Unlocking Audio Freedom: Is Synesthetic Gaming the Future of Accessibility for the Visually Impaired?

Unlocking Gaming for the Visually Impaired: Periphery Synthetic’s Groundbreaking Approach

Imagine navigating through a video game without seeing the screen. It’s an exercise we’ve all tried, but for the visually impaired, it’s a reality. Close your eyes, and you’re forced to rely on your other senses to guide you through the game. For blind and visually impaired gamers, this is the norm. But what if you could play a game that was designed specifically for your needs?

Enter Periphery Synthetic, a nonviolent, undemanding space exploration game that’s primarily an auditory experience. Developed by shiftBacktick, this game is designed to be playable without seeing the screen. With a focus on sound, the game uses a combination of two chords and their harmonics and inversions to create a soundscape of over 100 simultaneous and unique sounds.

A Game-Changer for Blind and Visually Impaired Gamers

Periphery Synthetic is more than just a game – it’s a testament to the power of accessibility in gaming. By removing visual elements, the game opens up new possibilities for players who are blind or have low vision. In our own explorations of the game, we found ourselves switching off the graphics and navigating by sound alone. It’s an experience that’s both meditative and compelling, and one that’s all too rare in the gaming world.

The Importance of Accessibility in Gaming

But Periphery Synthetic is more than just a game – it’s a reminder of the importance of accessibility in gaming. For too long, games have been designed with sighted players in mind, leaving blind and visually impaired gamers on the sidelines. It’s a problem that’s not limited to games – many industries still struggle to provide accessible products and services.

The Barriers to Accessibility

So, what’s holding back the industry from providing more accessible games? According to Chris Leech, a psychology PhD researcher, it’s a lack of understanding about the scope of sight loss. "When people hear ‘blind’ they often assume this means someone who can visualise nothing at all," he says. "But many visual conditions mean people can see shapes, blurs, or lights. Vision – the light your eyes process and how your brain perceives and translates this – is, unsurprisingly, really complicated."

Breaking Down Barriers

Periphery Synthetic is a game that’s breaking down these barriers. By designing the game specifically for blind and visually impaired players, the developers have created a product that’s inclusive and accessible. It’s a game that’s not just fun to play, but also challenging and engaging.

The Future of Accessibility in Gaming

So, what does the future hold for accessibility in gaming? For Leech, it’s about education and awareness. "There’s no real way to describe being able to not have to worry about additional faff just to enjoy something," he says. "Your disabled friends, family, colleagues, and community members are expending additional effort all the time. Just to exist. Just to try and get by. I don’t think it’s a lot to ask to let us enjoy our video games in peace. Just like everyone else."

Conclusion

Periphery Synthetic is a game that’s pushing the boundaries of accessibility in gaming. By removing visual elements and focusing on sound, the game has created a new kind of gaming experience that’s both meditative and compelling. It’s a game that’s not just fun to play, but also challenging and engaging. And it’s a game that’s breaking down barriers for blind and visually impaired gamers everywhere.

Key Features:

• Nonviolent, undemanding space exploration game
• Primarily an auditory experience
• Over 100 simultaneous and unique sounds
• Designed to be playable without seeing the screen
• Includes accessibility options, such as the ability to switch off graphics and navigate by sound alone

Platforms:

• PC (available on Steam and Itch)

Availability:

• Out now on PC

Developer:

• shiftBacktick

Publisher:

• shiftBacktick