We undertook a comprehensive study of video games, music making, and accessible design to determine and apply a set of best practices for creating accessible music-making experiences for children with complex physical and cognitive disabilities using videogame technologies. We designed and implemented a new framework for the development and testing of accessible music games, building on recommendations for the design of accessible games and accessible digital musical instruments.

The medium of video games enjoys an enormous cultural capital and generates massive revenues for game developers and publishers. Access to video games facilitates a connection to modern-day mainstream culture and allows players to enjoy stimulating, high-quality interactive experiences with the potential for learning in addition to entertainment. Our study established the cultural importance of the medium of video games, effectively making a case for broadening access and championing their
associated benefits in general.

We carried out an extensive literature review of the areas surrounding our research. A lack of specific literature regarding accessible music games for children with physical and cognitive disabilities suggests that this is the first study to explore the use of accessible music games for this particular audience. We used videogame technologies – including modern game development hardware and software – to build SoundTown, a new accessible video game designed to encourage the exploration and enjoyment of music and sound design. We developed the initial brief for the creation of SoundTown through consultations with partner organisations experienced in working with children and young people with complex needs.

Over two periods of playtesting fieldwork, SoundTown was broadly successful in its ability to engage young players with a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities. This success was evidenced by facilitator observations communicated in semi-structured post play session interviews, supported by gameplay analytics data and audiovisual recordings captured by the application.

We also undertook a critical review of game accessibility guidelines, critiquing documents purporting to assist developers in the creation of new accessible gaming experiences. As a result of this endeavour, we identified new guidelines and principles for accessible music game development to best serve our target demographic, building on existing work to create a unique contribution to knowledge.