Accessible Game of the Year Award Awarded to Dragon Age: Origins

Ablegamers is a website that reviews and rates games based on accessibility. Recently, it gave EA/Bioware's Dragon Age: Origins the most accessible game of the year award. "What makes this title so exceptional is the level of options given to the gamer to choose their level of accessibility. Options are the key component to adding accessibility without harming the overall gameplay of the title." said Mark Barlet, the Editor in Chief of Ablegamers. Dragon Age gives the gamer many accessibility options, such as subtitles, the ability to play with one hand, and options for deaf gamers and colorblind gamers. However, the main strength is in the sheer number of options you have regarding the controls. Barlet says "this is crucial, it is all about the options. Not all gamers will use them, but for those that need to use them it is good that they are there." Dragon Age offers subtitles, the characters can be manipulated with a mouse or keyboard (including on-screen keyboards), fonts are improved and easily read, even for those with color impairment. Another interesting feature is that you can pause the game during action packed scenes, and while the game is paused, you can input orders for actions to take place after the pause is over. The gaming industry is beginning to ask the right questions, and becoming more open to the idea of accessible games. Gaming has for a long time been thought of as beneficial for rehabilitation, physical therapy, exercising the mind, and of course, fun! A recent study at the Indiana University School of Medicine hooked up gaming systems in three teenager patient's homes and had them play everyday for 30 minutes. At the end of the study, the kids improved significantly in many areas and could use their injured hands much better. This study is a sign that games may be a great way to administer physical therapy for all sorts of health issues. If you're interested in other accessible games, check out Aion by NCSoft, and Torchlight by Runis Games. Both received high marks from AbleGamers in their reviews. Do you play video or PC games? If so, what are your favorites? Source: Ars Technica See our previous coverage of Able Gamers Indiana University Gaming Study