Carlos Vasquez, also known as Rattlehead, is a professional gamer who relies solely on sound to play video games. Despite being completely blind, Carlos is able to compete and win in popular fighting games like Mortal Kombat. He started playing video games at a young age but gradually lost his vision due to glaucoma. At the time, there were no accessibility features in mainstream games for visually impaired players. However, Carlos found that he could still play Mortal Kombat by relying on the distinct sounds of the characters.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on accessibility in gaming. Games like Forza Motorsport, Diablo 4, The Last of Us, Hearthstone, Street Fighter 6, and Mortal Kombat now have features to aid players with impaired vision. Forza Motorsport, for example, has a function called Blind Driving Assists that verbally informs visually impaired players about upcoming bends on the track. Various audio cues indicate a car’s speed, direction, and when to change gears. In Mortal Kombat, additional audio feedback is available to help players determine the distance between fighters and if an opponent is ducking.
One of the latest developments in game accessibility is the use of spatial audio. This technology uses directed sound to help visually impaired players determine their precise location on the screen. Professor Brian Smith, an expert in the field, explains that our brains are capable of interpreting the timing and volume differences in sounds to determine their origin. This technology has been incorporated into games like Forza Motorsport, with the aim of striking a balance between accessibility and maintaining the challenge of the game.
While major game studios are now embracing accessibility, it was often independent developers who led the way. The AbleGamers Charity, which advocates for more accessible games, once asked Rockstar Games how much it would cost to make Grand Theft Auto V accessible. The estimated cost was deemed too expensive, so an independent developer named Liam Erven created a software add-on, or mod, to make the game more playable for visually impaired players. This mod, called Grand Theft Accessibility, added sound clues, audio feedback, and other features to enhance the gaming experience for visually impaired players.
Carlos Vasquez, in addition to being a successful gamer, now works as an accessibility consultant for NetherRealm Studios, the developer of Mortal Kombat. He believes that game developers should consult with people who have disabilities to understand their needs and improve accessibility features. While progress has been made, Carlos believes that the gaming industry as a whole needs to be more transparent about the inclusion of accessibility features in their games.
Overall, the gaming industry is becoming more aware of the importance of accessibility for players with disabilities. With advancements in technology and the involvement of gamers like Carlos Vasquez, the future looks promising for creating inclusive gaming experiences for everyone.
Original news source: The pro gamer who has to rely upon sound alone (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
Slow
Normal
Fast
📖 Vocabulary:
| 1 | professional | Engaged in a specified activity as one’s main paid occupation rather than as an amateur |
| 2 | glaucoma | A group of eye diseases causing progressive damage to the optic nerve, often leading to blindness |
| 3 | mainstream | Widely accepted and used by most people |
| 4 | impaired | Weakened or functioning poorly |
| 5 | cues | Signals or pieces of information that guide action or thought |
| 6 | spatial | Relating to the position, area, and size of things |
| 7 | interpreting | Explaining the meaning of information or actions |
| 8 | incorporated | Combined into a whole; united |
| 9 | balance | An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain steady and upright |
| 10 | independent | Not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion or conduct |
| 11 | advocates | People who publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy |
| 12 | mod | A modification to a game or program to alter its appearance or performance |
| 13 | consultant | A professional who gives expert advice or information |
| 14 | transparent | Easy to see through; clear or unobstructed |
| 15 | inclusive | Designed to include people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Charades
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a piece of paper with a word or phrase related to the article written on it. Without speaking, one member of the group must act out the word or phrase while the others guess what it is. The group that guesses correctly gets a point. Repeat with different words or phrases from the article.
– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to individually write a summary of the article in their own words. After a few minutes, have students pair up and share their summaries. Encourage them to discuss any differences or similarities in their summaries. Then, have a few pairs share their summaries with the whole class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a statement related to the article, such as “Game developers should prioritize accessibility features.” Have each group discuss the statement and come up with their own opinions. Then, have each group present their opinion to the class and explain their reasoning.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to come up with the pros of incorporating accessibility features in video games, and assign the other group to come up with the cons. Give them a few minutes to brainstorm, and then have each group share their points with the class. Encourage a class discussion on the topic.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have students individually write down their predictions for the future of accessibility in the gaming industry. They can include advancements in technology, changes in game development practices, or any other ideas they have. After a few minutes, have students pair up and share their predictions. Finally, have a few students share their predictions with the whole class.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
