Published 29 August 2024
“Experiencing a different way of gaming is exciting,” says Pasifika disability advocate and now reviewer, Naomi Vailima.
“The PlayStation and Firstport partnership has given me the opportunity to test on behalf of my young peers who face their own barriers to gaming.”
Today marks the launch of New Zealand’s first ever accessible gaming hub, hosted on national disability information and advice website, Firstport.co.nz.
The idea for this New Zealand-first came thanks to the launch of PlayStation New Zealand’s new Access Controller. “PlayStation New Zealand wanted a way to connect with people who’ve never gamed before,” says Firstport Team Manager Victoria Rose.
“So rather than just share a social post, our Firstport team reached out to our community for volunteers."
"Gaming is a leveller, it’s a mainstream activity that allows people to connect and engage no matter who or where they are. And thanks to PlayStation New Zealand’s Access Controller, even our community with limited mobility can get involved.”
Naomi is one of the four talented members of New Zealand’s disability community who stepped up to the challenge. Ready to share her experiences to open the door for those who’s mobility may have prevented them from ever gaming before.
“Growing up, I spent hours with my brothers trying to master classics like Crash Bandicoot,” says returning gamer Kylee. “As my condition changed, gaming became more challenging, and so I stopped,”
Some gamers, like reviewers Kylee and Naomi, have skipped console generations due to accessibility challenges.
“That's why I'm particularly excited to review the Access Controller,” Kylee shares.
PlayStation were adamant they wanted to be guided by our disabled community, loaning each reviewer a PS5, Access Controller and games to give their honest reviews.
These reviews will continue to come in over the next few months as they get comfortable and more adventurous with exploring new technology.
“The Firstport team have expanded the accessible gaming hub after speaking to experienced gamers from our community like Humphrey (known on Twitch as NohandsNoExcuses).” says Victoria.
“While PlayStation’s Access Controller is the focus for our reviewers thanks to their generous support, we’ve included plenty of advice and insight into the whole world of accessible gaming."
"The opportunity to find new friends, explore new worlds and enable good lives was just too important for us to miss out on supporting our community to explore the world of gaming.”
The Firstport reviewers join a global disabled gaming community estimated at over 429 million people. Opening the door to over 1.1 million disabled New Zealanders to access the gaming experience.
“Gaming is my escape when the world gets too heavy. It relaxes and entertains me, grounding me when I need it most,” explains reviewer Vannessa. “Let's see how it plays out!”
You can catch everyone’s experience and find out more about accessible gaming on the Firstport accessible gaming hub launched today.
Firstport.co.nz/accessiblegaming
A huge thanks to all our supporters
The gaming hub could not have been launched without the support of:
- PlayStation New Zealand who provided the opportunity for our community to explore their experiences. PlayStation® Official Site: Consoles, Games, Accessories & More (external link)
- ILead, a social change movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of disabled youth with disabilities, while also upskilling. A movement by disabled youth, for disabled youth. Home - I.Lead (ilead.org.nz) (external link)
- Kylee & Co, a platform for all things accessible! Founded by Kylee with a small group of her peers, Kylee & Co is by the disability community, for everyone. A business that promotes accessible products for everyday solutions, Kylee & Co seeks to create opportunities for vendors and customers alike. Kylee and Co – Kylee & Co (external link)
- Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, who provide the support that enables our disability community to live good lives and access valuable resources and advice. Home | Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People (external link)
About the PlayStation Access Controller
It might look like a complex puzzle or fancy keyboard, but this 48-piece controller is the result of hundreds of hours of co-design with the disability community (predominantly in the United States).
The result is a highly customisable controller that can be adapted and tailored to suit different players' needs. PlayStation have won tonnes of awards for the accessibility of their game software, but this is the first time they have tackled the hardware.
