The National Deafblind and Rubella Association, Sense, has teamed up with Online web development agency Sense Internet Ltd to create a unique sensory gaming experience.
The game, "Sense-less", has been specially designed to simulate what it could be like to experience failing sight and hearing. The game aims to raise awareness of deafblindness and to encourage people to raise vital funds for Sense simply by recycling their old mobile phones.
From 26th March 2007, anyone will be able to play the game online for a limited time of eight weeks. To play the game and to be in with the chance of winning the latest Nokia phone with accessibility software from Orange, go to: www.recycleyourmobiles.org.
Sense is the first UK charity to promote the recycling of mobile phones through this innovative online game. Designed for Sense by Sense Internet Ltd, who have designed, developed and are hosting the game on behalf of Sense the Charity, the two organisations have recently embarked on a long term partnership to raise the profile of the charity and increase donations.
Aidan Cook, Managing Director of Sense Internet Ltd, says:
"We are delighted to be working with Sense and hope to increase its profile among the online community and to promote the Sense mobile phone recycling scheme. We saw particular synergy in helping Sense utilise our online gaming expertise."
Sense-less involves clicking alternate coloured screens on the mobiles depicted, in a specified sequence designed into the game. The longer a player stays within the sequence, the higher the score achieved. The game gradually gets harder to play due to visual and sound distortions, which attempts to simulate some types of deaf-blindness. The game can also be played without the distortion where the player has keep up with the sequence in a high octane version which increases in speed after each level is completed.
Players and non players will be able to download a free post address label to send in their old mobile phones. Sense will apply Gift Aid to each donated phone, entitling the charity and donors to claim tax relief on every phone donated. For each phone donated for recycling, Sense will receive between £1 and £100, depending on the model.
Nick Connolly, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at Sense says:
"It's the first time we've done anything like this and it would not have been possible without the expertise of Sense Internet Ltd. We hope the game will help us raise vital funds, as well as going some way to helping the public understand more about what it could be like to be both deaf and blind."