Accessibility innovations in gaming in 2023

The role of accessibility in games is constantly evolving. Accessibility entered the mainstream in 2020, with innovations like Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II starting to be featured in publications and award shows. A title with dozens of options specifically for accessibility purposes was relatively unheard of at the time. Since the release of TLOU2, the industry’s understanding of what makes games accessible and fun has changed significantly. 2023 is proof of this concept. With every new release, whether AAA or indie, players with disabilities can be sure to know that the game will include some form of setting or inclusive design.

IGN has a clear winner for Most Accessible Game of 2023, and all of the nominees in this category are winners. Yes, each game listed below has a plethora of options and designs, but they deserve to be on this list because of the way they revolutionized not only their respective genres, but the industry itself.

Runner-up: Street Fighter 6 – Fighting Game Victory

New titles for major franchises were released in 2023. Street Fighter 6 shocked the fighting game genre with its drive-blash-like mechanics, so he’s one of the contenders. But apart from new tools to master, we’ve added a ton of accessibility features that significantly reduce the barriers to inaccessibility.

Within Street Fighter 6’s options menu, blind and low-vision players have access to multiple auditory indicators for character movement, enemy movement, punches, kicks, fireballs, and even a decreasing drive gauge. But its greatest achievement is due to the implementation of the latest dynamic he controls. Modern controls simplify inputting a wide range of combos and special moves. There is no need to remember and use six punch and kick buttons. Modern controls reduce input to four buttons: light, medium, heavy, and special attacks. Combining this with basic moves allows players to perform powerful combos with far fewer buttons and movements, despite his 80% damage cap of standard control his combos. Dynamic controls further reduce complexity with just his three buttons that automatically perform combos based on your opponent’s distance and remaining health. However, dynamic controls are only available in his one fight with an AI player.

While accessibility wasn’t perfect, including a lack of screen reader support and the inability to use dynamic controls outside of arcade combat, Street Fighter 6 revolutionized the series’ accessibility. . Whether you’re a beginner, a disabled player, or a veteran, Street Fighter 6 is one of the most accessible fighting games in recent years.

Runner-up: Dead Space – A blend of cognitive accessibility and horror

The following candidates will explore the horror genre and demonstrate how accessibility can positively impact all games and experiences. Motive Studio’s Dead Space remake is equipped with common accessibility features such as toggling actions such as aiming and dashing, choosing different difficulty levels, and customizable subtitles. However, it is a candidate because it focuses on cognitive accessibility.

Traditionally, video game accessibility has covered three pillars: motor, visual, and auditory. Cognitive accessibility is achieved through inclusive design and setting, such as the arachnophobia mode in games like Grounded, but Dead Space’s massive content sensor is revolutionary, especially for a horror game. For players with PTSD, trauma related to violent incidents, or even phobias, Dead Space allows individuals to activate a variety of sensors that display disturbing images such as gratuitous violence and themes such as self-harm and suicide. You can issue a warning. More importantly, these options don’t take away from Dead Space’s core elements: the immense isolation and despair. Furthermore, Dead Space is cognitively accessible through its gameplay and level design. Simple hallways prevent the player from getting lost, beacons his buttons precisely guide other players within his USG Ishimura, and it’s entirely possible for an individual to clear the game with his one weapon , and prevents overwhelming emotions regarding ammunition management. Dead Space proves that cognitive accessibility is just as important as any other form of accessibility, and that even settings like content sensors and trigger warnings can be successfully implemented in horror games.

Winner: Forza Motorsport – Racing to Victory

The winner of 2023’s Most Accessible Game is an iconic Xbox racing sim that truly demonstrates the importance of accessible innovation, not just for the racing genre, but for the gaming industry as well. Forza Motorsport has redefined accessibility, especially for the blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled. Compared to 2020’s The Last of Us Part II, Forza Motorsport’s options allow players with disabilities to seamlessly complete races with relatively few, if any, inaccessible barriers.

Forza Motorsport includes a set of options labeled “Blind Driving Assist” for visually impaired racers. These features provide audible indicators for acceleration, gear shifting, terrain, straight ahead, turning, and even an audio indicator if you’re driving in the wrong direction. Combine this with full-screen His Reader support throughout the game and cinematic audio descriptions, and blind and low vision players can play as independently as they like during races. Players with disabilities can control all aspects of driving with options such as steering, braking, acceleration, and stability aids. Traditionally, racing sims require significant energy levels to hold down numerous buttons to ensure the vehicle functions reliably. Once you have these settings in place, it is completely possible to play the game completely with the push of a button.

Forza Motorsport is the first game in its genre to allow complete control regardless of obstacles. No game is perfect, especially considering the individualistic nature of the disability experience. However, racing accessibility has to be sorted before and after Forza Motorsport.

Honorable mention

The three games above are just a few of the great titles with innovative accessibility options and design. Mortal Kombat 1’s visual accessibility is a first for the series. Stories of Blossom is completely playable by people with a variety of disabilities, proving that even indie games can and should be accessible. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has implemented even more features and design than its predecessor, including the ability to adjust game speed. Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s design makes it one of his most accessible side-scrolling Mario games.

2023 shows the need and evolution of accessibility in gaming. Accessibility will never be solved. The studio continues to innovate based on the needs of players with disabilities. But if 2023 is any indicator, people with disabilities will no longer have to hope for inclusion. They have the ability to fully enjoy the game with their able-bodied peers.

The panel of judges who nominated and voted in this category were Coty Craven, Ian Hamilton, Steve Thaler and Grant Stoner.