Video Games and Social Transformation: Co-Creation for Inclusive and Accessible Design

In recent years, video games have evolved from a form of entertainment into a powerful medium for education, communication, and social transformation. However, despite significant technological advancements, accessibility and inclusion remain major challenges in the gaming industry. Many games still present barriers for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities, limiting their participation in digital culture and social experiences. 

This SAP is the result of the collaboration between University of Burgos (UBU), Howest University of Applies Sciences (Belgium) and the Polytechnic University of Leiria (Portugal). It arises from the need to address these inequalities by promoting inclusive design practices that place accessibility at the core of the development process. It recognises the importance of involving diverse users, not only as recipients but as active co-creators, in the design of digital tools that respond to their needs. The programme is grounded in a co-creation philosophy that values interdisciplinarity, user-centred design, and real-world impact. 

Participants will work collaboratively across disciplines, bringing together students of video game design, health sciences, and education professionals, to develop prototypes of accessible digital games. The active involvement of external stakeholders, such as older adults, intergenerational learners, and accessibility organisations, ensures that the design process is informed by authentic experiences and practical challenges. 

By combining the creative potential of video games with the principles of social innovation, this SAP contributes to a broader movement towards equity and participation in the digital sphere. It also aligns with the strategic goals of RUN-EU by fostering collaboration among partner institutions and promoting innovative learning approaches that address pressing societal challenges 

Skills to be developed during the SAP 

Inclusive and accessible game design: understanding and applying design principles that address the needs of users with diverse functional abilities. 

Co-creation and participatory methodologies: working with real users and professionals to collaboratively design meaningful solutions. 

Interdisciplinary teamwork: collaborating across disciplines such as game design, health sciences, and education. 

User-centred design thinking: identifying real accessibility challenges and transforming them into innovative digital prototypes. 

Technical prototyping skills: developing and testing functional game prototypes using accessible technologies. 

Communication and presentation skills: effectively communicating design concepts, user needs, and solutions to varied audiences. 

Empathy and social awareness: fostering a deep understanding of the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities and older adults. 

This Short Advanced Programme (SAP) explores the transformative power of video games as a medium for promoting social inclusion, accessibility and user empowerment. The course brings together students of video game development, health sciences, and education, along with professionals and stakeholders in the fields of accessibility and functional diversity, to co-create innovative and inclusive gaming experiences. 

The SAP is designed as an interdisciplinary and experiential learning journey where participants will collaborate to address real-life accessibility challenges through the design of inclusive digital games. The programme applies a co-creation methodology, combining theoretical knowledge with practical teamwork to develop user-centred solutions. It includes online sessions, practical design workshops, and a face-to-face intensive week dedicated to co-creation, prototyping, and testing with end-users, including older adults and individuals with disabilities from diverse social and health entities. 

Structured in five modules, the programme covers key areas such as accessibility principles in game design, participatory methodologies, assistive technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and user testing. By the end of the course, participants will have developed accessible game prototypes, enhanced their knowledge of inclusive design, and gained experience working across disciplines to solve complex societal problems. 

This SAP encourages creativity, social innovation and the application of digital skills in inclusive contexts, contributing to the development of accessible technologies and promoting awareness of diversity in game design. 

At the end of this SAP, participants will be able to…  

Analyse and identify accessibility challenges in existing video games. 

Apply inclusive design principles and assistive technologies to the creation of digital games. 

Collaborate with professionals from health, education, and design fields, and with people with accessibility needs using co-creation approaches. 

Prototype and test accessible games that respond to real needs of users with functional diversity. 

Communicate ideas and design solutions effectively in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams. 

Reflect critically on the social role of video games and their potential to promote inclusion and participation.