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How this ASL online video game can benefit deaf teens

Transitioning from high school into the real world can be tough, but this online game designed specifically for deaf teens can help.

“DeafVerse World One: Duel of the Bots” was built for deaf gamers by deaf game developers in the National Deaf Center for Postsecondary Outcomes. The entire game includes American Sign Language (ASL) and the purpose of the game is to help make the transition from high school lives into adult lives easier through the use of the game.

In the game, the character enters different magical books called DeafVerse to fight rogue bots. You are able to choose your own adventure. Each adventure consists of different scenarios that are applicable to real life. For instance, being in a cinema and they did not have captions what would you do?

If you are a parent or teacher of a deaf high schooler, this can be a beneficial game to play with your high schooler. The game developers believe that each scenario can leave your child with hands-on experience in making difficult decisions in everyday situations. It is very familiar to the user because the scenarios mirror personal deaf experiences.

According to the National Deaf Center, “Deafverse is designed to strengthen deaf teenagers’ self-determination skills and is based on choose-your-own-adventure games, which offer a safe environment to apply critical thinking skills while engaging in problem-based learning by testing a variety of responses to challenges and conflicts.”

The game also comes with vocabulary and activity guides to supplement students’ learning experiences. In fact, a strategy guide can be found here to teach students.

Personal review

Having played the game, I find it really fun and informative. As well, I can relate to the majority of the scenarios for example: Waking up to a flashing light or vibrating function rather than a sound. In addition, the game has both ASL and captions fully integrated throughout the game.

Read more: Why are subtitles important for deaf gamers?

Throughout the game, you have three choices you make depending on each scenario.

Click here to play the free and online game below.

Author Details
Aatish Patel is a 18 year old who loves to try out new things. He has moderately severe bilateral hearing loss who currently wears Phonak Boleros. He is college bound in fall of 2019, an avid gamer and loves learning about the deaf and hard of hearing communities. His blog can be reached at: https://theeartrumpet.wordpress.com.