Breaking Down Barriers in Game Development: Accessibility and Engine Design

The game development landscape has undergone significant transformations, making it more accessible than ever. With user-friendly engines like RPG Maker and the release of titles such as Game Builder Garage, which gamifies the development process, numerous pathways into game development have emerged that don't require prior coding or design experience. However, the tech itself still poses significant obstacles to accessibility. The 2021 developer satisfaction survey by the International Game Development Association revealed that 29% of respondents identified as having a disability. Cameron Keywood, studio director of DragonCog Interactive, notes that mainstream engines like Unity and Unreal Engine have made substantial strides in integrating accessibility features, such as support for screen readers and customizable interfaces. Despite this progress, indie engines often lack the resources to implement such features, a view supported by Cari Watterton, senior accessibility designer at Rebellion. Ines Robin, client developer at Space Ape Games, highlights the lack of internal resources as a primary hurdle in achieving accessibility goals. Clay John, developer for Godot, acknowledges the challenge of limited personnel and expertise in incorporating accessibility features. While accessibility is a rising concern, some developers sense that even well-meaning features are secondary to engine creators. Jess Molloy, game designer and certified accessible player experience practitioner, notes that larger engines sometimes skirt or avoid making their tools accessible, necessitating third-party plugins. Phoebe Hesketh, researcher and founder of Take a Mo, emphasizes the need for continuous attention to accessibility throughout the development process. Advocates stress the importance of including people with disabilities in the development process from the outset. Marijn Rongen, member of the team at Can I Play That, suggests that having disabled people on the team helps integrate accessibility earlier in the design process, reducing costs and effort. Space Ape Games' Robin adds that making game development accessible broadens the appeal of the end product. UKIE estimates over 100,000 potential players could form new audiences from disabled communities. The issue of engine accessibility is closely tied to the constraints and pressures on game developers. While the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) has helped consider the technical needs of disabled developers, it is not a comprehensive solution. Ensuring all aspects of game development are accessible allows for a wider variety of lived experiences to be considered, enabling novel ideas and methodologies. Dom Shaw, EDI coordinator for UKIE, notes that accessible tools can enhance productivity and workflow efficiency for all developers. Beyond gaming, asset creation within engines like Unreal has become part of non-gaming activities, such as brands creating 3D models for AR and virtual spaces. For engines to fulfill their promise, they must be accessible to developers with diverse needs. While progress has been made, a significant gap remains to be bridged.