Xbox Kinect Can Work for Gamers in Wheelchairs

posted on Jul 12 by amelia in the Technology, Wheelchair Accessibility, Wheelchair Technology category

Many of you have probably heard about the new xbox coming out this fall called Kinect. This new technology allows users to dance, run, dodge, bend, and kick instead of using any controllers such as the current xbox or wii console games.  This is a fascinating turn in technology towards a completely hands-free gaming experience, but do they have gamers with disabilities in mind?

At the unveiling earlier this year, it was noted that the game was not very accessible to those on the couch or in a wheelchair - you had to stand to play.  In response, this is being changed in time for the launch.  The new Xbox Kinect will have the capacity to be used sitting or standing - yet, it is up to individual game developers to include sitting as a recognized stance in the game. This means that you will need to look at the individual games in order to know if it is compatible with gamers in wheelchairs.

Microsoft has focused on making Kinect compatible with seated gamers in the menu system for browsing Netflix movies, Xbox Live, and other apps already.  They recognized that it won’t do much good to have an enabled game for sitting if you have to stand up to access it.

This also gives developers the chance to create games that are based on sitting and perhaps offer new challenges or maneuvers for game play.

Kinect was announced last year under the name Project Natal and will hit stores this November.

Have you seen this new technology with the Xbox Kinect?  Check it out: Here is the original video showcasing the Xbox Kinect, formerly known as Project Natal.

Here is a video showing how the menu system will work along with other sneak previews.