21 May 2008

Video Game For Visually Impaired

A new computer game developed by MIT and Singaporean students makes it possible for visually impaired people to play the game on a level field with their sighted friends. The game, called AudiOdyssey, simulates a deejay trying to build up a catchy tune and get people dancing. By swinging the remote-control device used by the Nintendo Wii, which senses motion, the player can set the rhythm and lay down one musical track after another, gradually building up a richer musical track.

The Singapore-MIT game lab, developed the prototype for AudiOdyssey in the summer of 2007, and has since been testing it with various groups of players. Since not everyone has access to the Wii controller, the game is also designed to be playable using a regular keyboard. The game is an early prototype and it's limited in the things people can do. A more advanced version of the audio game is under development that will allow for playing against others online, will be released later on this summer.

More information:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515214926.htm

http://gambit.mit.edu/loadgame/audiodyssey.php