Son of Oak Game Studio, the publisher behind popular tabletop RPGs like City of Mist, :Otherscape, and Legend in the Mist, is lending its support to important academic research focused on video game accessibility for players who are blind or have low vision (BLV).
The studio recently reached out to its community, encouraging participation in a study conducted by their junior game designer, Kend’or Wilson. It’s important to note that Son of Oak Game Studio is solely facilitating recruitment as a supportive gesture and is not involved in conducting the research or accessing the collected data. This support comes even as the studio manages its currently live Kickstarter campaign for Cairo:Otherscape.
About the Research
Kend’or Wilson is pursuing research in Cognitive Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The study aims to gather valuable insights into the experiences of BLV players with video game accessibility features (or the lack thereof).
The primary goal is to provide game developers with direct, actionable feedback from the BLV community. By understanding the challenges and needs of these players, the research hopes to encourage the integration of more effective accessibility features into future game designs, ultimately fostering a more inclusive gaming landscape.
Study Details
- Format: Anonymous online survey hosted on the Qualtrics platform.
- Content: 27 questions regarding experiences with video game accessibility.
- Estimated Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.
- Process: Participants will need to sign a consent form before accessing the survey link.
How to Participate
The research team is seeking participants who meet the following criteria:
- Are 18 years of age or older.
- Have experience playing video games.
- Are blind or have low vision.
If you meet these criteria and are interested in contributing to this valuable research, you are encouraged to contact Son of Oak Game Studio. Based on their communication, sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Call For Study Participants: Gamers With Visual Impairment” should connect you with Kend’or Wilson for the next steps.
If you know someone who fits the participant profile, please consider forwarding this information to them. Your participation or help in spreading the word can significantly contribute to improving video game accessibility for everyone.
