On May 8, CICANT researcher Carla Sousa participated in the Óbidos Game Dev Sessions 2025 with a talk titled "Game Accessibility and Inclusive Practices: Why and How?" The event, part of the broader Óbidos Vila Gaming initiative, brought together key players from the Portuguese gaming ecosystem in a community-driven effort to promote knowledge exchange and skills development.
Carla Sousa’s presentation explored the critical importance of accessibility in game design, shedding light on both the “why” and “how” of inclusive practices in the gaming industry. Drawing from a range of practical experiences and research-based insights, she showcased several projects in which CICANT has played a pivotal role, including GameIN, ID Games, and TEGA.
Throughout her talk, Sousa emphasized the value of designing games that are accessible to players with diverse abilities. She shared evidence-based case studies, highlighted international accessibility guidelines, and offered actionable strategies for developers aiming to create more inclusive gaming experiences.
The Óbidos Game Dev Sessions form an integral part of Óbidos Vila Gaming, an annual event dedicated to promoting gaming culture, education, and innovation. By bridging academia, industry, and community, the initiative fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration around the future of games in Portugal.