The Retro Remakes 2008 Big Compo looks to make a 'Game For Helen'

One area where arcade titles have tread before is that of making a game that can be played by people who may have a disability that prevents them from enjoying games otherwise. Atari Games did it with San Fransisco Rush 2049 and I have heard of a few other games using similar features. I’m happy to report that a competition will begin on September 1st where the goal is to design an arcade title – which can be anything that you’d find in an arcade whether it’s a video game, pinball, air hockey, pool, cranes, etc. – that can be “[bring] games to those who cannot play arcade type games using conventional controls due to disability.” For first prize they are giving away a nice laptop computer that is worth £1200! That and you’ll feel great working on such a project as well.

Hit the post break for the full rundown on the compo including some tips and links for those interested in getting started and good luck to those who enter!

Also [Retro Remakes Compo Website] [Discuss on the Forum]

Retro Remakes ”A Game for Helen” competition links up with the Special Effect project of the same name to bring an inclusive arcade experience to kids and young adults in the hospices Helen and Douglas House. This is especially aimed at bringing games to those who cannot play arcade type games using conventional controls due to disability.

This category of the Retro Remakes competition will be looking for entrants to create accessible updated counterparts of real or imagined arcade games from the 1920’s to date. These can include mechanical, electro-mechanical and video games. Basically – anything at all you might find in an amusement arcade through the ages.

Hopes? Eye Tracker and One Switch compatible games for PCs with some good additional accessibility features/options (more on that later). Genres? Pinball, Fortune Telling Machines, Crane Machines, Fruit Machines, Bowling games, Shooting Gallery, Horse Racing games, Whack-a-mole, Shove-a-penny, Pool, Air Hockey, Pachinko, Table Football, Atari SteepleChase for one or more players, something with big explosions in, humour… Anything!

You may ask how on earth do I create a game for Eye Trackers or for a single switch? Fear not – if you have a mouse, a left-mouse button and a space bar – you have all the hardware you need. Next? Follow these links to “Design Tips For Eye Tracker Games” and “Design Tips for One Switch Games” for more.

Extra accessibility features? “Barriers in Games: Why Can’t They Play?” still stands as a very useful guide. But really – anything you can imagine. Just don’t forget to make your game fun for as many people as you can.

Useful Links:

Retro Remakes 2008 Big Compo Page
Retro Remakes Competition Forum
Retro Remakes Accessibility Assistance Forum