Ablegamers Games For Health Recap

Saturday, 13 June 2009 21:01 Written by Steve Spohn

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Games For Health 2009 was held in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts. AbleGamers' Mark Barlet was Master of Ceremonies with AbleGamers' Nissa Ludwig at his side. They were speakers on the topic of accessible gaming at the Game Accessibility Day. Their speeches went off without a hitch, drawing some of the biggest crowds that a game accessibility presentation has ever drawn, a two-fold increase over attendance at last year's same event.

While there were several sessions for the AbleGamers team, their signature talk was titled "Accessibility Opens Windows to the World," which details the world as seen through an anonymous disabled gamer, and how off the shelf games can offer those with disabilities a way to flex their minds, and make personal connection with people they may have never meet in person. The presentation featured the view from a bedroom window and the real window into the world for this individual; the computer monitor. It demonstrated in a very real way how a great game can be a "window to the world"

We also did a great game accessibility arcade, an all day event that allows anyone to try out some of the great technology out there that enables disabled gamers to kick ass. Here are some great pics of the goings on here.

After the presentation, AbleGamers presented a surprise party put together with the help of Harmonix themselves. That's right, the makers of Rock Band helped us throw a party that included allowing partygoers the opportunity to play one of the newest favorite crazes around today. After a day of classes that talked about subjects ranging from developing "games" for helping treat various medical conditions, to long academic slides showing how the Wii fit can improve the heart (I wonder how much that study cost?), this group of serious researchers and medical professionals took the opportunity to really let their hair down and have a blast.

As if that wasn't enough, the AbleGamers party wrapped up with access to the new Beatles expansion, which only premiered at E3 a week ago. That means, those that were at the party were given an opportunity to play a game not yet available and that only a few groups had been able to try. Rey Muradaz, of the Interactive Aging Network said, "Last night was probably the most fun I’ve ever had at a conference, and that’s saying a lot. It was great to be able to have such a good time with people who are all together for such a good reason."

The party was a huge success and it included guest appearances by a few people we could definitely name drop, including Ben Heck (Heckendorn) who used his magic hacking skills to help make our accessibility sign a little bit more visible.

Nissa, in her infinite wisdom, was networking like a champion. AbleGamers received more compliments on the presentations and questions about our cause than in previous years. On one particular amazing note, Nissa and Mark met an amazing contact that will be building a game to assist NASA. These types of Serious Games often missed the mark on accessibility and these people are well aware of that weakness. They have requested AbleGamers to serve as consultants from the ground up to make sure that these simulations are accessible. Congratulations AbleGamers, we are breaking into Serious Games whether we want to or not.

Yet another privilege these lucky adventurers received was an invitation to the home of Ralph Baer, maker of many video games including the game pong was stolen from and the creator of Simon, TV Teddy, the cousin to Teddy Ruxpin. Ralph has an amazing home and we very much enjoyed the opportunity to see his environment. His basement was half showcase to this man's life work, and half workshop. At the age of 87, he is still taking things apart to see how they work. And of course, our own Mr. Barlet couldn't pass up the opportunity to get his very own copy of Simon autographed!

Friday also found Mr. Barlet doing an interview on the nationally syndicated show, Dave Graveline's "Into Tomorrow." It will air next weekend, stay tuned for a link.

We hope you enjoyed our recap of Games for Health! Some of this may not sound like earth shattering news. However, it's important to understand AbleGamers is receiving more credibility at an incredible rate. Some things, we can't even reveal to the public.

Many good things are on the horizon AbleGamers, stay tuned as we announce even more amazing opportunities for us and for you. In the meantime, check out our poetry contest to win a brand-new SmartNav, Popcap Games, and Gamefly subscriptions!