See below for sources/reference material
"Escapism - the ability to forget about the ordinary or unpleasant realities of life in favor of a preferable experience - is considered one of the chief reasons gamers indulge in their hobby.
The practice of escapism intuitively becomes even more important to an individual who is disabled by society or their surroundings. Whether the individual has a physical, auditory or cognitive impairment, the video-game experience in theory should act as a great equalizer. In the world of video games, anything is possible if the capacity to engage in these experiences is not denied to us. What if a physical limitation leaves a gamer unable to use a standard console controller? What if the lack of subtitles prohibits the entire deaf community from experiencing a blockbuster title? The bottom line is that the majority of video-game hardware, software and peripherals are unnecessarily inaccessible to many gamers with disabilities." - Meagan VanBurkleo, GameInformer Magazine
Please join us Thursday, August 14 at GameWorks when journalist Meagan VanBurkleo of GameInformer magazine presents her investigation into accessibility in the video-game world. She will touch on the link between accessibility and usability, break down how specific disabilities affect gameplay, highlight accessibility pioneers within the video-game industry, and discuss what gamers with disabilities are looking for in future products. She will also highlight several steps that developers can take toward making their products more accessible, and end her presentation with a comprehensive list of additional resources for individuals interested in the topic.
Afterwards, we invite you to do your own research into game design downstairs at GameWorks’ Game Arena (with a full service bar) - featuring a large variety of popular new games like Dance Dance Revolution and Indy 500, or classics like a relaxing game of billiards.
RSVP by Aug 11 rsvp@upamn.org
Meagan VanBurkleo
Meagan VanBurkleo is proudly a nerd of many faces. Ever since Lara Croft entered her life, she knew that video games had the ability to profoundly impact lives. Her love of video games, fostered by her two brothers, grew year by year until it became the passion that it is today. She went on to study graphic design and journalism at the University of Minnesota - hoping either to work as a UI designer for a game development studio or to work for a video game publication. VanBurkleo currently works for Game Informer Online - the official website associated with the number one video game magazine in the nation - which gives her a unique behind the scenes look into the gaming industry. VanBurkleo also enjoys reading comics, collecting action figures, traveling to conventions and keeping up with the trends and culture of her industry.
If you or someone you know would like to attend, please register by emailing rsvp@upamn.org that you will attend.
Know someone interested in usability? Feel free to invite them to an upcoming meeting. Visitors are always welcome. Please forward this announcement to other area professionals who might have an interest in UPA-MN meetings or activities.
Do you have an idea for a future meeting or know someone you think would be a good speaker? Contact our Program Directors (ProgramDirector@upamn.org) with your suggestions.