Funded as one of the best 20 projects by the Horizon Europe programme in the context of the development of the XR4ED platform, GLEAM – Game to Learn and Enable Accessibility through Modern Mythology, saw its kick-off meeting on 14 October and will run for one year.
The project, which sees NEEEU GmbH, a Berlin-based technology company as the lead partner and the M-Cube Foundation as a partner, has already opened up dialogue with a shortlist of virtuous entities in the field of accessibility, in Italy and Germany, including: Humboldt Forum (Berlin), Gropius Bau (Berlin), Museo Egizio (Turin), MART (Rovereto), Oriente Occidente (Rovereto), and Unione Italiana dei Ciechi e degli Ipovedenti (Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired).
The primary objective of GLEAM is to develop an inclusive video game linked to the museum and education spheres, bringing together visually impaired and able-bodied people around a common challenge, thus creating a bridge between these two spheres and integrating technologies such as spatial audio, augmented audio and tactile stimuli.
GLEAM unveils and brings to light the hidden connections between Modern Mythology (a powerful language, incorporating narratives of heroes and superheroes as well as historical, cultural and artistic heritage, music and fashion, and childhood memories), telling a story deeply rooted in the past but intricately linked to today’s idols and myths.
Designed with the ability to adapt to different spatial environments, the game for smartphones and tablets will engage users in museums, schools, universities or from home. This will allow the game to enhance specific collections or pieces, offering the opportunity to spread cultural knowledge in a unique and engaging way even for blind or visually impaired users.
The GLEAM project has indirectly received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation action programme, via the XR4ED – Open Call issued and executed under the XR4ED project (Grant Agreement no. 101093159).
