Laurier Game Design grad co-creates accessible controller for gamers living with disabilities

July 26, 2024

An online collaboration between two strangers who met in a Facebook group is levelling the playing field for gamers living with physical disabilities. 

Jonah Monaghan (BA '22) and Anthony DeVergillo are the creators of Overjoyed, a software application that enables a computer mouse to operate as a virtual joystick for gaming on a PC. The on-screen joystick enables gamers like DeVergillo, who has limited hand dexterity due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to play video games that otherwise require use of an individual’s hands to use a keyboard or hold a traditional gaming controller.

With more than 25 unique actions, Overjoyed is compatible with most PC, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation Plus Premium games and can be operated with a mouse, trackpad, or eye-tracking hardware. Overjoyed was released on the Microsoft Store in April for $4.99 USD, making it an affordable option compared to other accessible controllers, many which sell for more than $100 and require hand dexterity. 

Profits from the sale of Overjoyed support Our Odyssey, a non-profit organization created by DeVergillo that connects young adults living with a rare or chronic condition through socially inclusive virtual platforms.

Monaghan and DeVergillo have never met in person. The pair connected in 2020 through a Facebook group where gamers share accessibility tips. DeVergillo, who lives in New Jersey, posted his idea about an accessible virtual controller and asked if anyone could help with its development.

“I thought it was a really cool idea,” says Monaghan, then a third-year student in the Game Design and Development program at Laurier’s Brantford campus. “I messaged Anthony right away to learn more and things took off from there.”

Monaghan and DeVergillo struck up a friendship and within three weeks the pair had created a rudimentary version of Overjoyed that has since evolved into one-of-a-kind software.

“Overjoyed goes beyond what I could have imagined it could do,” says DeVergillo. “Even though we worked remotely, Jonah shared the same level of excitement for the project as I did and that made the whole process a lot more fun. I am grateful for Jonah and his interest and ability to support my vision for Overjoyed.” 

Monaghan’s interest in Overjoyed and accessibility in gaming aligned with the focus of his capstone coursework in the Game Design and Development program. Throughout two capstone courses during his fourth year of study, Monaghan focused on accessible game design. The program’s capstone courses are designed to help students develop a self-assured creative voice, foster their ability to convey ideas, emotions and experiences through games, and create a reflective player experience through a finished game. 

Monaghan has contributed his skills to other games designed for players living with disabilities. Numinous Games hired Monaghan to work on Painted Waters, a one-button game designed for children living with spinal muscular atrophy. 

“Games are meant to be fun and should be accessible to all players,” says Monaghan. “Accessible design and a positive experience for all gamers has been at the heart of my work from the beginning.” 

After graduating from Laurier in 2022, Monaghan pursued a Bachelor of Education with a focus on English and digital technology from Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. He will begin a full-time teaching position at Otetiskewin Kiskinwamahto-wekamik School in Nelson House, Manitoba – about 850 km north of Winnipeg – in September. 

As the school’s first-ever computer studies teacher, Monaghan will lead the development of program curriculum, with his plans including an emphasis on play through gamification and coding. He will also continue to support Overjoyed in a freelance capacity.

“Teaching and learning through a play-based lens gives you a unique perspective on things,” says Monaghan. “I am really excited to bring that to my students and see what we can create together.”