1. How does Carlos Vasquez play video games despite being blind?
2. What are some examples of popular games that now have accessibility features for visually impaired players?
3. What is spatial audio and how is it used to aid visually impaired players?
4. Who were the pioneers in developing accessibility features for games?
5. How did an independent developer make Grand Theft Auto V more playable for visually impaired players?
6. What role does Carlos Vasquez now have in the gaming industry?
7. What does Carlos believe game developers should do to improve accessibility features?
8. What is the overall trend in the gaming industry regarding accessibility for players with disabilities?
Go to answers ⇩
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Carlos Vasquez, also known as (1)______, is a professional gamer who relies solely on (2)______ to play video games. Despite being completely blind, Carlos is able to compete and win in popular fighting games like Mortal Kombat. He started playing video games at a young age but gradually lost his vision due to glaucoma. At the time, there were no accessibility features in mainstream games for visually impaired players. However, Carlos found that he could still play Mortal Kombat by relying on the (3)______ sounds of the characters.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on accessibility in (4)______. Games like Forza Motorsport, Diablo 4, The Last of Us, Hearthstone, Street Fighter 6, and Mortal Kombat now have features to aid players with impaired vision. Forza Motorsport, for example, has a function called Blind Driving Assists that verbally informs visually impaired players about upcoming bends on the track. Various (5)______ cues indicate a car’s speed, direction, and when to change gears. In Mortal Kombat, additional audio feedback is (6)______ to help players determine the distance between fighters and if an opponent is ducking.
One of the (7)______ developments in game accessibility is the use of spatial audio. This technology uses directed sound to help visually impaired players determine their precise location on the screen. (8)______ Brian Smith, an expert in the field, explains that our brains are capable of interpreting the timing and volume differences in sounds to determine their origin. This technology has been incorporated into games like Forza Motorsport, with the aim of striking a balance between accessibility and maintaining the challenge of the game.
While major game studios are now embracing accessibility, it was often independent (9)______s who led the way. The (10)______ Charity, which advocates for more accessible games, once asked Rockstar Games how much it would cost to make Grand Theft Auto V accessible. The (11)______ cost was deemed too expensive, so an independent developer named Liam Erven created a software add-on, or mod, to make the game more playable for visually impaired players. This mod, called Grand Theft Accessibility, added sound clues, audio feedback, and other features to (12)______ the gaming experience for visually impaired players.
Carlos Vasquez, in addition to being a successful gamer, now (13)______ as an accessibility consultant for (14)______ Studios, the developer of Mortal Kombat. He believes that game developers should consult with people who have disabilities to understand their needs and improve accessibility features. While progress has been made, Carlos believes that the gaming industry as a (15)______ needs to be more transparent about the inclusion of accessibility features in their games.
Overall, the gaming industry is becoming more aware of the importance of accessibility for players with disabilities. With advancements in technology and the involvement of gamers like Carlos Vasquez, the future looks (16)______ for creating inclusive gaming experiences for everyone.
Go to answers ⇩
💬 Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is the role of sound in video games for visually impaired players like Carlos Vasquez?
2. How do you think Carlos Vasquez feels when he competes and wins in popular fighting games like Mortal Kombat?
3. Do you think it is important for video games to have accessibility features for visually impaired players? Why or why not?
4. How would you feel if you were unable to see but still wanted to play video games?
5. Do you think it is fair that major game studios are now embracing accessibility, even though it was independent developers who initially led the way? Why or why not?
6. How do you think the use of spatial audio technology enhances the gaming experience for visually impaired players?
7. What other types of disabilities do you think could benefit from accessibility features in video games?
8. Why do you think it is important for game developers to consult with people who have disabilities when creating accessibility features?
9. How do you think the gaming industry can be more transparent about the inclusion of accessibility features in their games?
10. Do you think advancements in technology will continue to improve accessibility in video games? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the involvement of gamers like Carlos Vasquez has influenced the push for accessibility in the gaming industry?
12. What other industries do you think could benefit from increased accessibility for people with disabilities?
13. How do you think the inclusion of accessibility features in video games can promote inclusivity and diversity in the gaming community?
