The Accessibility of Gaming Content Creation: A Disabled Perspective

The gaming industry has witnessed a significant rise in the prominence of influencers and content creators, with publishers and studios leveraging their vast audiences on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch to guarantee coverage. However, for disabled creators, the difficulties of navigating this career path are magnified due to the demands of algorithms and inaccessible platforms. Mollie Evans, an EDI advocate and content creator, emphasizes the importance of allowing disabled influencers to work safely from home and at their own pace. Nevertheless, the reality is less inclusive, with the constant pressure to produce content proving challenging for many disabled creators. The frequency and consistency required to capture the attention of algorithms can be overwhelming, with platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok often categorizing content into narrow boxes, limiting its reach. This can lead to burnout, as experienced by Laura Kate Dale, an accessibility critic and consultant who has been a full-time content creator for over a decade. For disabled creators, managing both content creation and real-life struggles can be a daunting task. The requisite regularity for growth can be elusive, with schedules frequently derailed by unexpected events, and the energy required to create content can be significant. Kolo Jones, a streamer who became disabled after starting her streaming career, estimates that she now has only a third of her previous capacity, with her working hours limited to 20 per week. The draining nature of being a disabled content creator can have a knock-on effect, restricting growth and limiting opportunities for partnerships. Brands often overlook disabled creators, and those that do consider them may be hesitant to take action due to fear of making mistakes. The lack of accessibility and safety features on platforms can also make it difficult for disabled creators to find and connect with their audience. The concerns of disabled creators are not limited to their individual experiences but also extend to the broader issues of inclusivity and accessibility within the gaming industry. The disabled and accessibility community in gaming is a microcosm of wider society, with existing prejudices and barriers persisting without challenge. To address these issues, platforms must take responsibility for creating a more inclusive and accessible environment. This requires a holistic consideration of disabled users, beyond tokenistic gestures, and a commitment to consulting with disabled people and marginalized groups in decision-making processes. The potential for community and connection is a significant benefit of content creation for disabled people, but it is often hindered by the economic, emotional, and physical costs associated with creating content. The benefits of content creation for disabled people in the gaming space are frequently overshadowed by the difficulties of navigating an inaccessible industry. Ultimately, the solution lies in including disabled people in decision-making processes, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are taken into account in the development of platforms, tools, and games. By doing so, the gaming industry can become more diverse, accessible, and inclusive, providing a more supportive environment for disabled creators to thrive.