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Accessible video game design
Accessible game design is beneficial to EVERYONE, this includes individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities, game developers, and the average player.
Out of the billions of people who play video games worldwide, it’s estimated that about 20% of the gaming population have a disability.
That’s hundreds of millions of people.
With hundreds of millions of people, it is crucial that everyone has the ability to enjoy and participate in the widely loved act of gaming.
The goal of accessible game design is to eliminate obstacles and ensure equal opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. For example, incorporating customizable controls allows individuals with motor impairments to tailor the game’s interface to their specific needs. The option to change keybindings, adjust sensitivity, or use alternative input devices allows players to play comfortably and independently.
Accessibility is not only important for players with disabilities, but also for individuals who may experience temporary or situational impairments, such as low vision, hearing loss, or injury. Accessible design can also enhance the gaming experience for players with different preferences, skills, or play styles.
Not only that, it’s also beneficial for game developers and publishers, since it can increase the potential market size, customer satisfaction, and social impact of their games.
Tl;dr: Accessible game design helps everyone, so do it.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for accessibility in game design, as different gamers may have different needs and preferences. However, there are some general principles and guidelines that can help developers design more accessible games.
Let’s go over a few.
Visual
Visual elements are integral components of game design, but they can present challenges for players with certain disabilities. To address this, developers can include features such as colorblind modes and customizable menus. These accommodations make it easier for individuals with visual impairments to follow the game’s…
