SINGAPORE — Introducing JBL QUANTUM GUIDE PLAY, a world-first software that aims to make first-person shooter games (FPS) more inclusive. Guided by HARMAN‘s mission to innovate with intention and drive excellence, this initiative leverages JBL’s renowned audio technology to support the visually impaired players within the gaming community. JBL Quantum Guide Play is HARMAN’s commitment to bringing diverse individuals and ideas together, offering visually impaired gamers unprecedented access to gaming experiences. Now available for download, JBL Quantum invites the visually impaired gaming community to share their feedback and help perfect it.
Despite the popularity of FPS games, accessibility for the visually impaired community remains a significant challenge. According to Ablegamers, an estimated 50 million visually impaired individuals worldwide are eager to engage in gaming experiences that have traditionally been inaccessible to them.
JBL Quantum Guide Play has been in development for over a year in collaboration with the visually impaired community and Ablegamers. The software leverages advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to transform in-game objects and structures into auditory cues, enabling visually impaired players to perceive their virtual environment through sound. The tool uses JBL Quantum’s advanced head tracking and Spatial Audio technology to emulate echolocation, granting players heightened awareness of their surroundings and elevating their overall gaming experience.
JBL Quantum Guide Play is offered as a free tool. While the use of JBL Quantum headphones enhances the experience, they are not required for gameplay.
“We recognize the immense potential of gaming to bring people together and provide immersive experiences for players of all abilities,” said Grace Koh, Vice President and General Manager for Consumer Audio at Harman Asia Pacific. “Through JBL Quantum Guide Play, we are creating a platform that enriches the gaming experience for everyone, transcending limitations and building a more inclusive gaming community.”
Furthermore, “JBL Quantum Guide Play is just a first step towards accessibility in FPS games. We are making it open-source and hoping that brands and developers can adopt it for their games and even contribute to its improvement.”
This initiative marks a significant milestone in gaming accessibility, with the software offered as an open-source platform for integration into other games. “I believe gaming is now a real possibility for me.” Sophie Soon, Paralympic Athlete and visually impaired gamer.
With JBL Quantum Guide Play, JBL aims to foster an inclusive gaming community where everyone can participate and thrive. “It feels really nice to be included in a multiplayer game like this.” Josh Tseng, Digital Accessibility Specialist and visually impaired gamer.
Guilherme Machado, BLKJ Havas’ Executive Creative Director, shared, “JBL Quantum Guide Play is the ideal product demo, flexing all the features of our products, including superior sound, while fulfilling the most important goal of all— helping others. In this case, it aids an entire community.”
The JBL Quantum Guide Play software can be downloaded here.
