SpecialEffect
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 | |
| Formation | 2007 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Mick Donegan |
| Type | NGO |
| Legal status | Charity |
| Headquarters | The Stable Block, Cornbury Park, Charlbury, Oxfordshire OX7 3EH, United Kingdom |
| Website | https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/ |
SpecialEffect is a charity based in the United Kingdom founded in 2007.[1] 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.[2] This includes controllers using inputs from any part of the body that can move, such as small toe movements or the player's gaze.[3] 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.[4]
SpecialEffect was founded by Mick Donegan, a former teacher, who remains its CEO.[3] 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.[1] The organisation uses a team of specialists including occupational therapists and a technical and software design team.[1]
The charity uses Eye Gaze, a technology that utilises eye motion for control input.[5] They have worked with publishers to produce specialist equipment such as adaptive controllers.[6]
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.[7]