Smartphones and Tablets

Introduction

Smartphones have revolutionized gaming, offering a vast array of titles to suit different preferences. However, accessibility for people with visual impairments often remains a challenge. This guide aims to provide practical tips and information to enhance the gaming experience for visually impaired individuals.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into specific tips, it’s crucial to assess your individual needs:

Level of vision: How much can you see? This will influence the type of games and accessibility features suitable for you.
Preferred game genres: Do you enjoy puzzles, strategy, action, or other genres?
Existing assistive technology: Are you using any screen readers or magnification apps?

Smartphone Settings and Features

Many smartphones come with built-in accessibility features. Here’s how to optimize them:

Display Adjustments:
- Increase text size and display brightness.
- Use high-contrast mode for better visibility.
- Explore color inversion or grayscale options.
Audio Enhancements:
- Adjust volume levels to suit your hearing.
- Enable sound effects and clear speech for audio cues.
- Explore mono audio if stereo causes issues.
Assistive Touch:
- Utilize on-screen buttons for easier navigation.
- Customize gestures for quick access to functions.
Voice Control:
- Explore voice commands for hands-free gameplay.
- Check if your phone supports voice-activated gaming.

Game Selection

Choosing the right game is essential. Consider these factors:

Genre: Games with strong audio cues (e.g., adventure, puzzle) might be more accessible.
Controls: Simple controls are generally easier to navigate.
Accessibility Features: Some games offer built-in accessibility options like colorblind modes or larger text.

Tips for Gameplay

Explore Audio Cues: Pay attention to sound effects, music, and character voices for information.
Utilize Haptic Feedback: If available, use vibrations to understand game events.
Experiment with Controls: Find the control scheme that best suits your needs.
Take Breaks: Gaming can be tiring, so rest your eyes regularly.
Consider External Devices: Explore options like screen magnifiers or controllers for added comfort.

Recommended Games and Apps

While specific recommendations may change over time, here are some general categories of games to consider:

Audio-based games: Games that rely heavily on sound effects and narration.
Turn-based strategy games: These often involve planning and decision-making rather than fast-paced action.
Puzzle games: Many puzzles can be solved using logic and problem-solving skills.

Additional Resources

Smartphone Manufacturer Support: Contact your phone’s manufacturer for specific accessibility information.
Accessibility Organizations: Explore organizations like the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) for advice and support.
Gaming Communities: Connect with other visually impaired gamers for tips and recommendations.

Remember: Everyone’s experience with visual impairment is unique. Experiment with different settings, games, and techniques to find what works best for you.

Check out our list of Accessible Games here.

Reviewers.

Aaron Spelker

Aaron has produced and published a great range of reviews for games that are compatible with VoiceOver on iOS Devices. Aaron has also created a fantastic Facebook Group that you can join to to interact with other and find new games to play. Click here to Enter.