A Review of Accessibility and Sustainability in Augmented Reality Tabletop Gaming Experiences

Abstract

Tabletop Gaming Experiences are a form of traditional gaming that traditionally requires either models, illustrations, or a vivid imagination to fully benefit from. Technology can be used to supplement this, such as mobile or tablet applications to help visualise aspects of gameplay content. Augmented Reality technology has the potential to further enhance Tabletop Gaming; however, there is little research into how it can be used in the areas of accessibility and sustainability, whether by reducing the carbon footprint of producing these games or by enabling wider participation. Our research aims to explore these topics and answer the following questions: How is Augmented Reality currently being used in Tabletop Gaming Experiences? How can it be used to assist with accessibility and make Tabletop Gaming Experiences more available to a wider range of audiences? Can Augmented Reality be used to lower the environmental impact of producing and distributing these games? This paper seeks to review the existing literature on this topic to identify how existing research has explored these issues, and how their findings may inform future Augmented Reality research on Tabletop Gaming experiences that are both inclusive and environmentally sustainable.