Deafverse
Game Accessibility Guide
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to provide visual descriptions and transcripts to assist in the navigation of the game app for Deafverse. The guide’s format is guided by the Table of Contents (ToC) on the right. The ToC will change as you scroll down through the Accessibility Guide to serve you links relevant to the section you’re browsing at any time. Every other section in this guide will start with a short blurb describing the purpose of the section, where they will appear in the game, and will be followed by images, their alt texts summarizing the images, full visual descriptions and/or transcripts as needed. If you have feedback regarding the game and its accessibility, please contact us at deafverse@nationaldeafcenter.org.
Game Compatibility
This section outlines the compatibility of Deafverse, a web-based game, with Internet browsers and assistive technology along with any special note that may be relevant to compatibility and various technologies.
Deafverse is supported on most major web browsers but may not run on older versions of Internet Explorer and/or certain combinations of Internet Explorer and screen readers. No special integrations and settings are required to play Deafverse on your computer or mobile device.
Deafverse can be used with screen reader assistive technology for players who prefer added support with game content input.
Game Screen and Controls
This section provides the visual description for the game screen in Deafverse and outlines the game controls. Images, alt text, and full descriptions start below.
Description: The game screen has a dark blue bar on top with the DEAFVERSE logo, the text with a portal swirling around it, on the left and the account name on the right. The example account name is “Zane”, marked by a person-shaped icon, with a downwards triangle icon indicating a drop-down menu. The game screen is a dark blue section in the middle containing the game title, the video screen of the Narrator signing the story, game controls, and the transcript.
Game Controls
Description: The button changes between Play/Pause depending on whether the video is playing or paused. The Play button is a right-facing red triangle with the text. The Pause button is two vertical red lines with the text. Play and pause video with the middle button below the video screen.
Description: The Play Story button is an arrow going in a small, tight circle with the text: “Play Story”. Replay video from the beginning of the clip with the left button below the video screen.
Description: The Play Choices button is the same icon as Play Story, except with “Play Choices” as its text. Replay video with the choices A, B, and/or C by pressing the right button below the video screen.
Description: The Settings button is a red cog icon with the text. Click the button to bring up the Settings menu.
Description: The Backpack button is a red backpack icon with the text: “My Backpack”. Click the button to bring up the Backpack menu.
Descriptions for the game screen and controls end here.
Game Features and Settings
This section provides visual descriptions, locations and applications of the features and settings found in Deafverse. The features are the transcript, the videos, their respective screens, and the audio system. All of them can be modified in the Settings Menu. The Settings Menu is identified as a cog icon and is located just above the transcript. Images, alt text, and full descriptions start below.
Settings Menu
Description: The Settings Menu is a black vertical rectangle overlaid on the game screen. The menu has a red X in the top right corner that closes the menu and a red button to “Save Changes” at the bottom. It is titled in large text: “SETTINGS”. Below that is a group of options that you can adjust to customize your Deafverse experience. The options are described below.
Audio Settings
Description: The setting is a sliding button with the text: “Autoplay transcript audio”. Turn transcript audio on or off. Audio plays automatically at every screen. Reload browser window to hear audio again from the beginning.
Description: The setting is a sliding button with the text: “Hide transcript text”. Hide and show the story transcript with the toggle button in the options menu.
Description: The setting is a slider with the titled text: “Text size”. The example text is: “Transcript will adjust to your preferred reading size below” and will grow or shrink according to the slider location. The leftmost end is the smallest possible text size and the rightmost end is the largest possible text size. Adjust text size with the slider in the options menu.
Video Settings
Description: The setting is a slider with the titled text: “Video speed” and will speed up or slow down videos depending on slider location. The leftmost end is the slowest possible video speed and is marked by a turtle icon. The rightmost end is the fastest possible video speed and is marked by a hare icon. Adjust video speed with the slider in the options menu.
Descriptions for the game screen and controls end here.
The Backpack Menu and Navigation
This section describes the Backpack menu and the collectibles that it contains. Visual descriptions start below.
THE BACKPACK MENU
Description: The Backpack has a dark background in the middle of the screen. In the top left corner is bold text: “BACKPACK”. Below the text is two buttons: “World 1” and “World 2”. Clicking either button will change the Backpack inventory to either World’s inventory. In the opposite corner from the bold text are two text buttons: “Back to Game” and “Back to Home”. The former button will bring you back to the game, while the latter will bring you to the World Select menu. The rest of the menu are collectibles divided into sections with two rows of ten icons: Badges, Photos, and Comic Pages.
Description Note: Every collectible will be locked when you first start a new playthrough in either World. They will display as darkened icons with locks on them. As you play through the game, you will be able to unlock collectibles by making certain choices.
Once unlocked, these collectibles will stay in your Backpack on subsequent playthroughs.
