Microsoft Research has published four games to the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 devices, each of which aim to introduce eye control to those with speech or mobility disabilities thanks to the use of the Windows 10 Eye Control assistive technology. The four games—Tile Slide, Match Two, Double Up, and Maze, all can be played with either an eye tracker device or with a traditional mouse and keyboard, and additionally exercises areas such as memory, math, and strategic thinking that they can apply to other eye gaze assistive technologies. According to the Microsoft Accessibility Blog:
Challenge yourself to complete the Tile Slide puzzle in the fewest number of moves; exercise your memory playing Match Two; sharpen your math and strategic thinking playing Double Up; and see how fast you can get your lost puppy home, without getting lost yourself, in the Maze. Compete with friends and family for high score honors. And the twist? Play by using your eyes!
If you’re interested in giving the games a try, or know a friend who could benefit from them, they are available for free from the Microsoft Store. If you want to take advantage of the eye tracker technology, you’ll also need a PC that is updated to the Windows 10 April 2018 Update or newer.
These games are just an example of Microsoft’s focus on providing games and other services to those with mobility impairments. The company also has the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which takes advantage of custom setups with external buttons, switches, and joysticks to allow those with disabilities, including injured veterans seeking reliability, to play their favorite games to nearly the same level (pun intended) as everyone else.
Microsoft also has an entire document online about using eye control, in case you or someone else could find them useful. You can download the games using the links below, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
