Breaking Down Barriers: Unlocking True Accessibility in Gaming

The gaming industry has a profound responsibility to its diverse player base, with accessibility being a crucial aspect of this obligation. Despite some progress, the industry still falls short in providing equal access to all players. However, there are encouraging signs of change, with studios like Sony Santa Monica Studio making significant strides in accessibility features in games like God of War Ragnarök. The introduction of Blind Driving Assists in Forza Motorsport is another notable example, making the game more accessible to blind and low-vision players. Nevertheless, the pace of change is not as rapid or widespread as it needs to be. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy gaming is not only a moral imperative but also a sound business decision. According to a study by Newzoo, disabled players account for 31% of US gamers and 29% in the UK, representing a substantial and underserved market. The commercial case for accessibility is multifaceted, with diversity and inclusion becoming increasingly important in society, particularly among younger generations. Businesses that fail to prioritize accessibility risk facing consequences, including damage to their reputation and loss of talent. Many games still launch with inaccessible features, such as small text, poor contrast, and colour-reliant information, as well as non-remappable controls. These issues can be addressed through simple design changes, like allowing players to adjust text size, which can make games more accessible without compromising aesthetics or immersion. In-game remapping is another crucial feature, as it can help exclude certain players. The use of intricate control schemes can be made optional, and developers should consider whether these are necessary or can be simplified for a more inclusive experience. Colour usage in games can also be a problem, particularly for players with colour blindness, but this can be addressed by adding shapes or icons to communicate information. Checking for adequate contrast between text colour and background is another essential step. Flexible subtitle presentation and captioning important audio or musical cues can also help accommodate players with hearing issues. Cognitive load is another consideration, as the amount of information presented simultaneously can be overwhelming for some players. Addressing sensory load is also important, as excessive visuals, noises, or camera movements can affect players differently. Getting accessibility right is not an exact science, and disabled players are the experts in their own experiences. Their voices need to be heard throughout the development process, whether through playtesting, user research, or social media callouts. Accessibility considerations should not be an afterthought but rather a core part of the design process from the outset. Collaborating with accessibility experts early on is essential, particularly for smaller studios with limited budgets. Educational institutions can also play a vital role in promoting accessibility in game development, by teaching accessibility principles and ensuring that their classes are accessible. To truly make a difference, accessibility must become part of a company's culture, not just a checkbox exercise. This requires integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles across the organisation, including the employer brand, design, and communication. Engaging outside agencies can be helpful in this process. While no game can be 100% accessible, progress is more valuable than striving for perfection. The future of gaming is inclusive, and it's time for game studios to make accessibility a central pillar of their design philosophy and embrace collaboration to achieve it.