After mentioning that I might do a Podcast, I have decided to do one. I want it to be not only informative but fun and entertaining too. To do this, I am asking you for suggestions on what kind of things should be on it. You can either email me or visit the forums under Podcast Show Ideas. I won't rush this because I want the show to be somewhat professional. This Podcast will then be able to turn into the Vidcast.

 

Yesterday I forgot to leave a link to Gamers_w_Disabilities. So here it is: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Gamers_w_Disabilities/

 

I have been on a Yahoo group called Gamers_w_Disabilities for some time and I want talk about it. It is run by a guy named Donovan Collier and he works for a company called Cummins Mid-South L.L.C. He, with his companies support, is working to find ways to enhance the gaming experience for people with disabilities or what I like to call GWD's. They want to network with GWD's and people that support this issue to find ways to make gaming more enjoyablle.

One major thing they are really looking into is to find a way to convince manufacturers that it is feasible and cost effective for them to produce adaptive controllers. I know this can be difficult to do but at least they are willing to try. Donovan said a few months ago that they may be getting the opportunity to present their findings to Microsoft in hopes of convincing them. I know that they are almost done with their white paper to submit to them. I will keep you all informed of the progress they are making. If you can, Donovan needs people to email him "describing the difficulties you face when trying to use conventional game controllers.  How do you manage to use them? Have you had to adapt and in what way?"

The group seems dead but believe me that it isn't. Donovan is really busy with this project and I understand he is also in school at the moment. I did email him telling him about the IGDA GA-SIG so I hope that he joins us. I know he would get some expert help.

 

I finally have the review of the Smart-NAV 3 EG done and it is now up on the computers section. Check it out!

 

I will be having a review on my first game up not long after I finish it. It is Tomb Raider: Legend for the PC. I am finally on the last Boss, I would have finished it earlier but since I was having computer problems it delayed it. Also, all reviews will be short and to the point.

I have been trying to decide rather to make this site open to all disability types or just to a specific type. Well, after reading a message from Michelle Hinn on the IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List saying "it would be great to have a unified partnership with as many accessibility groups as possible. as part of the igda, we have the access to mainstream developers. but when it comes to expertise on gaming for particular disabilities, a group that focuses on a particular disability and gaming is going to be key for us to really see change.", I have made my decision. I will just be focusing on physical disabilities, this will be the easiest way to go since I have this type. I have more expertice in this area.

After being able to use my Smart-NAV 3 EG for some time the review won't be too far off. Has it improved my Counter-Strike ability? The answer is yes but only a little. The more you use it the better you get, as with most things.

 

I have a problem with the new controller direction from Nintendo, Sony and eventually Microsoft. They are cool don't get me wrong, but they are still alienating players like me who can't use them. Nintendo for example says that their new system allows for everyone to play, um, excuse me? Everyone? When are these companies going to realize that they are missing out on even more revenue from a fairly big market? How much more would it cost them to design and make assistive controllers? Even if it costs more it couldn't be that much more. They would probably make it up by selling even more systems. If they need someone to help with any aspect of this, I would be be happy to do it for free. I have some ideas for a few different designs for different disabilities.

I own a Quadcontrol and at this time I can't use it on the 360. I understand that they are working on something to allow for the controller to work on these systems. Until then these companies wont be getting a dime from me.

 

I've been watching a ton of E3 coverage and I'm already having information overload. The big news is of course about the new consoles but right now I just want mention some PC games I am looking forward to. I play mostly on the PC anyway. Can you tell that I like FPS's?

Crysis
Battlefield 2142
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent
CellFactor
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Prey
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars
Alan Wake
Call of Juarez
Huxley
Shadowrun

I will begin discussing the consoles tomorrow and give a rant on the new controller direction.

 

I have been looking at switches to add to my arsenal. After a long search I think I have found the right kind, it is called a Twitch Switch. It works by making small muscle movements to activate it. It says it will work on any body part, I emailed some places just to confirm this and they all said that it does. This is good because I don't really want to use my forehead like the picture shows but would rather use my fingers. I will probably purchase one in the next couple of months. If you have used this device I would greatly appreciate your opinion of it.

On a smaller note, which I know you've all heard by now. What is with Nintendo changing the name of the Revolution to the Wii? I mean come on, Wii? The name is, what's the word? Oh yeah, STUPID!! I heard that the excuse was that people in Japan could not pronounce the word Revolution. If you ask me it's just a marketing ploy to raise more interest before E3.

 

Ever wanted to control a game with just your thoughts? I have always thought about this and now there are companies like NeuroSky and Cyber learning Technology that are making this possible. These systems work by using Neurofeedback. Surprisingly these products are fairly inexpensive and work on the Xbox and Playstation 1 & 2 but not on any other system at the moment.

I also wanted to talk a little about the vidcast I am creating, it may be a few months or more before it releases. For me to make this possible I need to build a server because as you may know bandwidth can be expensive. Right now I am learning Adobe Premiere and After Effects, My brother who produces music is helping me create a theme song and the last thing is a format which still needs some work.

Any input on the Vidcast is welcome. Oh, one more thing I may start a Podcast.

 

I haven't been able to update in a week because my PC was in the shop. My video card was overheating so I had to know the problem and of course the card was failing. At the moment I have this cheap one in until I can save some money, as you know they can be expensive. I am setting my hardware up today and will begin with reguler updates tomorrow.