14. Do you think it is the responsibility of game developers to create accessible games for players with disabilities? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the future of gaming will change as accessibility continues to improve?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. professional
2. glaucoma
3. mainstream
4. impaired
5. cues
6. spatial
7. interpreting
8. incorporated
9. balance
10. independent
11. advocates
12. mod
13. consultant
14. transparent
15. inclusive
Meanings:
(A) Engaged in a specified activity as one’s main paid occupation rather than as an amateur
(B) Easy to see through; clear or unobstructed
(C) People who publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
(D) A group of eye diseases causing progressive damage to the optic nerve, often leading to blindness
(E) A modification to a game or program to alter its appearance or performance
(F) Relating to the position, area, and size of things
(G) Signals or pieces of information that guide action or thought
(H) An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain steady and upright
(I) Combined into a whole; united
(J) Explaining the meaning of information or actions
(K) Designed to include people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized
(L) Widely accepted and used by most people
(M) Weakened or functioning poorly
(N) Not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion or conduct
(O) A professional who gives expert advice or information
Go to answers ⇩
🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the name of the professional gamer mentioned in the article?
(a) Liam Erven
(b) Brian Smith
(c) Carlos Vasquez
(d) Rattlehead
2. How did Carlos Vasquez lose his vision?
(a) Due to glaucoma
(b) Due to a gaming accident
(c) Due to a car accident
(d) Due to old age
3. Which game mentioned in the article has a function called Blind Driving Assists?
(a) Diablo 4
(b) The Last of Us
(c) Forza Motorsport
(d) Hearthstone
4. What is spatial audio?
(a) A function that verbally informs visually impaired players about upcoming bends on the track
(b) Additional audio feedback in Mortal Kombat to help players determine the distance between fighters
(c) A software add-on to make Grand Theft Auto V more playable for visually impaired players
(d) Directed sound to help visually impaired players determine their precise location on the screen
5. Who led the way in game accessibility?
(a) Major game studios
(b) Independent developers
(c) AbleGamers Charity
(d) NetherRealm Studios
6. What is the name of the software add-on created to make Grand Theft Auto V more playable for visually impaired players?
(a) Grand Theft Accessibility
(b) Blind Driving Assists
(c) Spatial Audio
(d) Mortal Kombat
7. What does Carlos Vasquez believe game developers should do to improve accessibility features?
(a) Make games more challenging
(b) Consult with people who have disabilities to understand their needs
(c) Be more transparent about the inclusion of accessibility features
(d) Focus on sound in games
8. What does the future look like for creating inclusive gaming experiences?
(a) Uncertain
(b) Expensive
(c) Challenging
(d) Promising
Go to answers ⇩
🕵️ True or False Questions:
1. Games like Forza Motorsport, Diablo 4, The Last of Us, Hearthstone, Street Fighter 6, and Mortal Kombat do not have features to aid players with impaired vision.
2. Carlos Vasquez no longer works as an accessibility consultant for NetherRealm Studios, the developer of Mortal Kombat, and does not believe that game developers should consult with people who have disabilities to improve accessibility features.
3. Carlos Vasquez, also known as Rattlehead, is not a blind professional gamer who competes and wins in popular fighting games like Mortal Kombat.
4. Forza Motorsport has a function called Blind Driving Assists that verbally informs visually impaired players about upcoming bends on the track.
5. The use of spatial audio is one of the latest developments in game accessibility, helping visually impaired players determine their precise location on the screen.
6. Independent developers often led the way in game accessibility before major studios embraced it.
7. At the time Carlos lost his vision, there were no accessibility features in mainstream games for visually impaired players.
8. Carlos did not start playing video games at a young age and did not gradually lose his vision due to glaucoma.
Go to answers ⇩
📝 Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. How does Carlos Vasquez, also known as Rattlehead, play video games despite being completely blind?
2. What are some examples of accessibility features in popular games like Forza Motorsport and Mortal Kombat?
3. What is spatial audio and how does it help visually impaired players in video games?
4. Who were the pioneers in game accessibility and how did they lead the way?
5. What does Carlos Vasquez believe game developers should do to improve accessibility features?
✅ Answers
🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:
1. Carlos Vasquez plays video games by relying solely on sound. Despite being blind, he is able to compete and win in games like Mortal Kombat by listening to the distinct sounds of the characters.
2. Some examples of popular games that now have accessibility features for visually impaired players include Forza Motorsport, Diablo 4, The Last of Us, Hearthstone, Street Fighter 6, and Mortal Kombat.
3. Spatial audio is a technology that uses directed sound to help visually impaired players determine their precise location on the screen. It allows players to interpret the timing and volume differences in sounds to determine their origin, helping them navigate the game world.
4. Independent developers were the pioneers in developing accessibility features for games. The AbleGamers Charity, an organization that advocates for more accessible games, worked with an independent developer named Liam Erven to create a software add-on, or mod, called Grand Theft Accessibility, which made Grand Theft Auto V more playable for visually impaired players.
