Processo de playtesting: um case do jogo para deficientes visuais Unsighted Journey

Abstract

Accessibility has been a neglected problem in the gaming industry due to the fast technological development and the increasing game development costs, where one of the most affected audiences by the absence of inclusion in such games are the visually impaired, since visual representation is the principal means of communication between the game and the player. For this reason, this work aims to analyze the gameplay validation process of a video game developed for the visually impaired through the application of playtest sessions between sighted and blind players, in order to improve the game through future game balancing, providing a valid experience for both audiences. Along with the tests, a questionnnaire was applied for further collection and analysis of the users' impressions about their experience with the game. The results showed that in spite of a good acceptance of the idea and a perceptible learning of the testers, game design and game mechanics problems were identi ed that made it impossible for the visually impaired to understand and play the game autonomously. Such adaptation di culties were also perceived among sighted individuals, in addition to the evident di culty in the game, creating perspectives for improvements in future versions.