How it Works
How Does Hodr Work?
Hodr Engine is a user interface that makes development an accessible process. The core utilisation of Hodr engine is the reworking of three dimensional or otherwise open spaces into a grid space, making spatial navigation more understandable for a screen reader to interact with. With this approach, there is a clear segmented arena for a user to navigate, making it easy to add objects and sounds to a space.
There are several layers of these grids, if a user wanted to incorporate a house into their map for a video game, you can have another layer inside that house that the user can edit freely. Preset environments for game design are also provided to the user to build off or resculpt. In my development of Hodr I aim to connect with existing engines of any kind, be it game or web design and create compatibility with Hodr Engine.
Our Partnership with Baldr Engine
How Does Baldr Work?
Our first partnership is with Rednoughts Baldr engine, we were impressed by their team's passion for making a game building landscape understandable to a wider audience. Baldr Engine also includes a user interface for visual artists so Baldr UI users and Hodr UI users can work together on projects, supporting blind and sighted developers to collaborate on the same games. In our teaming up we can connect Hodr Engines user interface to the Baldr Engines core functionality to provide an overlay for users to explore environments using screen reader tools.
Baldr Engine uses an intuitive approach to development. This means that there are several layers that connect to each other to create one game. Levels of a Baldr constructed game consist of maps made up by one or more arenas populated with NPCs and in-game objects. You could imagine this development process like creating a house, there are floors and one those floors are rooms connected with doors. We offer a built in library containing assets, music, sound effects and 3D models for a user to implement in their games.
Accessibility Features for Blind and Visually Impaired Players
Support for blind and visually impaired players is built into Baldr Engine games, so game development is accessible through Hodr Engine’s user interface and gameplay is accessible within Baldr Engine. Movement around visual environments is designed around clear, predictable routes, so exits from an arena are often limited to north, south, east or west. Players may choose a direction and a safe path is calculated for them to follow.
Objects in the world, such as a radio or fireplace, can include optional spatial audio so players can navigate towards them using sound. For objects that do not naturally make noise the player can trigger an audio beacon with a key press. This plays a sound emitted by the object, assisting the player to locate and move towards it.
At any time, the player can press the view button to receive a short narrative description of what is in front of them, for example, “You can see a golden orb in front of you with a stone fountain behind it, and a mysterious artefact slightly to the right.” Players can request a further detailed description of any of these objects.
Accessibility Features for d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing Players
The Baldr Engine spatial audio system supports visual audio for d/Deaf or hard of hearing players. Sounds can be represented visually on important objects and characters, such as non player characters, so deaf players can see when something or someone is approaching from behind. Visualisations of sound can change colour, shade and shape depending on the volume, proximity or position of the sound. These settings are configurable so players can tailor them to their needs.
This introduces interesting gameplay possibilities, such as levels where sighted or hearing players are encouraged to rely on senses they would not usually solely rely on as their primary way of playing.