Accessible Games Night with RNIB and TripleTapTech: Visual Impairment

• Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted.
• Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on Levels 0 and 3, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0.
• Accessible toilets are available and there is a Changing Places (U) toilet – for access to this, please ask a member of staff.

• Entry is via Lothian Street which has ramped access, not via the Main Entrance on Chambers Street. 

• Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on Levels 0 and 3, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0.  

• Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge. Please note wheelchairs cannot be booked in advance. On arrival, ask about availability at the Information Desk. Small mobility scooters are permitted inside the museum and the exhibition.  

• The majority of games are playable by wheelchair users, however due to the historic nature of some of the arcade consoles the height is not suitable for wheelchair users and there is also a driving game which requires sitting in a racing car. 

In the exhibition

Game On is a very interactive and sensory exhibition with games including lights, colour changes and sounds.  

Sensory resources

Ear defenders are available to borrow for free from the exhibition ticket desk on Level 3. A limited number of sensory backpacks are available at the information desks in the Main Entrance Hall and the Tower Entrance. These backpacks cannot be booked in advance.

Once the exhibition is open a visual guide and sensory/access map will be available.

Relaxed viewings

Relaxed viewings of the exhibition are available on selected dates. During these times visitor numbers will be reduced and the sound on games lowered.

Please check our What's On page for relaxed viewings. 

The exhibition consists primarily of video games which are visual by nature and may be challenging for blind or partially sighted visitors as audio-description settings will not be turned on as standard.  

We will be holding a free accessible gaming evening in October, specifically aimed at people who are blind or partially sighted, in partnership with Triple Tap Tech and supported by Royal National Institute of the Blind. 

Hearing induction loops

There is a hearing induction loop at the information desk outside the exhibition gallery.

Games in the exhibition

Most of the games are very visual in nature. Some of the games will have subtitles which can be turned on by the user.   

A very small percentage of individuals may experience epileptic seizures when exposed to certain light patterns or flashing lights. There are no flashing lights in the exhibition, but many of the games feature rapid changes in light levels and colour saturation. The screens in the exhibition operate at 50/60 hertz as televisions do at home.  

We cannot provide a list of 'safe' games as the range of triggers is so varied, but the following suggestions will help to mitigate the risk:  

• Wear a pair of blue light filtering glasses to help minimise the risk of a trigger  
• Stand at least 90cm from the screen when playing any game to ensure the screen does not fill your vision  
• Play only games that are a slower pace/intensity and avoid high action games such as those in the arcade section of the exhibition.  
• Visit with a person who is aware or your condition and can support you in event of feeling unwell  

If you experience any of the following symptoms while playing a video or computer game - dizziness, altered vision, eye or muscle twitches, loss of awareness, disorientation, any involuntary movement, or convulsions - IMMEDIATELY discontinue use and consult your doctor before resuming play.  

 There are two games playable with adaptive controllers: Minecraft  and Pine Hearts. We have built these controllers in a way that allow a wide range of users with motor disabilities to play.

However, please note that we are not able to customise them to the needs of each specific visitor.