SEGA Chill Editions

Modding classic SEGA games to be more accessible!

When SEGA updated SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics in 2016, they added Steam Workshop support. I began my series of "Chill Edition" mods of classic SEGA games and now have over 50,000 downloads total.

So what is a Chill Edition mod? Chill Edition mods add additional features, enabling people to experience games at their own pace. Individual features vary by game, but some features I frequently add to games are infinite lives and level select. These features make classic SEGA games possible to beat for people that normally could not see the end of the game. They also allow people that can beat these SEGA games to play through them again at a relaxed pace!

Some of my most popular Chill Edition mods include: Streets of Rage 2, Gunstar Heroes, and Ranger of Rage 2.

View a collection of my SEGA Chill Edition mods

Read an interview about my SEGA Chill Edition mods

• Date: August 2018
• Platform: Steam
• Category: Modding

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GalactiMAX

Fly through the galaxy and pierce the heavens!

Initially created for a game jam in 12 hours, GalactiMAX is all about flying though the galaxy killing aliens to power up your spaceship! The theme of the jam was "Connect" so as you progress through the game, your ship combines with other ships to power up. The game is inspired by early space arcade games as well the anime Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.

I was the game designer and programmer in addition to coming up with the game's concept. I began making GalactiMAX a Galaga clone when I realized the game would work better as a scrolling shooter like Xevious. I also decided to gradually turn the game into a bullet-hell shooter as the game progressed to make the player feel more powerful.

The game is also inclusive by design. The ship fires automatically at enemies so the only movement input is needed. In addition, the game has high-contrast graphics and is colorblind-friendly by shaping enemy bullets different from the player's bullets.

• Date: July 2017
• Game Engine: Construct 2
• Category: Video Game

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Unreal Editor: Hell's Arena

Rocket Jump from Hell!

This mod was made for the Epic Games' latest Unreal Tournament game using the Unreal Editor.

Hell's Arena is a deathmatch map for up to 4 players focused on crazy action and quick map traversal. The cross in the center of the map contains powerful items however, it will cause damage to the player. Mastering a variety of weapons is key to victory as is controlling the center of the map. Usage of jump pads is encouraged and can get you around the map quickly!

Watch an overview video of Hell's Arena!

Date: April 2016

Game Engine: Unreal Engine 4

Category: Mod

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Xbox Adaptive Controller Consultant

Gaming, now more accessible than ever!

I was approached by Microsoft's internal Xbox team to consult on their prototype Xbox Adaptive Controller. I playtested the controller and gave Xbox input during the design process of the controller.

In 2019, Microsoft Xbox showcased the Xbox Adaptive Controller in a commercial during the SuperBowl. Seeing a product I helped bring to life during one of the USA's biggest events of the year was one of the proudest moments in my life.

Learn about the Xbox Adaptive Controller!

Watch the SuperBowl commercial!

• Date: February 2019
• Category: Consulting

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Protect the Rocket!

Let's Rocket!

Protect your rocket! Tap to defeat enemy ships. The sooner you tap, the more points you earn. But be careful! You have to hold your fire and save friendly pink aliens. Destroy a pink alien or fail to defeat an enemy ship and it's game over!

Speech synthesis is enabled by default to read out information for low vision players. Simply tap the top-right speech pause button to disable this feature. An additional game speed feature is also included for accessibility, to allow players to play at their own pace. Made during Train Jam 2017 with the theme "Unexpected Anticipation."

• Date: February 2017
• Game Engine: Construct 2
• Category: Video Game

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Accessibility and Virtual Reality

My real, virtual experience!

As AbleGamers' Fellow, I explored the topic of accessibility within virtual worlds through the lens of my own personal experiences.

Prompted by Lucasfilm ILMxLAB and The Disability Visibility Project, I completed a survey on accessibility of a certain virtual reality game. During the survey, I realized I had much more to say and with AbleGamers' help, was able to publish my article on virtual reality accessibility.

Read Accessibility Issues with VR on AbleGamers' Website!

• Date: January 2018
• Category: Article

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Adapting SEGA Saturn games to be Colorblind-Friendly

Blast from the Past!

Featured on Gamasutra's website, Adapting SEGA Saturn games to be Colorblind-Friendly is a blog on possible changes to existing Saturn games to make them colorblind-friendly. I go in-depth with three games, outline the problem, and then give a possible solution. It covers game mechanics as much as accessibility.

Read my SEGA Saturn article!

• Date: March 2016
• Website: Gamasutra
• Category: Blog

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Arcade Hysteria

Escape the madness!

Built in 72 hours for the Indies vs Gamers game jam, Arcade Hysteria traps you in an arcade machine trying to keep your sanity. While initially appearing like a normal endless runner game, let your sanity below 50% and witness the world in hysteria! I was the game designer and a programmer.

Since Arcade Hysteria is an endless runner game, I wanted to innovate somehow to make it unique. I chose to implement the sanity meter as well as the two worlds the player traverses. The dual world concept was inspired by the Legacy of Kain series. I also wanted the music to change with the game's environment so I implemented dynamic audio.

The game can be played with one switch; any button will both start the game and make the player jump. The visuals also change shape along with color during sanity transitions to be colorblind-friendly. And while it's cool, the dynamic audio is not necessary to enjoy the game.

• Date: July 2017
• Game Engine: Construct 2
• Category: Video Game

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Game Accessibility through Game Design and Community

Smart Design for Game Accessibility

I researched ways game developers made games more accessible through game design. How did developers make their games more accessible?

Read my research on game accessibility!

• Date: January 2016
• Category: Research

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