The internet is like a giant playground where we can talk to friends, learn cool stuff, and find out what's happening in the world. Yet, one of our favourite things to do online is play video games!
However, many games are not accessible to visually impaired people. Well, the good news is: there are more and more games now that everyone can play, without needing vision.
This blog is all about the 8 most awesome video games made for people who are blind or visually impaired. Let's jump in and see which games are the best to play in 2024!
What makes video games perfect for those who are blind?
Many of these games make use of binaural audio to truly transform these audio games and make them more realistic. Binaural audio, also known as 3D audio, is made to enhance the experience.
When listening to binaural audio, each ear picks up separate sounds and the sound changes as the listener moves their head. This results in being able to hear certain sounds coming from all angles.
You are not only hearing sounds from the sides. You can hear sounds from the front, above, behind or below you. This effect makes the sounds more realistic, and it feels like, whatever you hear, is actually near you. The RNIB shares a great narrative about this on their blog.
Taking this in consideration now, let's go for the 8 best mobile games for blind and visually impaired players!
Gaming better on your phone with Hable One
Playing these games is a lot of fun, but the smartphone or tablet screen is often not your ideal input. That's where the Hable One comes in. It's a cool gadget that makes playing games on your phone much easier for those who are blind or visually impaired.
Imagine using a game controller that lets you feel the buttons and controls without having to look at the screen. That's what Hable One does. It has a special design that lets you easily find and press the buttons you need to play games, almost making it feel like you're using a traditional game controller.
The Hable One is not just for games; it allows you to control to entire phone or tablet. This is awesome because it means everyone can join in the fun, even when you struggle to use the touchscreen or when you want to safely keep your phone stored in your bag or pocket.
Plus, the Hable One feels comfortable in your hands, so you can play for hours without getting tired. If you want to know more about how to get one and make your gaming experience way cooler, use this link.
1. A Blind Legend
A Blind Legend is an audio-only action game for smartphones. The game was developed by a French company named DOWNiNO together with radio station France Culture.
The idea behind this online game was to give visually impaired people access to high-quality games and increase the public awareness for this type of disability.
The game is set in the mediaeval era. In the game, you are Edward Blake, the hero. Edward has to rescue his wife Lady Caroline with the help of their daughter Louise.
You control the hero by Multi-Touch Gestures using the touchscreen of your smartphone. A Blind Legend is a great game for anyone that loves action and adventure.
A player of A Blind Legend describes it as a great game and he thinks it’s amazing a game like this was made. The audio is very clear and the game is simple to play but very fun.
2. Blind Drive
Blind Drive is an action-packed arcade game where you drive blindfolded, relying solely on your ears to navigate the chaos of the streets. The game combines humour with high-speed thrills, as players dodge oncoming traffic and police sirens based purely on audio cues.
Developed by Lo-Fi People, Blind Drive offers a unique blend of comedy and adrenaline, making it an unforgettable experience. Its innovative use of sound design puts players in the driver's seat for a wild ride, available on mobile platforms.
3. The Vale: Shadow of the Crown
The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is an audio-based action-adventure game that brings a rich, immersive story to life through sound. Players embark on an epic journey as a blind princess, navigating a world filled with challenges and enemies.
The game uses binaural audio technology to create a 3D sound environment, allowing players to engage in combat, explore landscapes, and interact with characters purely through audio.
The Vale's emphasis on narrative and sound-based gameplay makes it a groundbreaking title for visually impaired gamers, providing a deep and engaging experience without the need for visuals.
4. RS Games
RS Games is a free web-based application. It allows their user to play multiplayer games within your web browser. The games are all accessible with assistive technology.
You can join a public game or create a private game. You don’t need to download anything. You only need your own assistive technology device. Whilst playing the games, all information is communicated within text.
You can use the buttons or keyboard shortcuts to do certain actions within the games. You can play several free multiplayer games on RS Games like Bingo, Blackjack, Cards Against Humanity, Monopoly, Uno and Yahtzee.
5. Feer
Feer is a fast-paced running game designed specifically for the visually impaired and blind gamers. In this game, players navigate through a dark world filled with obstacles and challenges, guided by immersive sound effects and audio cues.
The goal is to collect as many lights as possible while avoiding the lurking zombies. Feer creates an intense gaming experience through its audio landscape, making it a thrilling adventure for those relying on their hearing.
The game is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, offering an accessible yet adrenaline-pumping experience for players of all sight levels.
6. Frequency Missing
Frequency Missing is an interactive audio mystery game where players use sound clues to solve puzzles and uncover a thrilling story. Developed with visually impaired players in mind, the game revolves around Patricia, a radio journalist investigating a series of disappearances.
Players navigate using audio cues, interviewing characters, and solving puzzles to progress through the story. Frequency Missing's engaging narrative and sound-based gameplay offer a unique detective experience, available on smartphones.
7. Sryth
Sryth is an online adventure game. The game is text based which makes it accessible for the blind and visually impaired that use screen reading programs. The game takes place in Sryth, hence the name of course.
Sryth is a heroic fantasy game in which you create and customise a character that will be the brave adventurer. In the game you make progress by finding magical items and armour. You fight goblins, rats and warriors.
There are eighteen skills and eleven disciplines to command. Some of the content is free and available to all. Other content is only available to those who have subscribed.
Players of Sryth are big fans of the game. It is a game to get lost in, it draws you in and you spend hours playing it. They recommend it to others, because it is fun to play but also to improve your screen reading navigation skills!
8. AudioWizards
AudioWizards is an audio game perfectly accessible for people who are blind or visually impaired. Even though it has graphics, the audio is still the main element to play.
In the game you battle enemies with spells that each have their unique sound. The game and the audio was made with blind and visually impaired musicians to make sure the audio fitted well with the game.
The game can be downloaded from GooglePlay and costs $4.99.
In conclusion, we'd love to hear your thoughts on these games. Have you had the chance to play any of them yet? Feel free to share this blog with your fellow gamers, and we wish you many enjoyable gaming sessions ahead!
3 comments
Aayushi
I cant sing up or log in to Sryth – Fantasy Text RPG. Please help. Thank you.
lechner peter
bin neu beim spielen am pc und handy.
vielleicht könnte mir wer beim Einstie in die Spielewelt für blinde helfen.
anja
gibt es sryth auch auf deutsch? denk mal wie immer nicht,. danke für diese seite