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Embracing the Future: Barrier-Free Esports at H.C.R. 2025

In a significant move towards inclusivity in gaming, ePARA Co., Ltd., based in Toda City, Saitama, is set to operate a dedicated esports experience booth at the 52nd International Conference and Forum on Welfare Equipment (H.C.R. 2025). This event will take place from October 8 to 10, 2025, at the Tokyo Big Sight in Koto City, Tokyo.

What to Expect at the Event

The focus of the booth will be the Barrier-Free Esports Experience. Here, attendees will immerse themselves in popular gaming titles under the guidance of individuals with disabilities. The experience aims to cater to various individual needs by utilizing customizable controllers, allowing everyone to engage with esports regardless of physical limitations.

Additionally, visitors can participate in daily mini-talk shows featuring diverse themes, further enriching the gaming experience.

Day of Talks and Discussion

On October 10, the Atrium Stage will host an exciting discussion led by ePARA’s representative, Daiki Kato, alongside NAOYA, a blind esports player. This talk will focus on the current state and future of barrier-free esports, including a collaborative venture in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding Barrier-Free Esports

The term “Barrier-Free Esports,” coined by ePARA, refers to the realm of esports designed to be accessible to everyone, irrespective of age, gender, physical ability, or environment. Since its debut at last year’s H.C.R., ePARA aims to foster opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy gaming, share meaningful moments, and surpass adversities.

The gaming booth this year will feature four diverse titles:
1. Street Fighter 6
- Developed by Capcom, this title incorporates a unique Sound Accessibility feature designed to assist visually impaired players by providing audio cues related to the opponent's position and various game metrics. ePARA has supervised sound design for this game, enriching the experience for all players.

2. eFootball™
- Produced by Konami Digital Entertainment, this soccer game allows players unable to run due to disabilities to enjoy the thrill of chasing a ball on the pitch. ePARA is collaborating with the wheelchair soccer team ePARA United and the J-League's Kawasaki Frontale to empower athletes through this engaging platform.

3. Sound Battle Table Tennis eSports
- This unique app, developed by Tanys, facilitates gameplay without reliance on visual cues, harnessing sound as the main information channel. The latest version offers improved strategy, controls, and storytelling elements, with insights from visually impaired users aiding in its design and voice casting.

4. Fit Boxing 3
- This exercise game for Nintendo Switch combines rhythm and boxing, contributing to ePARA’s initiative for creating a Barrier-Free Esports Diet, focusing on health and wellness through accessible gaming.

Showcasing Accessibility Controllers

During the event, ePARA will highlight various Accessibility Controllers tailored for diverse gaming needs:

• - Access™ Controller by Sony Interactive Entertainment: This modular kit for the PlayStation 5 allows custom configurations to meet individual player requirements.
• - Proteus Controller by ByoWave: Designed particularly for gamers with physical disabilities, this device can be molded to fit various physical conditions, ensuring a personalized gaming experience.

Engaging Talks in the Enjoy Active Zone

On top of gaming experiences, the Enjoy Active Zone will feature engaging mini-talks throughout the event:

• - October 8: Exploring the future of innovative wheelchairs.
• - October 9: Discussing blind esports and the potential of diverse gameplay.
• - October 10: Reporting on the progress of the Barrier-Free Esports Diet initiative.

A Collaboration for the Future

As part of the exhibition, ePARA will collaborate with Humonii to showcase the Feeling, a hands-free powered wheelchair. This cooperation stems from previous workshops aimed at harnessing user insights for future wheelchair innovations, reflecting ePARA’s commitment to enhancing the mobility of users through technology.

Conclusion

The H.C.R. 2025 stands as a pivotal platform for promoting inclusivity in esports, breaking down barriers, and demonstrating that gaming can unite individuals of all abilities. ePARA invites everyone from all walks of life to experience the joy of barrier-free gaming and to engage with a community that celebrates diversity and resilience. Join us as we reshape the narrative of esports, making it accessible for all. For more information about ePARA and H.C.R. visit their official website.