Ever wondered about games that cater specifically to neurodivergent folks? Join me as we dive into the best games for neurodivergent people, exploring how these games are designed to be inclusive and awesome for everyone.
What Makes a Certain Game Suitable for Neurodivergent People?
Neurodivergent individuals often benefit from games that embrace a low-intensity approach, allowing them to relax and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
These games typically avoid time pressures, rapid-fire actions, and overwhelming stimuli that can lead to stress or sensory overload.
They offer a calming atmosphere with soothing visuals, gentle gameplay, and pause/save options, allowing neurodivergent players to unwind and recharge whenever they feel like it.
They support customizable difficulty levels, clear and consistent instructions, minimal sensory overload, and options for different communication styles.
Best Video Games for Neurodivergent Players
The Sims 4
The Sims 4 offers a fantastic gaming experience for neurodivergent individuals due to its open-ended gameplay and inclusive design.
Players can create and customize characters, homes, and stories, allowing for self-expression and creativity.
The game’s relaxed pace, absence of time pressures, and focus on social interactions and creativity make it a low-intensity option that accommodates various preferences.
The Sims 4 provides a sense of control over the environment, enabling players to adjust settings, visuals, and sound according to their comfort.
The diverse character creation options and the ability to simulate everyday life and relationships can resonate with a broad spectrum of players.
Stardew Valley
This relaxing farming simulation game allows players to engage in various activities at their own pace, from farming and fishing to building relationships with NPCs.
It offers a low-pressure environment with room for creativity and exploration.
Minecraft
With its open-ended sandbox gameplay, Minecraft provides a world where players can build, explore, and express themselves freely.
The game’s creative mode eliminates threats, focusing on building and design.
Animal Crossing
This life simulation game offers a tranquil island getaway where players can engage in various activities, from fishing and bug catching to designing their dream island.
It’s known for its soothing gameplay and customization options.
Astroneer
Astroneer is great for neurodivergent gamers due to its relaxed and creative gameplay mechanics. Players embark on an interplanetary adventure to explore and reshape distant worlds.
The game’s open-ended nature and emphasis on exploration, base-building, and resource gathering provide a low-pressure environment where players can progress at their own pace.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is like an RPG/DND-style game with dice rolls and elements of chance.
The game revolves around solving a detective case mostly through dialogue (about 90% of it).
What’s really cool is that you can create various character types, and these choices significantly impact your gameplay experience.
Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 stands out as a welcoming choice for neurodivergent individuals.
With a thriving and vast player community, the game offers an abundance of content for players to engage with.
One of the game’s key strengths is its flexibility in gameplay speed, allowing each player to progress at their own pace.
The game’s free-to-play model makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals, from ages 13 to 70, highlighting its remarkable appeal to diverse age groups.
Additionally, the friendly and supportive nature of the player base ensures that asking for help is met with willingness, making Guild Wars 2 a fun and accommodating space for all.
Kind Words
This unique game revolves around sending and receiving positive letters to and from other players. It creates a supportive and friendly space for sharing thoughts and feelings.
Conclusion
The games on this list create safe havens for neurodivergent players. They prioritize enjoyment in exploration, creation, and self-expression, rather than just fast-paced competition.
By offering customizable settings, low-intensity gameplay, and supportive communities, they pave the way for an inclusive and fulfilling gaming experience for everyone.
⇒ Read Next:
If you’re curious about neurodiversity representation in games, take a moment to explore this list of neurodivergent game characters. It’s a fascinating journey into inclusive storytelling that’s definitely worth checking out!