Tim Schafer new VP for SpecialEffect

Gaming charity SpecialEffect has announced a wave of new vice presidents, with familiar faces such as Double Fine boss and veteran games developer Tim Schafer.

Schafer is joined by a number of notable figures from both within the games industry and beyond. Labour MP Tom Watson and BBC journalist Kate Russell bring some mainstream clout to the charity, while games industry veterans such as Mastertronic chief Andy Payne, UKIE CEO Jo Twist and TIGA CEO Richard Wilson have also been brought on board.

"I am amazed and inspired by the great work that SpecialEffect does every day," Schafer said. "I have always believed video games have the power not just to entertain, but really reach and connect. Thanks to SpecialEffect, they are able to connect even more people."

SpecialEffect focuses on enabling disabled young people to play video games just like their siblings and friends. The charity has invested in special games centres at hospitals, as well as eye-tracking technology that lets kids control popular titles such as FIFA with just their eye movements.