This Is How To Play Video Games If You're Totally Blind (HBO)

Summary

This engaging transcript features a blind gamer discussing the profound impact of video games on his life. Despite living with Leber's congenital amaurosis, he describes how he perceives the world through sound, using it to master games like Mortal Kombat. He highlights the importance of training modes, sound cues, and the sense of achievement that comes from competing against others. Video games serve as both a safe space and a means of transcending societal limitations, showcasing how his skills and dedication challenge perceptions of disability in the gaming community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Video games are a meaningful outlet for the speaker, offering a way to test their skills.
• 😀 The speaker has Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), which affects their vision but doesn't hinder their gaming abilities.
• 😀 Sound plays a crucial role in the speaker's gaming experience, as they rely on audio cues to navigate and perform in games.
• 😀 The speaker has been gaming since childhood, with fond memories of playing Mortal Kombat on a Sega Genesis.
• 😀 Learning a new video game is likened to learning a musical instrument, emphasizing the dedication and practice involved.
• 😀 The speaker uses a systematic approach to learn character sounds in games, which helps them understand gameplay mechanics.
• 😀 Everyday sounds are integral to the speaker's experience of the world, providing safety and orientation.
• 😀 Video games serve as a safe space and a form of escape from a world that can be challenging for blind individuals.
• 😀 The speaker challenges perceptions about disabilities by showcasing their skills in competitive gaming.
• 😀 Online gaming interactions highlight that the speaker's blindness doesn't affect their ability to compete at a high level.

Q & A

What condition does the speaker have?

The speaker has Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), a genetic condition that affects vision.

How does the speaker perceive video games differently from sighted players?

The speaker relies on sound cues in video games, focusing on the audio elements such as the sound effects of attacks and character movements.

What was the speaker's first experience with video games?

The speaker got into video games at around five or six years old, playing on a Sega Genesis at their grandmother's house.

Which video game does the speaker mention as a favorite?

The speaker's favorite game is Mortal Kombat, specifically highlighting its sound effects and violence.

What technique does the speaker use to learn new characters in fighting games?

The speaker spends significant time in training mode, learning the sound cues for each attack, block, and movement of the characters.

How does the speaker adapt to their limited time for gaming?

Despite having less time to play now, the speaker still dedicates themselves to mastering the audio aspects of the games.

What role does sound play in the speaker's daily life?

Sound is crucial for the speaker's navigation and safety, helping them perceive their surroundings, such as the sounds of traffic and windchimes.

How does the speaker describe their experience of winning in video games as a blind person?

Winning is seen as breaking through societal perceptions and limitations related to blindness, demonstrating their skills regardless of their condition.

What is the speaker's approach when playing with others?

The speaker enjoys playing with their fiancée, using the opportunity to teach and commentate on the gameplay.

How does the speaker feel about societal perceptions of people with disabilities?

The speaker believes that many misconceptions exist regarding people with disabilities, particularly in how they are perceived in competitive settings.