With New Initiative, Video Game Makers Highlight Accessibility
by Shaun Heasley for Disability Scoop
Microsoft, Nintendo and other big players in the world of video games are banding together to make it easier for people with disabilities to know if games are accessible.
The companies will begin adding special tags to their games to denote whether they include various accessibility features and, if so, which ones.
The effort, known as the Accessible Games Initiative, was announced recently at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco by the Entertainment Software Association, a trade group for the video game industry, and representatives from Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America and Ubisoft.
Initially, there will be tags for two dozen different accessibility features including clear text, large and clear subtitles, narrated menus, stick inversion and save anytime, according to those behind the effort. The initiative offers definitions for each tag for players and criteria for developers.
The tags are expected to be placed on digital storefronts, product pages and digital catalogues, though implementation is voluntary and the timeline will be at the discretion of each company.
“Tens of millions of Americans have a disability and often face barriers to experiencing the joy and connection that comes with playing video games,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association. “This initiative demonstrates how impactful we can be when we work together in our industry-wide pursuit of helping more people experience the power of play.”
The accessibility tags were developed with guidance from players with disabilities, accessibility advocacy groups and game development teams, according to the Entertainment Software Association.
Those behind the effort said they expect the tags to evolve and new ones to be added over time.
Initially the Accessible Games Initiative was developed by Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Ubisoft, but Amazon Games, Riot Games, Square Enix and Warner Bros. Games have also signed on to the effort.
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