MotionInput Games’ app allows gamers with disabilities to enjoy World Cup

A UCL Ventures spinout is helping people with accessibility needs and neurodivergence get into the World Cup spirit through an interactive football game - controlled by body movements instead of traditional controllers. 

MotionInput Football Practice is a series of football training minigames designed to support accessible exercise. 

Using a laptop or desktop webcam, the game tracks hand and feet movements so players can catch a ball in goal by raising their hands, or practise penalties by kicking left or right. 

Designed with autistic players and children in mind, it was developed in collaboration by MotionInput Games with the National Autistic Society for players aged three and over.

From research to real-world use

Founded in UCL’s Department of Computer Science, MotionInput Games began as an academic project during COVID‑19, when Professor Dean Mohamedally developed software capable of interpreting facial expressions and body gestures.

That foundation, allowing keyboard‑free interaction with computers, evolved into a suite of games designed to remove barriers to participation. 

The company now works with charities, healthcare organisations and technology partners to develop new ways for disabled and neurodiverse users to interact with computers. 

Its software is available globally through the Microsoft Store. 

Professor Mohamedally said: “We wanted to develop a game that puts autistic and neurodivergent users first. We worked with SEND teachers, students, and the UCL Computer Science team, while UCL Ventures helped us gain access to the charities and organisations that collaborated with us. We're incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with them. 

"The plan with UCL Ventures is to showcase this work to major game studios and encourage them to build downloadable accessibility-focused content and experiences into their own games.” 

Expanding who innovation serves

By removing the need for traditional controllers, MotionInput Games’ products help more people take part in shared cultural moments, such as football tournaments, while supporting physical movement, confidence and play. 

Among its other titles is MotionInput Superhero Sportsday, a motion-controlled sports game that was also created in collaboration with the National Autistic Society. Set in Mauritius, the game features a series of activities including tennis, boxing, cycling and hang-gliding, all controlled through body movements captured by a webcam.  

The game was tested with autistic students and designed to be inclusive, active and fun. 

Another title, MotionInput Watersports, transforms players into swimmers, kayakers and divers with the same technology. Rather than pressing buttons, users move naturally in front of their screen, turning gameplay into a form of physical exercise. 

The company has also developed a range of gaming tools that make existing titles more accessible. These include Velocity R, which uses head tracking and gestures for racing games, and First Person Blocks, a controller designed for Minecraft and other first-person experiences. Meanwhile, MotionInput Pinch! allows players to use hand gestures for point-and-click interactions. 

Beyond gaming, MotionInput's wider vision is what it calls "equitable computing", ensuring that everyone can access digital experiences regardless of physical capability. 

You can download Football Practice here. 

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