Transcript…
Hi, I’m Frankie one of the Occupational Therapists here at SpecialEffect.
In this video, we’ll introduce the new Android apps that SpecialEffect have created and show some of the ways in which they can be played.
The games originated on our website for PC. This started primarily as a suite of games for players using eye gaze technology, but also supports a range of input devices and methods.
As other platforms, like Android, added more accessibility support, we wanted to open up our games to players on these devices.
To support as many users, as possible, to play with these devices, the games do not require you to drag. This may also help some players using touch who may find swiping and dragging difficult. Onscreen buttons are also made as large as possible, whilst keeping as much space between them to avoid accidental selections for mouse and touch users.
Touch/Mice
To optimize the games and support them on these platforms, we have been making them into apps. For instance, Android supports the use of mice and alternative assisted mice. Players can move the cursor and then select an on-screen target, using either left click or using the Android Auto-click feature. This automatically clicks when a cursor is stationary over a target.
Many of SpecialEffect’s games have two control modes. These are ‘Classic’ and ‘Precise’. Using Othello as an example, in ‘Precise’ mode, you can place a piece directly on the board by selecting a free square. The objective is to change the majority of the pieces on the board to your color by the end of the game. You switch your opponent’s pieces to your colour, by placing your pieces either side of theirs.
Using ‘Classic’ mode, you get larger targets. You use the two large buttons on the left of the screen to select where you place your piece.
Game Controllers
Android also supports games controllers, enabling players to use devices such as a standard Xbox controller or the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
This controller allows players to connect peripherals, such as joysticks and accessibility switches, to create a custom layout for them.
Again, using Othello as an example, the left stick allows you to navigate the onscreen buttons, and the A button allows you to select them.
Keyboard
You can also use a keyboard in a similar way, using the arrow buttons to navigate across screen and the Enter button to select the button you want.
For players who benefit from using a reduced number of inputs, the game support either one or two button switch access.
Switch Access
‘Switch Access’ allows players to navigate through onscreen targets using one switch input and then another switch input to select.
Alternatively, you can use just one switch to start an automatic scan through, then, when the button you want is highlighted, you can press the same switch again to select it.
Switch Access lets you choose various inputs as your switch. This includes accessibility switches, controller buttons or keyboard keys.
In addition, some people may be able to use the ‘Camera Switch’ option and use facial gestures, such as looking left or right as their switch.
We will finish by showing the games that have been created and examples of different control inputs players can use to access them.
As we recently announced, Open Drive, one of our games from our Eye Gaze Games website, will be the first of our games coming to both iOS and Android for eye gaze users on these devices.
Like the games on our website, whilst the games were initially created for eye gaze users, these versions of the games will also be playable with other input methods supported on these devices, such as games controllers or switch control, which are now also available on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
Ahead of Open Drive’s release on both of these platforms, Android users are now able to access many of our games from the Google Play Store. These include board games, such as Checkers, Snakes and Ramps and 4 in a Row, alongside puzzle games like Sudoku and Sudoku Monsters.
These games have been created to enable players to use their preferred Android control method. In addition to supporting players using touch by offering large on-screen buttons and by removing swipes, the apps are also designed to be played with the following input methods: a mouse cursor, switch access, a game controller or a keyboard. Information on the controls for each game can be found on their store pages. Please note, switch control requires the use of the free Switch Access app from Google.
This release on Google Play for Android is a first step before our games are made available on both Android and iOS. As well as bringing the completed games to those on Android sooner, they will allow us to get feedback on what can be improved on all platforms. The iOS versions of the games will be released individually on the App Store, as they are completed.
The games can be downloaded for free on the Google Play Store, here: SpecialEffect Google Play Store Page.
List of games:
More information on each of the games, can be found in the description on their store pages on Google Play:
Snakes & Ramps
Objective – Roll and race to the finish by climbing the ramps and avoiding the snakes! Google Play link: Here
Checkers
Objective – Jump your opponents pieces to take them, moving diagonally up the board. Google Play link: Here
4 in a Row
Objective – Be the first to line up four disks in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row. Google Play link: Here
Othello: The Galactic Championship
Objective – End with the most pieces by placing them either side of your opponent’s. Google Play link: Here
Sudoku
Objective – Fill and complete all 39 grids, by lacing one of each number in a box and line. Google Play link: Here
Sudoku Monsters
Objective – Place one of each colour in a quadrant or line to complete the board. Google Play link: Here
Solitaire Gem Quest
Objective – Collect the most gems that you can, by hopping one over another into a space. Google Play link: Here
Badger Badger
Objective – Protect Badger’s home from Mole by setting up defences against his critters. Google Play link: Here
Open Drive
Objective – Collect orbs, do tricks and explore! Google Play link: Here
Eye Drive (Beta – Open Testing)
Objective – Race in space to get the best time in the EyeDrive tournament! Google Play link: Here
Mole Miners (Beta – Open Testing)
Objective – Get mining and collect the treasure! Google Play link: Here
Troubleshooting:
How do I customise my controls?
Unlike our website (www.eyegazegames.com) where you configure your controls in a set-up wizard, the apps will recognise which control input you are using when you open the app and will configure the game controls to be played with that device for you. Depending on the game and input method, you may also be able to customise your controls in the game’s menu, choosing between ‘Classic’ or ‘Precise’ mode. In our board or puzzle games, ‘Classic’ mode often gives the player larger targets onscreen to select, whilst ‘Precise’ may use smaller targets and require greater accuracy, but will often take less time to make your move. In our driving games, ‘Precise’ mode will enable you to control the vehicle more directly, such as by following your mouse cursor or touch, whilst ‘Classic’ mode will give you a larger button (or buttons) to select onscreen, if direct control is not suitable for your chosen input method.
Switch control is not working:
Currently, the apps are designed to work with one or two switches via Google’s ‘Switch Access’ app. This is available for free and can be downloaded on the Google Play store, here: Switch Access app. Instructions on setting up the app with your switches can be found, here: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6122836?hl=en-GB
Game controller has stopped working:
If a player’s game controller has stopped working in the app, often this has happened after a player has left the app and then returned to it or if the device has gone to sleep and then turned back on. You can either close the app and reopen it, or, if you are able to access to device using touch, you can often navigate to another screen in the game and the controller will begin controlling the game again.
For any other questions about using the apps, please contact SpecialEffect: Contact Us