SweetieGames

It shouldn’t be a hot take that gaming should be accessible to every kind of gamer. However, there are plenty of people online who argue that nobody should be making games “easier” for any reason; video games purely exist to create a challenge. This mindset demonstrates that even today, many gamers have a very exclusionary mindset towards people who aren’t like themselves.

Many people complain about making games too easy, but nobody is forced to play video games on “easier” difficulties. However, it can be a lifesaver for those with a wide range of disabilities. Previously on this blog, I’ve discussed how skill level in a game does not equal how big of a fan someone is; someone who plays a game at a different difficulty is no less of a fan. We’re all playing the same game at the end of the day!

Difficulty levels are not the only adjustment that games can have to become accessible. Subtitles, text-to-speech, adjustable controls, sound, visual effects and font size and more should be standard in all games. While progress has been made, there are still huge barriers for disabled gamers to enjoy the same games as everyone else. According to research by Scope, a huge 66% of disabled gamers say that they face barriers or issues relating to gaming, and 40% have bought games that they are unable to play due to a lack of accessibility options. The survey found that the biggest barriers for disabled gamers have been the affordability of suitable adaptive or assistive technology, such as sound options, controller sensitivity, subtitles and more. There are also barriers with physical hardware, such as one handed controllers or mapping of controls.

Many of the assistive technology options that disabled gamers need are not difficult to implement in development; it is disappointing to see that many games are still not inclusive of all gamers. Developers and studios need to communicate the accessibility options within their games clearly in order to allow those who need these adjustments to make a decision on whether or not to purchase the game. The lack of accessibility options in many games, in combination with the negative attitudes from other gamers about disabled people, can make disabled gamers feel isolated in a hobby they are meant to enjoy. When disabled gamers spend more time on average gaming, and will acknowledge gaming is their primary hobby, it is the duty of gamers and the industry alike to make disabled people feel welcome and wanted in the gaming space.