Tag Archives: Ian Livingstone

SpecialEffect – Helping Disabled Kids Have Fun With Games!

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In the middle of Ian Livingstone’s talk on the game industry, he shared a video that brought tears to many eyes in the hall. The video showcased the amazing work that a charity called SpecialEffect has accomplished – enabling children with severe disabilities to play computer games like the rest of us!

Warning : The video is emotionally charged, and very addictive. Just be sure prepare some tissues first, because someone’s always cutting those damn onions when the video is playing!

Ian Livingstone CBE is an ambassador for SpecialEffect, and he is visibly proud of the work they have done. It’s obvious to see why. Even I keep playing the video over and over again just to see the joy in their faces!

Their unbridled joy is why I’m writing this special. More children (and adults) with disabilities deserve to enjoy games as well!

 

The SpecialEffect Mission

SpecialEffect is a UK-based charity that focuses on enabling children (and even adults) with severe disabilities to enjoy computer games. Their team of game technologists and occupational therapists customise equipment to help children and adults with different disabilities access the computer games that they want to play.

But it is not just for the entertainment value. Playing computer games allow them to reconnect with the world, and feel a greater sense of inclusion that will rebuild their confidence. It will also help kickstart or enhance their rehabilitation.

 

Some Of Those They Have Helped

 

What Can You Do?

If you are in the United Kingdom, you can help SpecialEffect by donating your services or your money.

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If you are outside the United Kingdom, I’m highlighting their work so that you may be inspired to start similar programs in your country, state or district.

Their success in using games to improve the lives of people with severe disabilities may also inspire therapists to consider using them as therapeutic tools.

While SpecialEffect does not provide their free services outside of the United Kingdom, they can offer advice to any person or organisation who are interested in emulating the work they have done. You can call them at 01608-810055 or email them at info@specialeffect.org.uk.

 

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Ian Livingstone – The Past, Present & Future of the Game Industry

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Level Up KL 2016 was a great opportunity for game developers in Asia to meet up, and learn from each other. Industry luminaries like Wan Hazmer and Rami Ismail gave talks on creating a triple A game title like Final Fantasy XV, and how a new developer can survive the development of their first game.

But MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) saved the best for last – Ian Livingstone CBE. We were so fortunate to be able to meet him in person, and listen to him talk about the past, present and future of the game industry. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

 

Ian Livingstone On The Past, Present And Future Of The Game Industry

On 11 November 2016, we were invited to a special session with Ian Livingstone CBE. You may know him as the co-founder of Games Workshop and the roleplaying gamebooks – Fighting Fantasy. He was also the Life President of Eidos, and helped bring Tomb Raider to life.

With over 40 years of experience in the game industry, his life experience is truly the stuff of legends. And he kindly shared that with us in his hour-long talk.

Ian Livingstone was not just part of the explosion of the roleplaying genre in the 70s, he was also a pioneer. With Steve Jackson, he created the White Dwarf gaming magazine and the Fighting Fantasy gamebooks. And both of them (with Bryan Ansell) then founded Citadel Miniatures.

Ian Livingstone now divides his time between nurturing new game developers, and the Livingstone Foundation (which he founded). He is recognised as one of the founding fathers of the UK games industry, and listed in the 2015 Debrett’s 500 of most influential people in UK. He has also won a slew of awards like the BAFTA Special Award, the British Inspiration Award and the Develop Legend Award.

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Q&A On The Game Industry In Emerging Markets

At the end of his talk, Ian Livingstone graciously sat down for a Q&A session with members of the media and students who were lucky enough to be part of the session. Joining him at the Q&A session was Hasnul Hadi Samsudin, the Director of Creative Content & Technologies, MDEC.

We hope you enjoyed the insights Ian Livingstone shared with us. We are certainly very glad we had the opportunity to meet and listen to him.

 

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If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participate in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donate to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!