#0. Enjoying Games Like Never Before, with Dot Vision.
In the past, it was difficult for visually impaired individuals to enjoy games. Games mainly focused on visual elements, making them less accessible. However, with technological advancements and increased focus on accessibility, visually impaired individuals can now enjoy games more freely.
While many tactile card games have been created, the variety available for PC and mobile platforms still needs to improve. But how did SmileShark and Dot's developers collaborate to create the world's first tactile game, Dot Vision?
The Dot Vision project began with the collaboration between SmileShark, which specializes in cloud server consulting and is expanding into mobile gaming, and Dot, which offers Dot Pad for game development and contributes insights for improvement. Despite initial challenges, the developers from both companies successfully communicated and collaborated to bring Dot Vision to life.
#1. Introducing Dot Vision, the World's First Tactile Game.
To celebrate World Braille Day on January 4th, we're thrilled to introduce Dot Vision, the first tactile game designed for visually impaired individuals. We've launched 8 games, with ongoing content updates planned. Later this year, we'll introduce tactile slot machines, blackjack, and other board games that visually impaired individuals can enjoy. Let's start with an introduction to the initial 8 games.
- Find the Difference Pictures.
- Find Different Characters.
- Ladder Game.
- Rock Paper Scissors.
- Block Matching.
- Find the Zodiac Sign.
- Sword and Shield.
- Dungeon Escape.
#2. Once I got into the game, I couldn't stop!
Before Dot Vision was officially launched, we had a chance to demo at some of the exhibitions in the US and Sightcity, and people were really into it. Special education teachers who work with visually impaired students were especially interested.
In the US 🇺🇸
At the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) convention in the USA, many retired veterans with vision challenges discovered Dot Vision. These veterans, who used to enjoy fun board game nights with their families before losing their sight, were thrilled about using Dot Pad to bring back those special times. It wasn't just about playing games; it was about reconnecting with family and having a great time together again. They couldn't wait to play games with their grandkids this summer holiday!
In German 🇩🇪
The guy in his 50s, dealing with vision issues, tried out "Dungeon Escape," a game from Dot Vision, at the Dot booth. He was excited to discover he could play the game using touch. He greatly enjoyed it, saying, "Games are way more fun when challenging." He chose the hardest level and played "Dungeon Escape" for 20 minutes. He was so engrossed that he lost track of time and left, saying, "Gotta come back and play again." He ended up buying the Dot Pad.
In Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
At a school in Astana, Kazakhstan, this girl played games like "Find another Figure" and "Fit Block" on Dot Vision. She thought it was cool how these touch games could be fun and helpful for students like her who are visually impaired. She mentioned how these games could make learning shapes like triangles, squares, and circles easier, which can be tricky to understand through braille alone. "It'll make learning shapes fun and help us pick them up quicker and easier!"
#3. How far can the vision of Dot Vision go?
Dot Vision aspires to open up new possibilities for the visually impaired. It goes beyond mere entertainment, aiming to be a practical tool for education and daily life. Our ultimate goal is to break down barriers to learning through this digital tactile game.
In the future, with advancing technology, we plan to expand our offerings to include a variety of educational content and tools for the visually impaired. Dot Vision remains committed to realizing this vision. Our journey has just begun in helping visually impaired individuals dream big and achieve those dreams. Stay tuned for updates!