Convolution Blog

More and more, the idea of giving focus to creating games for “special needs” kids (and adults for that matter), is feeling like the right direction. With that in mind (and heart), I’m please to announce that Convolution is underway in the design of a first title for special needs kids. The marketing surveys are coming near completion, which will be used to finalize certain key aspects of the title, and associated business plan. As of right now, here’s the current direction:

The project name Origins, speaks more to Convolution than the game, however the more the story line is fleshed out, the more it looks like the title may fit. (flashback: Convolution was founded with an initial project to create a game for young pre-school through elementary age children (3 of 4 of the original founders, including myself, are parents of young children)).

Origins is a 3rd person platformer, set in a “cartoon-ish” sci-fi setting. The initial “supporting” elements of the game will be geared toward children with challenges based on the FASD and PDD spectrums. The game will be geared toward all players, with supporting elements incorporated to enable these players to enjoy the game along side their “unencumbered” friends. Ultimately, it is my hope that the game provides a basis for people to connect, at least as much as it is enjoyable to play.

Games I have found for people with challenges are clearly not on par with generally available games. Not to say that many of the kids who have these challenges can’t play standard industry games, but … the negative themes/messages, the violence, the level of implied social understanding, as well as the required learning and dexterity systems from the player make these games likely to highlight the differences from their peers. The way I think of it is, imagine you are a teen with FASD, you have difficulties learning and/or remembering details (in some cases, the way home from school you take every day). Your issues are not consistent, some days you remember things better than others. Your maturity is (likely) different from your chronological age (some times only half, so if your 16, you can behave like an 8 year old at times). You speak very well, if not appropriately, you are social and outgoing, but can’t make and keep friends because your always “out of step” in understanding and sharing common ideas. You don’t seperate fantasy from reality as clearly as others. Now, you and some peers are standing outside your school and the (quite common) topic of games erupts. Your class mates are discussing the latest and ever popular Grand Thief Auto game out. You have the same game, you played it all weekend, even more than they did. However, you didn’t get nearly as far in the game. The subjects are mature (too mature for 16 yr olds I’ll add… yes I’m getting old and set in my ways ). You say what you think is in line with the line of comments the others are saying, but you come off as … well … much younger than you are. The others laugh at you not with you, you don’t understand the difference. You continue, since you seem to be fitting in. You’re completely taken off guard when one of them physically pushes you away from the group after you fail to take any of the “hints”. How do you feel?

I sincerely hope, that we can introduce “Origins” to that scenario. The overarching story line is much closer to your life experiences, the game itself allowed you to achieve the same levels of success as your peers (like a handicap in golf, unequally skilled peers can enjoy the same sport). If one child, anywhere, gets to have a equal moment in that same peer scenario, the project will be successful.

I will add that it is already decided that a portion of every sale will be donated to organizations that support the affected groups targeted and their families.

I’ll be posting more about Origins as the project progresses. Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome.

Sincerely,

Galen
(Owner: Convolution)