Video Game Literacy

What is Video Game Literacy?

In the world of assistive technology, we often talk about digital literacy—the ability to find, evaluate, and communicate information through various digital platforms. It involves understanding how to navigate a computer, use a mouse, and manage files.

Video game literacy applies these same concepts to the gaming world. Someone who grew up gaming might instinctively know that the bottom face button (A on Xbox or X on PlayStation) is usually "Jump," while the right face button (B or O) is usually "Go Back" or "Cancel." However, for a clinician or a new gamer, these "unwritten rules" are not always obvious. Literacy involves understanding how to navigate in-game menus, interpreting visual icons (like a health bar or a quest marker), and knowing the general "language" of how games behave.

To see a great breakdown of how these invisible rules affect new players, watch this video:

Game Modes

Inside a single game title, there may be various modes that change the experience slightly or entirely. Take Fortnite for example: the base game is a battle royale shooter, but it now includes modes for racing, rhythm games, and LEGO-style survival—all within the same app.

While some games only offer a single way to play, most modern titles include a few of the following:

Single-Player / Campaign / Story: This is the core experience where the gamer follows a "main" narrative. It is usually played solo and allows the player to progress at their own pace.
Training Mode / Freeplay: These are low-stakes environments where gamers can practice movement and mechanics without the pressure of enemies or a timer. These are excellent for clinicians to use when first testing a new adaptive setup.
Custom Game: Allows the player to set their own rules, such as turning off specific hazards, extending time limits, or playing on specific maps.
Multiplayer: This allows an individual to play with or against others. This can be "Local" (sitting on the same couch) or "Online" (via the internet).
- Co-op: Players work together to achieve a goal.
- Versus: Players compete against one another.

Game Compatibility

Understanding how games connect across different devices is a key part of game literacy, especially when trying to play with friends or family.

Crossplay: This refers to a game that allows players on different platforms to play together. For example, a person on an Xbox can join a match with a friend on a PlayStation or a PC.
- Note: It is important to check if the game supports cross-generation play (e.g., a PS4 player playing with a PS5 player).
Cross-platform: This simply means a game is available on multiple platforms (like both Xbox and PC). It does not always mean those players can play together (Crossplay). Always check for the "Crossplay" tag if the goal is social gaming across different systems.

Want to learn more about this program or request a device?

Copyright © 2026 Neil Squire / Makers Making Change. Content is licensed under the CC BY SA 4.0 License. This website is built with MKDocs. MKDocs is MIT-licensed software and is not covered by the CC BY-SA license applied to this site's content.