completely dark laboratory, completely disoriented and without the slightest idea how you got here. You quickly realize that you are not alone – a fairy, trapped in a cage, asks you to help her…
Why are you here? Where does the narrow hallway lead to? And why the hell are there suddenly talking trees?
Dreamtrip Experience is a three-dimensional “walking simulator” in which the aim is to explore the environment and help the little fairy – using only your hearing! The audio game shows how both orientation and immersion can be created in the game without video content.
Forza Motorsport (Turn 10 Studios/Xbox Game Studios)
Forza Motorsport represents the pinnacle of racing simulation while setting new standards for accessibility in AAA games. The 2023 version of the renowned racing series from Turn 10 Studios and Xbox Game Studios offers extensive customisation options that make the game accessible for people with various disabilities.
Accessible features include audio navigation, customisable difficulty levels, alternative control methods and visual aids. Of particular note is the ability to adjust the pace of the game and activate driving aids, allowing players with limited mobility or vision to experience the joy of virtual motorsport.
Purple Friday (NEEEU Spaces GmbH)
Immerse yourself in an adventure you can hear and feel! Purple Friday is an innovative mobile game that uses binaural 3D sound to create a captivating world full of secrets, excitement and discoveries. Developed with the blind and visually impaired in mind, it offers an equal gaming experience for everyone.
Using intuitive swipe gestures, you can explore interactive environments, solve puzzles, and meet charismatic characters voiced by a professional cast. Over 700 sound effects bring breathtaking locations to life – from deserted islands to fantastic worlds beyond space and time.
Put on your headphones and experience an audio adventure like no other!
Sound of Magic (Everbytes & Jirka Dell’Oro Friedl)
Sound of Magic is an innovative audio game developed by Everbytes in collaboration with Jirka Dell’Oro Friedl, a game design professor. The game creates a rich, imaginative world that can be experienced entirely through sound.
Players are immersed in a magical adventure brought to life by immersive 3D audio, intuitive controls, and a compelling narrative. Sound of Magic shows how audio can serve not only as a supplement, but as a primary medium for gaming experiences, opening up new possibilities for inclusive game development.
The Vale (Falling Squirrel Games)
The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is an award-winning, audio-based action-adventure game from Falling Squirrel Games that has been specially developed for blind and visually impaired players. The game deliberately dispenses with visual elements and tells its story entirely through binaural 3D audio, voice output and haptic feedback.
Players take on the role of a blind princess and experience a medieval fantasy adventure with battles, exploration and character development. The Vale impressively proves that even complex game mechanics and emotional narratives can work without visual components and has received numerous awards for its innovation.
Zoo-Chaos (Inclusive Gaming GmbH)
Zoo Chaos is a humorous and accessible game from Inclusive Gaming GmbH in which the player controls a band of animals that have ended up on Mars. There they have to hold their own against robots and other animals in action-packed, musical battles.
Clever sound design and customizable difficulty levels allow players with different abilities to experience the entertaining chaos. Zoo Chaos demonstrates how accessibility can be integrated into game design from the outset to create an inclusive and entertaining experience.
Visit our gaming lab!
Experience all these games and more in our gaming lab at SightCity. Immerse yourself in the world of accessible digital games, exchange ideas with developers and discover new possibilities for digital entertainment – regardless of your individual abilities.
The Gaming Lab is a cooperation with Xbox and Inclusive Gaming and presents both digital and analogue games that are accessible to all. Our experts will be on hand to answer questions and introduce you to the innovative world of inclusive gaming.
Note on the age restriction
Important note: Due to some of the games presented, we are obliged to carry out a USK (Entertainment Software Self-Regulation) check. For this reason, the digital games area is only accessible to visitors aged 12 and over. We ask for your understanding for this legally prescribed measure. For younger visitors, our area with analogue games is available without age restrictions.