Expanding Game Accessibility: Embracing Diversity in Nerd Culture
In the ever-evolving world of video games, accessibility has become a paramount concern for developers and players alike. The importance of catering to a diverse range of abilities, including visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, and hearing loss, has been increasingly recognised.
For individuals with varying levels of blindness, visual accessibility in games is crucial. This can be achieved by avoiding relying on colour alone to convey important information, and by providing customisable text and visual aspects. In 2020, The Last of Us Part II set a notable example with over 60 accessibility settings designed to accommodate various needs.
Cognitive disabilities, which can affect attention, memory, and comprehension, are another area where games can make a difference. Modifying gameplay to include adjustable speed and cool-down periods, as well as offering an assist mode, can help create a more inclusive gaming environment.
Subtitles are a basic accessibility feature for those who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss. In 2022, Forza Horizon 5 took a step further by launching a free update that included American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) signing done by Deaf actors for cutscenes.
People with dyslexia benefit from clear, readable fonts and text-to-speech options. Musical video games have even incorporated ASL hand shapes into puzzles, adding another layer to accessible gaming.
In terms of motor-related challenges, controls should be adjustable and remappable, and input devices and methods should be diverse to accommodate players with mobility issues. The first hands-free controller was introduced by Nintendo in 1989, and button mapping was included in the PlayStation OS version 3.1 in 2009, marking significant milestones in accessibility.
The Video Communications Act (VCA), enacted in 2010, laid out accessibility regulations specific to gaming. Since then, developers and studios have been encouraged to educate their teams on accessibility and prioritise it in their workflow, often consulting directly with the communities they are building games for.
It's worth noting that approximately 25% of people in the United States have a disability, and globally, disabled people make up around 16%. Resources like Can I Play That? provide valuable information for disabled gamers, game developers, and others seeking the latest game accessibility news.
Significant recent milestones in video game playability include the introduction of crossplay, allowing players on different platforms to play together, and enhanced accessibility features such as adjustable visual effects, camera options, customisable text sizes, and VR support. Speech should also be optional in games, not required for any portion.
In 2018, the VR game Moss was released with its main character using American Sign Language to communicate with players, further demonstrating the strides being made in accessible gaming. As we continue to evolve, it's clear that inclusivity in video games is not just a trend, but a fundamental shift in the industry's approach to entertainment.
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