In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, UK-based charity SpecialEffect has announced a major breakthrough in inclusive mobile gaming. The award-winning organization revealed that Open Drive, its first-ever eye-gaze accessible mobile game, will launch this summer as a completely free download for iOS and Android users—with no ads or in-app purchases.
Originally available as a PC browser game on EyeGazeGames.com, Open Drive is now racing to handheld platforms, allowing players with physical disabilities to steer, jump, and explore vibrant in-game worlds using just their eyes.
How Eye-Gaze Gaming Works on Mobile
Open Drive leverages assistive eye-tracking technology—devices that use infrared sensors to track eye movement and convert it into precise cursor control on a screen. Players can “click” or “tap” by dwelling (gazing at a location for a set amount of time), enabling them to control the game without needing to touch the screen or use traditional controllers.
Previously limited to Microsoft Windows, eye-gaze cameras are now supported on both iOS and Android, opening a world of possibilities for accessible gaming on smartphones and tablets.
Open Drive Gameplay That Adapts to You
In Open Drive, players explore four distinct worlds—Stunt, Speed, Snow, and Meadow—by steering vehicles using side glances. The game automatically detects which input method is being used—whether it’s eye gaze, touch, accessibility switches, a controller, keyboard, or mouse—and configures the controls accordingly.
For added accessibility, players can even adjust the gameplay speed to better accommodate their reaction time, giving everyone the chance to succeed and enjoy the game at their own pace.
A Message from SpecialEffect’s Founder
Dr. Mick Donegan, Founder and CEO of SpecialEffect, shared the significance of the project:
“There are over three billion people worldwide playing games on mobile devices, but many of those with severe physical challenges are still left out. We’ve developed Open Drive and other upcoming mobile games to ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy gaming—no matter their physical limitations. We hope it also inspires game developers to consider broader accessibility in their own work.”
More Accessible Games on the Horizon
Open Drive is just the beginning. SpecialEffect plans to bring more games from its PC collection to mobile, including:
- Board game classics like Chess, Checkers, and 4 in a Row
- The marble-popping puzzler Mole Miners
- High-speed space racing game EyeDrive
- A brand-new tower defense title called Badger Badger
Each game will continue SpecialEffect’s mission to offer multiple input methods and customizable settings for maximum accessibility.
Supporting Developers & Setting an Example
Developed in partnership with Sun & Moon Studios, Open Drive also serves as a working model for developers looking to create more accessible mobile experiences. The team utilized platform-native accessibility tools like ‘Assistive Touch’ on iOS and ‘Switch Access’ on Android during development. Insights from the project are being fed into SpecialEffect’s educational resources like the SpecialEffect DevKit, which helps studios integrate accessibility from the ground up.
Where to Play Open Drive and Learn More
Open Drive will be available this summer as a free download on both the App Store and Google Play. It will feature:
- No ads
- No in-app purchases
- Full support for a wide range of input methods
- Customizable gameplay options
For PC gamers, the game and others like it remain accessible through EyeGazeGames.com, which is continuously updated with new titles and features.
Follow SpecialEffect
Stay connected with SpecialEffect’s accessibility innovations:
- Facebook: specialeffectcharity
- Instagram: @specialeffectteam
- LinkedIn: specialeffect
- Bluesky: @specialeffect.org.uk
