SpecialEffect announce the first of their eye gaze accessible games for mobile devices

Using a compatible eye gaze camera with Open Drive, players can steer by looking to the left and right of their vehicle to collect orbs, make jumps and explore the Stunt, Speed, Snow and Meadow worlds. In addition to eye gaze, the game also supports other input methods to increase the motor accessibility of the game. These include the use of accessibility switches, game controllers, keyboard keys and mice, which are also now supported on iOS and Android, alongside touch.

The Open Drive app will recognise which input device is being used on the device and then automatically configure the appropriate control scheme for the player. Gameplay can also be customised, with players able to adjust the gameplay speed to play at a pace that suits them. Slowing the game down will give players more time to line up jumps, catch orbs and respond to the route ahead.

Dr Mick Donegan, Founder and CEO of SpecialEffect, commented, "Globally there are over three billion people who play mobile games on their smart phones or tablets. Even though the devices themselves are becoming increasingly accessible to people living with physical challenges, most mobile games can still only be played using touch control or, in some cases a gamepad. It's for this reason that we have capitalised on this greater accessibility to develop a suite of mobile apps which we hope will be enjoyed by many people with even the most severe physical challenges. We also hope that the games will inspire the mobile games industry to make their own games more accessible, and enjoyable, for people with physical challenges."

Following the release of this first app, more games from their catalogue will follow. From board games, like Chess, Checkers and 4 in a Row, to their marble popper title Mole Miners, the space racing game EyeDrive, and a new tower defence game, titled Badger Badger. Feedback from players will be welcomed, to continue to improve the accessibility of the games.


As well as offering eye gaze and motor accessible games to players, SpecialEffect hope that the games can be an example to game developers on how more input methods, like eye gaze, can be supported on mobile devices. Working with Sun & Moon Studios as developers, the teams have collaborated on utilising accessibility features such as 'Assistive Touch' on iOS and 'Switch Access' on Android. The process has also given the team at SpecialEffect a greater insight into the challenges of developing games, helping inform their developer resources, such as the SpecialEffect DevKit (https://specialeffectdevkit.info/).

Alongside the creation of games for mobile devices, SpecialEffect continue to update their Eye Gaze Games website (www.eyegazegames.com) for PC users, with new features, updates and games. Like the Open Drive app, in addition to eye gaze, the website supports other input methods. Again, these include switch control, game controllers, keyboard, mouse and touch inputs.

Open Drive is expected to be available in the summer, and will be available to download for free (with no in-app purchases) on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).