TouchTracks and SoundPaths: HCI Patterns for Blind-Accessible Game Interaction

• Elvis Mondal

  Author

Despite significant advances in the area of inclusive game development, digital games are still mainly visual experiences that create important accessibility barriers for blind and visually impaired players.  This study examines game accessibility within the framework of human-computer interaction (HCI) and proposes a structured set of Universally Accessible Game Design (UAGD) principles. By reviewing all the literature and current industry practice, the study identified visual dependency, navigation complexity, cognitive load, technical implementation limitations, and lack of accessibility standards as the key challenges. In order to overcome these limitations, we propose a user-centred development framework aimed at embedding accessibility into the game-development life cycle and multimodal interaction patterns by bringing together spatial audio, haptics, cognitive support mechanisms, and adaptive navigation techniques. This study further explores the emerging technologies in AI, haptic devices, and AI-augmented echolocation systems, which can improve non-visual interaction and personalization. Instead of suggesting the next game engine or implementation, the paper offers some useful design patterns and development workflows. Moreover, several research directions that have the potential to help researchers and developers create more inclusive digital games are suggested.  The framework proposed aims to mitigate cognitive load while enhancing spatiotemporal awareness and equity within interactive experience development settings.

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