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AbleGamers Announces ‘Player Panels’ for Gamers with Disabilities

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AbleGamers recently announced ‘Player Panels’, which will help disabled gamers take the lead on gaming accessibility testing and research. The charity is partnering with developers and researchers alike “to ensure game accessibility is at the forefront of game development.”

What Does AbleGamers Do?

The AbleGamers Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit charity “that aims to improve the overall quality of life for those with disabilities through the power of video games.”

Mark Barlet founded the Charity in 2004. They make specialized gaming rigs, modded controllers, and assistive technology created uniquely for each disabled gamer they work with. This way, they make it possible for people with a wide range of disabilities to play games.

Specialists use technologies such as mouth controllers, eye gaze, and customized modded controllers.  Their goal is to “find a way for people to play video games no matter their disability… we’re using the latest, bleeding-edge technology to bridge the gap between ability and desire.”

AbleGamers also offer grants for disabled gamers whose medical bills make it harder to buy games and equipment. They’re also in the process of opening gaming centers for people with disabilities.

Player Panels

‘Player Panels’ is the next step for AbleGamers– helping change the way developers themselves think about accessibility. The program is “a platform for the voices of gamers with disabilities who need these in-game features.”

The charity is looking to put together a team of players with firsthand experience in gaming accessibility. In partnership with the University of York, panels will be paired with game companies and researchers as accessibility testers. The companies working with AbleGamers ensure proper compensation will be available to all involved.

AbleGamers explained the need for a program like this:“Every year we have countless calls for help from universities, game companies, and other organizations, asking us to provide the names and contact information of people with disabilities. Sometimes, it’s about testing games; other times it is about seeing if a new way of doing things helps make things more inclusive. We felt it was crucial to create a program that would protect players while enabling a database of accessibility testers to be created who WANT to be involved and contacted. We’re aiming to make the largest group of people who want to help shape the future of game accessibility ever created.”

If you’re a gamer with disabilities who’s interested in signing up, you can fill out the application here. If you’d like to support AbleGamers, go here to find out the different ways you can donate!

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Gaming

Documentary Explores the Making of the Highly Praised Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for PS5

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Square Enix has launched a captivating documentary series that explores the intricate process behind the creation of the highly praised Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. In the first episode, titled “Shaping the World,” the developer delves into the process of reimagining the expansive PS1 map of the original game into a vast sandbox for the PS5. The film includes personal stories shared by directors Naoki Hamaguchi and Tetsuya Nomura, as well as other important members of the team.

This reimagining of the all-time PlayStation classic was truly enjoyable. In our review, we praised Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for its ability to enhance the already impressive combat system of Remake. The game truly shines in its portrayal of an iconic RPG setting. If you have a deep appreciation for the original PS1 game and found enjoyment in Remake, then Rebirth’s character-focused adventure will surely captivate you from start to finish.

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Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 for the PS5 and PS4 shows continuous improvement

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While Sony may not classify Gran Turismo 7 as a live-service game, the team at Polyphony Digital certainly approaches it with a similar mindset. The game continues to impress with every new update, and although v1.44 may be smaller compared to previous versions, it still manages to enhance the already extensive content of this simulation racer.

The update, now available worldwide, introduces three new cars: the Audi R8 Coupé V10 Plus ’16, the Lamborghini Urus ’18, and the Toyota GT-One (TS020) ’99. Furthermore, it introduces three fresh events to World Circuits, an extra menu to conquer in the GT Café single-player campaign, and a collection of livery stickers inspired by the upcoming Highspeed Étoile anime, set to debut next week in Japan.

If you’re not already acquainted with Highspeed Étoile, you can watch a trailer right here. “Sony has announced that a collection of 26 stickers, consisting of 8 title logos and 18 main character stickers, will be made available for a limited time,” stated Sony on the PS Blog. In addition, Fukushima will be included as a backdrop in the title’s beloved photography mode.

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Gaming

TopSpin 2K25 appears to be a standout title in the recent PS5 and PS4 gameplay showcase

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This author has consistently praised the realistic portrayal of tennis in TopSpin 4. After more than a decade, we are thrilled to witness the release of TopSpin 2K25, which expands upon the success of its renowned predecessor. This gameplay video provides a comprehensive overview of the features discussed in our recent preview while also incorporating relevant footage to enhance understanding.

The series’ swing system sets it apart from arcade-style games like Virtua Tennis, as it requires players to charge up their shots in a different way. In order to succeed, timing is crucial, and fortunately, a new meter above your player will assist you in achieving that. Surfaces have their own distinct characteristics, such as clay, where you’ll experience a noticeable amount of sliding.

The game ensures that every player has a distinct set of animations, adding a touch of individuality to each competitor. The courts, found in all Grand Slams, possess a remarkable amount of individuality and charm. It is mentioned in the video that with each in-game season, players can expect a plethora of additional content, such as animation packs. This indicates that there will be plenty to anticipate even after the game’s initial release.

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