VisioVR: A Virtual Reality game for students with multiple disabilities

Eline, the project leader of VisioVR, is a student at Fontys ICT in Eindhoven. Through the Open Learning programme, she and other students are given the opportunity to work on various projects throughout the academic year. In September 2023, Visio presented them with a project: "Visio had purchased VR headsets and wanted to know if we could develop something that their students could use."

Gaming for People with Disabilities

Eline and her fellow students were immediately enthusiastic: "It seemed like an amazing project to work on." They began by researching VR accessibility and how students with visual impairments could play a VR or video game. "VR is not inherently accessible to everyone, but it does offer the potential to deliver unique experiences."

Their research revealed that video games are increasingly designed with various disabilities in mind. For example, colourblind players can benefit from higher contrast or adjusted colours, while visually impaired players can receive audio support during gameplay. This could include descriptions of film scenes or objects while playing. Similarly, Xbox broke new ground by releasing the Xbox Adaptive Controller, a device specially designed for people with disabilities.

Virtual Reality for Visually Impaired Students

To develop the VR game, the students visited the Visio School in Haren. "The students were immediately enthusiastic, which made us realise just how special this project was. Students with disabilities learn differently, and it’s fantastic that we can contribute to that."

VR involves more than just visuals and sound. In the gaming world, the VR controller can vibrate, providing what’s known as haptic feedback. The VR headset also supports 3D audio, allowing a player to hear an object from the left or right side of the environment. By focusing on these two elements in the game, visually impaired students can also experience what it’s like to play.

VR Basketball

The game, named VisioVR, is relatively simple. Students use a controller to pick up a basketball and throw it into a hoop. After five successful shots, the player moves further away from the hoop, making the level more challenging. "This is relatively straightforward for someone without a disability. But try picking something up when you’re visually impaired, or using the controller if you have limited mobility in your arms or hands." These challenges were addressed in the new game.

Visually impaired students, for example, receive an audio tutorial, hear a sound when they pick up the ball, and the hoop emits a 3D audio signal, helping the player locate it.

With the VisioVR Basketball game, the ICT students aim to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the digital world. They hope to inspire others and see many more accessible virtual reality and video games developed for this target audience in the future.

Text: Eline Vooijs