Forum Discussion
Good evening:
I wish to tell you a story, that some of you may not believe. Imagine a player who has played against sighted players in the NCAA franchise, and not only one, but blew them out. Imagine this same player creating an incredibly powerful dynasty one that would have made Nick Saban jealous, 4 seasons and no losses, and all resulting in National Championships. This player brought his Volunteers back to national power, and did this in NCAA football 2005, 06, 07, 08, 10, 13, and 14. This player played against a sighted player in NCAA football 2010, and even though the sighted player had Alabama a more powerful team, this player took him through 4 overtimes, before the player finally lost. Now stop, and think about what you just read and ask yourself, who is this player?
I am this player, and I am blind. I have enjoyed this series and its different variations since 2001. I love college football, and the passion it can bring. I love the roar of the crowds, the chanting of team names, the marching bands, the rivalries, and all that goes into it. But as stated earlier, I am blind. I do have some concerns about the gameplay of the latest college football game on tap for release in July.
- What is known about the ability to navigate the menus in all the modes? The way I played dynasty mode was memorizing where my games were and playing them. But if I am going to have the full experience, I need to be able to recruit, to watch injuries, to substitute players, to call plays, etc. How will I as a blind person learn the playbook, challenge my friends online, and all these things that sighted players can do? Blind players use software called screen readers or menu Narration in games. Madden has excellent Menu narration.
- How do I get my kicks? In Madden, Controller vibrations allow me to know where my kicking power, and accuracy are so that I can kick extra points, field goals, and punts. Also, when directing your kick in a particular direction, the Controler will vibrate to let me know if I am too close to the sidelines, or will not vibrate when I am aimed at the goalposts. The kicking system is different here, and I wish to know if this will be possible, or if the controller vibrations can be added in a later patch of the game. If we cannot kick, then we cannot do any of the above things mentioned.
- Passing: I understand that there is a metered passing mechanic in place now. Again, how will we as totally blind players know how to navigate this challenge?
I just want to say that as a long time EA sports supporter, and as someone who has supported the NCAA and Madden franchises, I would love to see accessibility brought into the game. I am looking forward to leading my Volunteers to another title. Please reach out of anyone has any questions, and I will be happy to discuss.