Games are undeniably one of the most engaging forms of interaction today, captivating millions of people worldwide, whether they are hardcore enthusiasts or casual players. However, ensuring that all players have full access to the experiences we aim to deliver remains a challenge. Accessibility in games goes beyond occasional adaptations—it must be a strategic approach, integrated from the earliest stages of project development, with the goal of enhancing and enabling the gaming experience for everyone.

Why Is Accessibility Important?

According to the World Health Organization, around 15% of the global population has some type of disability. When we analyze the Brazilian reality, this number today exceeds 6% of the population.

The lack of accessibility can alienate players who would otherwise be active and enthusiastic consumers; its presence benefits not only players with sensory, physical and/or cognitive limitations, but also those who prefer personalized experiences. When we create more accessible games, they not only broaden our audience, but also promote a more ethical and innovative industry.

It is relatively recent that the gaming industry began to focus on the importance of games with robust and quality features for accessibility. In 2020, a new award category was created for “Innovation in Accessibility” at The Game Awards, largely due to the prominence of The Last of Us: Part II and its excellent accessibility settings. To see more, check out: The Last of Us Part II Accessibility.

Figure 1 - High Contrast Display of The Last of Us Part II

‍

What Makes a Game Accessible?

For a game to be considered accessible, it must account for various forms of interaction and perception. Interfaces should be clear and adaptable, while user experiences must balance challenge with accessibility.

A clear example is the use of visual, auditory, and tactile feedback to reinforce critical information, such as attacks, dangers, or environmental events. In Stray, for instance, lighting highlights points of interest and guides the player through the environment. In a visually dense and shadowy world, color and lights ensure objectives remain clear, even for players with mild visual impairments.

Figure 2 - Use of Colors and Lights to Indicate Points of Interest.

Another essential aspect is control flexibility. Players with motor limitations can benefit from options such as remappable buttons or alternative devices like adaptive controllers. It is vital to remember that most consoles, for instance, have documentation on accessibility and how to utilize their specialized controllers effectively.

However, it is extremely relevant and necessary to consider not only hardware accessibility, but mainly software, considering features such as difficulty adjustments, customizable subtitles and options for color-blind people are also essential to ensure an inclusive experience.

Accessible Design Practices in Games

Understanding the needs for creating accessible games is relatively straightforward, but where should developers start?

1. Use Colors Thoughtfully:

  • Use color palettes that do not end up causing confusion for players with different types of color blindness. Tools such as Adobe Color - Accessibility should be used when creating and planning interfaces, scenarios, etc.
  • Highlight key elements with clear contrasts to differentiate enemies from allies, for example.Tools like Adobe Contrast Analyzer or Colour Contrast Check are excellent resources.

Figure 3 - For Honor UI contrast

2. Offer Adaptable Subtitles:

  • Allow players to adjust the size, color, and background of subtitles for easier readability.
  • Include sound transcriptions, such as [explosion] or [rising suspense], for players with hearing impairments.

3. Provide Adaptive Controls:

  • Add options for button remapping and support for adaptive devices.
  • Offer alternative control schemes, like mouse support for players unable to use traditional joysticks.

4. Make Difficulty Adjustable:

  • Assistance modes, such as slowing down enemy speed or offering unlimited lives, help players with motor or cognitive challenges progress through the game.

‍

Figure 4 - Celeste assist mode

  • Avoid penalizing players for using these settings, ensuring a respectful and inclusive experience.

5. Maintain Clean and Efficient Interfaces:

  • Minimize on-screen clutter. A well-organized HUD benefits all players, particularly those with attention difficulties.
  • Use intuitive icons and legible text to convey essential information.

6. Test with Diverse Audiences:

  • Include people with different disabilities in usability tests. They can identify barriers that traditional tests might overlook.

Overcoming Implementation Challenges

While some developers worry that accessibility might increase costs or limit creativity, well-planned practices can be implemented without compromising the original design. Simple solutions, like clear menus, button remapping, and accessibility configurations, often require minimal investment but have a significant impact.

Resources like the Game Accessibility Guidelines and Accessible Player Experience offer free tools to guide development teams. Integrating accessibility early in the process reduces costs and ensures a more inclusive design.

Organizations like AbleGamers Brasil also play a critical role in promoting gaming accessibility. This nonprofit org develops solutions to empower players with disabilities to enjoy games independently. Through workshops, lectures, and partnerships with developers, AbleGamers Brasil spreads knowledge about inclusive design and provides adaptive equipment for those who need it most. Their work inspires studios to prioritize accessibility, proving it as an opportunity to transform lives through gaming.

Accessibility as a Design Pillar

Accessibility should not be an afterthought or optional, it must be a core part of game development. Well-designed interfaces, clear feedback, and personalization options not only include more people but also enhance the gaming experience for everyone.

By prioritizing inclusion, developers can attract new audiences while setting a standard for innovation and respect. Ultimately, the true power of video games lies in connecting people and creating experiences that transcend limitations.

‍