Games for rehabilitation: the voice of the players S M Flynn1,2, B S Lange1,2 1Blue Marble Rehabilitation, Inc Santa Rosa Ave, Altadena, CA, USA 2Institute for Creative Technologies, University of Southern California, Waterfront Dr, Playa Del Rey, CA, USA
[email protected],
[email protected] www.bluemarblegameco.com, www.ict.usc.edu ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to explore the use of video games from the perspective of the disabled player. Over 150 participants responded to an online survey exploring the use of video games for rehabilitation. The respondents represented nine countries throughout the world. The survey consisted of questions regarding subject demographics, living situation, activities of daily living assistance requirements, use of assistive devices, and computer use. Other questions addressed the responders’ disability. Video game play experience, activity, game play, controller use and accessibility are addressed. Questions regarding the use of currently available off the shelf video games in rehabilitation are explored. Lastly, we surveyed the future of video games and how they can be improved for rehabilitation and leisure enjoyment. The results of this survey are presented. In general, individuals with disabilities enjoy playing video games and play video games often. However, players with disabilities would appreciate educating the game industry about disabilities and how to make games with a more “universal game design”. 1. INTRODUCTION From June 2009- June 2010 the authors conducted the first of its kind online survey to hear from individuals with disabilities and those undergoing rehabilitation regarding their opinions of using video games for rehabilitation purposes. This is the first of a series of studies, the results of which intend to address the needs of the disabled community and to better inform game design and user interface development so as to transform how video games are developed and designed.