SpecialEffect
{{short description|British video gaming charity}}
{{About|the British charity|the film technique|Special effect}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = SpecialEffect
| logo = File:SpecialEffect-logo.png
| formation = 2007
| founder = Mick Donegan
| type = NGO
| status = Charity
| purpose =
| headquarters = The Stable Block, Cornbury Park, Charlbury, Oxfordshire OX7 3EH, United Kingdom
| leader_title = Dr.
| main_organ =
| website = https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/
}}
SpecialEffect is a charity based in the United Kingdom founded in 2007.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/specialeffect-at-10-weve-increased-our-work-tenfold/|title=SpecialEffect at 10: "We've increased our work tenfold"|website=MCV|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-28}} It specialises in helping physically disabled people, specifically children, play video games. The organisation works with developers to create specialised game control devices as well as making their games more accessible.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/im-a-gamer-now-meet-the-charity-thats-helping-the-disabled-get-into-gaming-501/|title=Meet the Charity That's Helping the Disabled Get Into Video Gaming|last=Beach|first=Jonathan|date=2015-10-22|website=Vice|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-28}} This includes controllers using inputs from any part of the body that can move, such as small toe movements or the player's gaze. The ability to play video games, now seen as an almost universal pastime, can help improve the mental health of disabled people who otherwise could not play them.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/blogs/detail/cultural-blog/2017/04/26/mark-saville-on-how-specialeffect-%27levels-the-playing-field%27-for-people-with-physical-disabilities|title=Mark Saville on how SpecialEffect 'levels the playing field' for people with physical disabilities|website=www.rcpsych.ac.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}
History
SpecialEffect was founded by Mick Donegan, a former teacher, who remains its CEO.{{Cite web|url=http://andrewtsai.co.uk/pc-gamer-specialeffect-andrew-tsai-2013/|title=PC Gamer – August 2013: How charity SpecialEffect are working to make gaming accessible to all « Andrew Tsai Technical Support in North and Central London|website=andrewtsai.co.uk|access-date=2019-06-28}} It was created to focus on the people with the most complex physical disabilities, allowing them to play games effectively and with the greatest chance of winning. The organisation uses a team of specialists including occupational therapists and a technical and software design team.
The charity uses Eye Gaze, a technology that utilises eye motion for control input.{{cite news |last1=Grimshaw |first1=Jack |title=Special Effect launches tenth eye-tracking title 'Gazey Golf' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/special-effect-launches-tenth-eye-tracking-title-gazey-golf-3095934 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=NME |date=15 November 2021}} They have worked with publishers to produce specialist equipment such as adaptive controllers.{{cite news |last1=Watts |first1=Rachel |title=SpecialEffect is helping people with physical disabilities play the games they love |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/specialeffect-is-helping-people-with-physical-disabilities-play-the-games-they-love/ |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=PC Gamer |date=7 May 2020 |language=en}}
In 2024, SpecialEffect were announced as the recipient for the BAFTA Special Award for their work promoting accessibility in gaming. The award was presented at the 20th British Academy Games Awards.{{cite web |url=https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/20th-bafta-games-awards-special-award-announced|title=UK gaming charity SpecialEffect to receive Special Award at 20th BAFTA Games Awards|publisher=BAFTA|date=27 March 2024|access-date=27 March 2024}}
Charity
SpecialEffect has organised charity events to fund its ventures such as GameBlast and One Special Day.{{Cite web|title=Events {{!}} SpecialEffect|url=https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/events|access-date=2020-09-02|website=www.specialeffect.org.uk}}{{cite news |last1=Wen |first1=Alan |title=Gaming charity SpecialEffect holding art fund-raising competition |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/gaming-charity-specialeffect-holding-art-fund-raising-competition-3022249 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=NME |date=18 August 2021}} Well-established companies as well as trending game designers have aided in creating charity events such as the 2020 video game developers of Fall Guys, who set up an event to award the highest donator during a specified time.{{Cite web|title=Battle of the Brands|url=https://twitter.com/fallguysgame/status/1295416753976160259|access-date=2020-08-19|website=Twitter|publisher=FallGuysGame|date=17 August 2020}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.specialeffect.org.uk SpecialEffect website]
Category:Charities for disabled people based in the United Kingdom