Who Is Behind This New Plan?
Nintendo of America, Microsoft, Google, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft announced a new project called the Accessible Games Initiative during the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco in sake of Disabled Gamers.
What Is the Accessible Games Initiative?
This new plan aims to make it easier for disabled gamers to know if a game has features that will help them play. The group will use 24 special tags that describe what accessibility features a game has.
What Do These Tags Show?
These tags are designed to help players who are blind, have low vision, or face other challenges. Some examples of these tags include:
- Clear text
- Large and clear subtitles
- Narrated menus
These tags cover four types of features:
- Auditory (sound-related)
- Visual (sight-related)
- Gameplay (game controls and actions)
- Input (controller and device compatibility)
Why Are These Tags Important?
Before this initiative, each game company used its own way of showing accessibility features. This was confusing for gamers. Now, with a standard set of tags, it will be easier for disabled players, parents, and teachers to find the right games.
Will All Games Have These Tags?
The use of these tags is voluntary, meaning companies can choose whether to use them. The tags will appear on digital stores, product pages, and catalogues to help gamers make informed decisions.
Who Else Is Supporting This Effort for Disabled Gamers?
Even though Sony helped develop the plan, it is not one of the founding members. Other companies like Amazon Games, Riot Games, Square Enix, and Warner Bros. Games have also joined.
Why Does Accessibility in Games Matter?
More and more tech companies are adding features to help disabled users. Google and Apple have included accessibility options in their smartphones. Microsoft and Sony have also created gaming tools for people with limited movement.
Experts say it’s important for companies to work with disabled people when designing new products. While this is a big step forward, there is still more work to be done to make games accessible for everyone.
