ESA Launches Initiative for Game Accessibility Details

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has recently unveiled the Accessible Games Initiative, a groundbreaking "tag" system designed to enhance video game accessibility. Announced at the Game Developers Conference, this initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by industry giants such as Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, and Ubisoft, with additional support from Amazon, Riot Games, Square Enix, and WB Games. Managed by the ESA, the initiative aims to inform consumers about the accessibility features of video games through a set of 24 standardized tags displayed on digital storefronts and product pages.

These tags cover a wide range of accessibility features, including "clear text," "large and clear subtitles," "narrated menus," "stick inversion," "save anytime," "difficulty levels," and "playable without button holds," among others. This system is poised to make video gaming more inclusive for the millions of Americans with disabilities, allowing them to experience the joy and connection that gaming offers.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA president and CEO, emphasized the significance of the 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 these tags will be gradual and company-specific, starting in English, with potential future expansions or modifications to the tag system. Below is a detailed list of the tags and their descriptions:

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 one volume control.

Tag: Mono Sound

Description: Allows players to use mono audio, sending the same audio to all channels, which is beneficial for users with hearing impairments in one ear.

Tag: Stereo Sound

Description: Enables stereo audio, allowing sounds to be positioned to the left or right, enhancing the gaming experience without directional cues from above, below, ahead, or behind.

Tag: Surround Sound

Description: Supports surround sound, providing directional audio cues from any direction, enhancing immersion.

Tag: Narrated Menus

Description: Provides screen readers or voice narration for menus and notifications, allowing players to navigate without visual cues.

Tag: Chat Speech-to-Text & Text-to-Speech

Description: Facilitates real-time conversion of text chats to speech and voice chats to text, aiding players with hearing or speech impairments.

Gameplay Features

Tag: Difficulty Levels

Description: Offers multiple difficulty settings, including options that reduce the intensity of challenges, with clear descriptions of the differences between levels.

Tag: Save Anytime

Description: Allows players to manually save their progress at any time, except during specific scenarios like saving or loading, or when it could lead to game-breaking issues.

Input Features

Tag: Basic Input Remapping

Description: Permits rearrangement of button controls, allowing players to customize their gaming experience.

Tag: Full Input Remapping

Description: Enables comprehensive remapping of all game controls across various input methods, including keyboard, mouse, controllers, and virtual on-screen controllers.

Tag: Stick Inversion

Description: Allows players to invert the direction of thumbsticks or flight sticks, enhancing comfort and control.

Tag: Playable without Button Holds

Description: Ensures the game can be played without the need to hold down buttons, accommodating players with motor impairments.

Tag: Playable without Rapid Button Presses

Description: Eliminates the need for rapid button actions, such as button mashing, making the game more accessible.

Tag: Playable with Keyboard Only

Description: Allows the game to be played using only a keyboard, without the need for additional devices.

Tag: Playable with Mouse Only

Description: Supports gameplay using only a mouse, including adaptive technologies that map to mouse inputs.

Tag: Playable with Buttons Only

Description: Enables gameplay using only digital inputs like buttons or keys, where pressure sensitivity is not required.

Tag: Playable with Touch Only

Description: Allows gameplay using only touch controls, without the need for non-touch inputs.

Tag: Playable Without Motion Controls

Description: Ensures the game can be played without motion controls, accommodating players who cannot use them.

Tag: Playable Without Touch Controls

Description: Allows gameplay without the use of touchpads or touchscreens, broadening accessibility.

Visual Features

Tag: Clear Text

Description: Ensures text in menus, control panels, and settings is legible, with adjustable contrast and less stylized fonts.

Tag: Large Text

Description: Provides options for larger font sizes in menus, control panels, and settings, enhancing readability.

Tag: Large & Clear Subtitles

Description: Offers subtitles for all dialogue with adjustable size, background transparency, and non-overlapping placement, ensuring clarity.

Tag: Color Alternatives

Description: Uses shape, pattern, icons, or text instead of color to communicate important information, or allows color adjustments.

Tag: Camera Comfort

Description: Eliminates or allows adjustment of camera effects that may cause discomfort, such as shaking, swaying, or motion blur.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in making video games more accessible to everyone, reflecting the industry's commitment to inclusivity and the power of play.