Gate

Accessibility Statement

Accessibility for educational games is a work in progress across the industry. We continually seek solutions to make our products fully accessible, and we strive to adhere to established standards for accessibility and usability on each new project. Some of our older products may not be accessible in all areas and have not been optimized for current accessibility recommendations. Here, we offer the content and approach of this game, so that learners are better able to find alternative content and ways of learning.

Content of the game

In Gate, students use keyboard commands to build numbers with various places values and defeat monsters. It focuses on building number groups – seeing, for example, that the number "99" can be created with 99 ones, but also with 100 - 1, or 33 x 3. Graphical elements help players keep track of the numbers being built: the number line at the bottom of the screen and the number wheel under the main character change with each keystroke. These multiple representations of numbers help players see how their numbers change.

Accommodations

Approach & Input devices
Gameplay is controlled primarily by keystrokes. Keyboard commands are used to adjust numerical values and cast spells. This game works well for players who have better manual dexterity with a keyboard than with a mouse. It requires some button mashing and precision.
Audio
Ambient noise is used and can be turned on/off via on-screen controls; however, the game can be completed without sound.
Color blindness
Color is not the only element used to distinguish different elements of this game, but some visual aspects of the game may be difficult to distinguish for colorblind players.
Visual Aspects
Zooming options are present. Font color, size, and type cannot be adjusted.
Cognitive Aspects
The game includes a practice mode for players to test skills without time-based pressure.
Interface
This game is only playable on platforms that support Adobe Flash, which may no longer be supported by browsers beginning in 2020. It is not supported by mobile devices.
Language
This game is accessible in both English and Spanish.
Fine Motor Skills
Gameplay relies on precision, quick and repeated button pressing, and is time sensitive. The player must use the Q, W, E, R, T, A, S, D, F, and G keys on the keyboard to play the game. Advanced levels of the game require very precise timing.
Subtitles
Letterboxed subtitles are present. Audio cues are accompanied by visual cues.