Double Fine Highlights the Profound Impact of Simple Choices on Accessibility

Double Fine Productions recently discussed their approach to mental health and accessibility in the development of Psychonauts 2 at Develop Brighton. Director of development Kevin Johnson emphasized that intentionally including diverse perspectives is crucial to avoiding unintentional exclusion. The studio attended inclusive design workshops and engaged with gamers with disabilities to gain insight into their gaming experiences and challenges. Johnson noted that simple design choices, such as the option to turn off rumble, can have a significant impact on accessibility. For example, this feature can be a game-changer for individuals with chronic pain or sensory overload. Johnson encouraged developers to engage with their team members to leverage their diverse perspectives and experiences. He shared his own experience with color blindness and how it informed the implementation of color blind options in Psychonauts 2. The team also worked to address motion sickness and created a slider to control camera shake in the game. Johnson advised developers to explore existing fonts, such as OpenDyslexic, that can improve accessibility. He also emphasized the importance of collaborating with professionals, such as the charity SpecialEffect, to gain valuable insights and expertise. Ultimately, Johnson stressed that intentional inclusion is essential to avoiding unintentional exclusion and creating a more accessible gaming experience.