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The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has launched the Accessible Games Initiative, a groundbreaking "tag" system designed to enhance video game accessibility for consumers. Announced at the Game Developers Conference, this initiative is backed by a coalition of major industry players including Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, and Ubisoft, with additional support from Amazon, Riot Games, Square Enix, and WB Games. The ESA will oversee the management of this initiative.
Under this new system, participating video game companies will categorize their games using a set of 24 approved accessibility tags. These tags will be displayed alongside the game's project information on digital storefronts and product pages, making it easier for consumers to find games that meet their accessibility needs.
The tags cover a wide range of accessibility features, such as "clear text," "large and clear subtitles," "narrated menus," "stick inversion," "save anytime," "difficulty levels," and "playable without button holds," among others. This initiative aims to break down barriers for the tens of millions of Americans with disabilities, enabling them to fully enjoy the immersive experience of video gaming.
Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA president and CEO, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Tens of millions of Americans have a disability and often face barriers to experiencing the joy and connection that comes with playing video games. We are immensely proud to announce the Accessible Games Initiative in partnership with industry leaders. 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 rollout of the tags will occur gradually, on a company-by-company basis, and is initially optional. At the start, the tags will be available only in English, though the ESA plans to expand and refine the tag system over time.
Here’s a detailed look at some of the key accessibility tags:
Auditory Features
Tag: Multiple Volume Controls
Description: Separate volume controls are available for different types of sounds, such as music, speech, sound effects, background audio, text-to-speech audio, accessibility audio cues, and voice chat. Additionally, all game sounds can be adjusted simultaneously with a single volume control.
Tag: Mono Sound
Description: Allows players to use mono audio, sending the same audio to all channels for a combined audio experience.
Tag: Stereo Sound
Description: Enables stereo audio, where sounds indicate their left or right origin but do not communicate vertical or depth positioning.
Tag: Surround Sound
Description: Supports surround sound, allowing sounds to be placed in any direction for a more immersive experience.
Tag: Narrated Menus
Description: Provides screen readers or voice narration for menus and notifications, enabling players to navigate without a cursor.
Tag: Chat Speech-to-Text & Text-to-Speech
Description: Facilitates real-time narration of text chats and transcripts of voice chats, enhancing communication accessibility.
Gameplay Features
Tag: Difficulty Levels
Description: Allows players to choose from multiple difficulty settings, including options that reduce challenge intensity, with clear descriptions of the differences.
Tag: Save Anytime
Description: Permits manual saving of game progress at any time, except during specific game scenarios like saving or loading.
Input Features
Tag: Basic Input Remapping
Description: Enables remapping of button controls for customization.
Tag: Full Input Remapping
Description: Allows complete remapping of all game controls across various input methods, including swapping controller stick functionality.
Tag: Stick Inversion
Description: Offers the ability to invert directional inputs like thumbsticks for personalized control.
Tag: Playable without Button Holds
Description: Allows gameplay without requiring sustained button presses, though some analog inputs may still need to be held.
Tag: Playable without Rapid Button Presses
Description: Enables gameplay without the need for rapid or repetitive button actions.
Tag: Playable with Keyboard Only
Description: Supports gameplay using only a keyboard.
Tag: Playable with Mouse Only
Description: Allows gameplay using only a mouse, including adaptive technology that maps to mouse inputs.
Tag: Playable with Buttons Only
Description: Enables gameplay using only digital button inputs.
Tag: Playable with Touch Only
Description: Supports gameplay using only touch controls.
Tag: Playable Without Motion Controls
Description: Allows gameplay without the need for motion controls.
Tag: Playable Without Touch Controls
Description: Permits gameplay without the use of touchpads or touchscreens.
Visual Features
Tag: Clear Text
Description: Ensures text in menus and settings is reasonably sized and adjustable for contrast, with less stylized fonts.
Tag: Large Text
Description: Provides options for large font sizes in menus and settings.
Tag: Large & Clear Subtitles
Description: Offers subtitles for all dialogue, with adjustable size, transparency, and non-overlapping placement.
Tag: Color Alternatives
Description: Ensures important information is not solely communicated through color, with alternatives like shapes or icons.
Tag: Camera Comfort
Description: Allows players to disable or adjust camera effects that could cause discomfort, such as shaking or motion blur.
The Accessible Games Initiative marks a significant step forward in making video games more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. By clearly labeling games with accessibility features, the ESA and its partners are helping to ensure that more players can experience the joy of gaming.
