Surviving in the 19th-Century Backlands of Bahia: An Investigation of the Usability and Accessibility of the Game "Árida"

• Ludmilla F. O. Galvão Federal University of Paraná
• João Victor da Silva Cardoso Federal University of Paraná
• Lucineide R. da Silva Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul
• Vicente A. da C. Júnior Federal University of Paraná
• Laura S. Garcia Federal University of Paraná

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/ihc.2021.19584

Abstract

This paper investigated usability and accessibility issues found in the survival and adventure digital game Arida: Backland’s Awakening, set in the brazilian northeastern hinterland of the 19th century. For this, we used 4 techniques: the Game Accessibility Guidelines (GAG); Game Usability Heuristics (PLAY); Narrative reading operators; and Quantitative analysis of issues identified by Steam players. Overall, 38 problems were found, 21 usability and 12 accessibility exclusively problems. These issues were presented to the game’s developer team at a meeting. Through our evaluation, we concluded that Arida is a game with great educational potential and cultural appreciation. However, some problems such as the lack of control configuration and the repetition of mission patterns can compromise the player’s experience. We suggest possible solutions to work around these problems.

Keywords: Usability, Accessibility, Digital Games, Cultural Identity

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