AudioGames for Blind and Low Vision Players
AudioGames can be played without looking at the screen. The story is told entirely through voices and sound, and PlayNook has settings that read descriptions aloud, accept voice commands and move the story forward on their own. Accessibility is where PlayNook started: we wanted to build games for people who cannot rely on a screen, and then realised the same design works for everyone.
Set up PlayNook for audio-only play
- Download PlayNook from the App Store or Google Play. It is free.
- Open the settings and turn on Read description for accessibility. The app will describe interactions and transitions out loud, so you always know where you are and what you can do.
- Turn on Use microphone to make choices and roll the dice with your voice.
- Turn on Auto progress if you want the story to continue by itself between choices.
- Adjust Dubbing speed to make the voices faster or slower.
- If you have low vision, use Text size to make on-screen text larger.
The in-app guide explains every setting and mechanic, from dice rolls to the journal, and you can come back to it at any time.
What players tell us
I am completely blind, and I want to thank you for creating a game that is not only fun but also truly meaningful for me.
This review is one of the reasons we keep working on accessibility. If something does not work well for you, write to info@playnook.games and tell us what happened.
Tips for your first stories
- Use headphones. Many stories use stereo sound to place voices and noises around you.
- Start short. A story of ten or fifteen minutes is the best way to learn how choices, timers and dice work.
- Don't fear bad endings. Checkpoints let you go back to key moments and try again.
- Listen for details. Items and names mentioned early often unlock options later.
Good stories to start with
- The Exploder: fantasy escape, one chapter, about 16 minutes, ages 12+.
- A World of Echoes: sci-fi adventure, one chapter, about 11 minutes, ages 12+.
- Karma Man: a superhero with terrible luck, about 4 minutes, ages 12+.
- The Christmas Raccoons: a family mystery in three chapters, ages 7+, in English and Italian.
- Marco Polo Adventures: when you are ready for a long journey, six chapters and about two and a half hours.
You can browse every story in the catalog. Each page lists genre, age, length and languages.
Quick answers
Do I need to see the screen at any point?
You need to install the app and open it. After that, with audio descriptions and voice commands turned on, you can follow and play the story by ear.
Can sighted and blind players play together?
Yes. Put the phone on a speaker and decide each choice together. It works well with friends and family.
Is PlayNook free?
The app is free to download and there are free stories to start with. Other stories can be unlocked in the app.
