ElderPlay

Abstract

Playing video games can enhance older adults' well-being, strengthen social bonds, and foster family relationships. Yet most mainstream games still rely on button-based controls that require fine motor skills, often limiting older adults' engagement.

To address this challenge, we present a real-time game input translation approach that enables older adults to play mainstream, button-based games using intuitive, motion-based interaction without modifying existing game content. By lowering interaction barriers, our approach supports both personal benefits of play and opportunities for social and intergenerational engagement.

Based on a gesture elicitation study and a feasibility study with commercial Nintendo Switch games, we derive design implications for inclusive game interaction for older adults.