5. The independent developer Liam Erven created a software add-on, or mod, called Grand Theft Accessibility to make Grand Theft Auto V more playable for visually impaired players. This mod added sound clues, audio feedback, and other features to enhance the gaming experience for visually impaired players.
6. Carlos Vasquez now works as an accessibility consultant for NetherRealm Studios, the developer of Mortal Kombat.
7. Carlos believes that game developers should consult with people who have disabilities to understand their needs and improve accessibility features. He also believes that the gaming industry as a whole needs to be more transparent about the inclusion of accessibility features in their games.
8. The overall trend in the gaming industry is that it is becoming more aware of the importance of accessibility for players with disabilities. Major game studios are now embracing accessibility and incorporating features to aid visually impaired players. With advancements in technology and the involvement of gamers like Carlos Vasquez, the future looks promising for creating inclusive gaming experiences for everyone.
Go back to questions ⇧
🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) Rattlehead
(2) sound
(3) distinct
(4) gaming
(5) audio
(6) available
(7) latest
(8) Professor
(9) developer
(10) AbleGamers
(11) estimated
(12) enhance
(13) works
(14) NetherRealm
(15) whole
(16) promising
Go back to questions ⇧
📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. professional
Answer: (A) Engaged in a specified activity as one’s main paid occupation rather than as an amateur
2. glaucoma
Answer: (D) A group of eye diseases causing progressive damage to the optic nerve, often leading to blindness
3. mainstream
Answer: (L) Widely accepted and used by most people
4. impaired
Answer: (M) Weakened or functioning poorly
5. cues
Answer: (G) Signals or pieces of information that guide action or thought
6. spatial
Answer: (F) Relating to the position, area, and size of things
7. interpreting
Answer: (J) Explaining the meaning of information or actions
8. incorporated
Answer: (I) Combined into a whole; united
9. balance
Answer: (H) An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain steady and upright
10. independent
Answer: (N) Not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion or conduct
11. advocates
Answer: (C) People who publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
12. mod
Answer: (E) A modification to a game or program to alter its appearance or performance
13. consultant
Answer: (O) A professional who gives expert advice or information
14. transparent
Answer: (B) Easy to see through; clear or unobstructed
15. inclusive
Answer: (K) Designed to include people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized
Go back to questions ⇧
🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is the name of the professional gamer mentioned in the article?
Answer: (c) Carlos Vasquez
2. How did Carlos Vasquez lose his vision?
Answer: (a) Due to glaucoma
3. Which game mentioned in the article has a function called Blind Driving Assists?
Answer: (c) Forza Motorsport
4. What is spatial audio?
Answer: (d) Directed sound to help visually impaired players determine their precise location on the screen
5. Who led the way in game accessibility?
Answer: (b) Independent developers
6. What is the name of the software add-on created to make Grand Theft Auto V more playable for visually impaired players?
Answer: (a) Grand Theft Accessibility
7. What does Carlos Vasquez believe game developers should do to improve accessibility features?
Answer: (b) Consult with people who have disabilities to understand their needs
8. What does the future look like for creating inclusive gaming experiences?
Answer: (d) Promising
Go back to questions ⇧
🕵️✅ True or False Answers:
1. Games like Forza Motorsport, Diablo 4, The Last of Us, Hearthstone, Street Fighter 6, and Mortal Kombat do not have features to aid players with impaired vision. (Answer: False)
2. Carlos Vasquez no longer works as an accessibility consultant for NetherRealm Studios, the developer of Mortal Kombat, and does not believe that game developers should consult with people who have disabilities to improve accessibility features. (Answer: False)
3. Carlos Vasquez, also known as Rattlehead, is not a blind professional gamer who competes and wins in popular fighting games like Mortal Kombat. (Answer: False)
4. Forza Motorsport has a function called Blind Driving Assists that verbally informs visually impaired players about upcoming bends on the track. (Answer: True)
5. The use of spatial audio is one of the latest developments in game accessibility, helping visually impaired players determine their precise location on the screen. (Answer: True)
6. Independent developers often led the way in game accessibility before major studios embraced it. (Answer: True)
7. At the time Carlos lost his vision, there were no accessibility features in mainstream games for visually impaired players. (Answer: True)
8. Carlos did not start playing video games at a young age and did not gradually lose his vision due to glaucoma. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
