othello
the galactic championship
overview
In developing the classic game Othello for Eye Gaze Games, our goal was to breathe new life into it and tailor it for accessibility through eye gaze devices and switches. We also took the opportunity to create a world around the game to enrich the experience. And thus, Othello: the galactic championship was born.
less clicks more kicks
The goal was to minimize the clicks required for gameplay, ensuring a seamless experience for players using all types of input devices, from keyboards and gamepads, to switches and eye gaze devices. By dividing the game board into quarters, we streamlined the player's move selection process, allowing for smooth gameplay without the hassle of navigating complex menus.
form and function
For the art and the world, we had great fun dreaming up cosmic creatures entering the contest to be crowned the galactic champion of Othello. Games controlled with eye gaze devices need large on-screen buttons to ensure the accuracy of the player’s gaze and option selection, and this played right into the retro future we were creating. The buttons on the battered device the game is played on were made big and chunky. Form and function aligned, creating a visually appealing and accessible UI.
result
While Othello boasts a timeless gameplay experience, its often presented in a dry way. Our combination of characterful aliens, a retro-future setting, and gameplay progression rejuvenated this classic. Unlocking unique aliens and advancing through games added layers of excitement, to deliver a refreshing, galactic experience!
