Should tabletop games be accessible by design? It’s a big question. For example, the basic game Snap favours people with freedom of movement without the same physical limitations as this blogger. But does that make Snap a bad game?
Whatever the answer, some tabletop games are more accessible than others. Asmodee has launched Access+ Studio to tackle the problem.
The game studio will work to make Asmodee’s own games, which include Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Pandemic and Arkham Horror, more approachable for people with disabilities or restrictions, their families and caregivers.
Stephane Carville, CEO of Asmodee, told the press;
Access+ is launched because, at Asmodee, we believe board games are universal. By starting to adapt some of our most popular titles to fit the needs of all, we can strive to make board gaming as inclusive and accessible as possible,”
As an industry leader, we want to create products that can truly make a difference in people’s lives. Board gaming is social by nature, and Access+ titles allow families and friends to re-introduce the fun of board gaming to their loved ones with special needs, creating moments of happiness that can only come from shared experiences.”
The first three games to be adapted are Spot It! Access+ (aka Dobble), Cortex Access+ as well as Timeline Access+.
Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom will get the games, not at first. The 2022 launch markets are France, Canada and Belgium. The rest of the world is due for the games in 2023.
Asmodee won’t be doing this alone, although Asmodee Research is involved. Asmodee Research founder Mikaël Le Bourhis heading up the Access+ studio and told Dicebreaker;
We’ve worked with healthcare professionals every step of the way in order to develop a line of games adapted to people living with cognitive disorders. To develop this line of products, Access+ studied all the benefits games offer (cognitive, emotional, social, behavioural, etc.), based on scientific research, the input of professionals and player studies
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