Dobble, Timeline and Cortex, three board games well known to the general public, have been adapted for players who experience cognitive problems. The Press discussed it with Micha Le Bourhis, project manager. And asked 10-year-old Lou Collette to play testers.
Asmodee, one of the most important publishers and distributors in the Francophonie, is behind this initiative. To oversee the adaptation of its titles, Asmodee has set up the Access+ studio.
Micha Le Bourhis is studio director. Reached in France, he explains: “The idea of adapting the games came from experts and researchers who used our games in their practices. They have seen very interesting positive effects in their patients. However, many were using homemade versions that they had cobbled together from the original game. And Asmodee has decided to work with them to offer them equipment that meets their needs. »
The adapted versions have been designed to suit several clienteles: children with developmental problems, adults with concentration problems (due to depression, for example), seniors with ‘age…
The project was also launched with people who suffered from Alzheimer’s.
Micha Le Bourhis, director of the Access+ studio
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STUDIO ACCESS +
The adapted version of Cortex allows more people to enjoy the benefits of the game.
Helped in particular by psychologists, psychiatrists, remedial teachers and specialists in game-based training, the Access+ studio was able to adapt three of the most popular games in the catalogue: the observation and speed game Dobble, the knowledge game Timeline and the brain game, memory and speed Cortex Challenge.
Why these three specific titles? “We looked at the cognitive functions stimulated by each title, so that the range is complementary. The adaptability of the original game and its notoriety were also taken into account,” says Micha Le Bourhis.
“Some games stimulate planning or memory, another stimulates emotional feelings,” he continues. We did several clinical tests to make sure that these games were suitable for practitioners, but we quickly found that families also benefited from them. »
The goal is really to make the pleasure of playing accessible to everyone.
Micha Le Bourhis, director of the Access+ studio
Different changes
Several changes have been made in the adapted versions. The competitive aspect takes on less importance. Several levels of difficulty are offered to adapt as best as possible to the level of the player and allow the latter to progress. The material is also easier to handle.
In Timeline, the studio has completely added a new way to play. “We included cards that represent life events, such as a move or a first love. The player can tell his personal story, but also talk about his future, by positioning the cards on the time scale. This version makes it possible to trigger speech and emotions in the player. »
Each title is accompanied by recommendations from specialists, to help families or carers use the games to the fullest of their abilities.
For the moment, the Access+ studio has only launched three games in well-targeted markets, including Canada. Two other titles are still in the testing stage. Impossible to know which games it is, but Micha Le Bourhis promises that these “will complete the range already offered”.
Lou’s Verdict
Ten-year-old Lou Collette has been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysorthographia and attention deficit disorder. He agreed to test for The Press the three games published by the Access+ studio.
First observation: among the games offered, his favorite is Cortex. In this specific case, he tested the original game and the adapted game. Both pleased him equally. “I like the speed and the challenges offered. The challenges are different in the big box [le jeu adapté]. The maps are different too. There are two difficulty levels in the big box and I liked both levels. I would recommend it to my friends for sure. »
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Lou Collette, 10, preferred the Cortex game among the three offered by the Access+ studio.
He already knew Dobble in its original version for having played there often. “The cards are bigger here and there are fewer symbols on each card. It’s easier. We played with the three difficulty levels, but the first two were too easy, I think. I’m good at spotting the differences! »
And timeline? “It’s the game I liked the least. There are two games in the box. In the first, you have to find the dates of the inventions and put them in order. In the other, we can tell our life in the past, present and future. It might be the fun to play with my friends to know their life. But otherwise, I didn’t really want to play again. »
His mother Ariane Dupuis attempts an explanation: “It’s the most academic game of the three. And the one that poses the most challenges to Lou. Maybe that’s why he liked her less. »