ESA Launches Initiative for Game Accessibility Details

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has unveiled 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 the result of collaboration among industry giants such as Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, and Ubisoft. Additional support has come from Amazon, Riot Games, Square Enix, and WB Games, with the ESA overseeing the initiative's management.

Under this initiative, participating video game companies will utilize a set of 24 approved tags to label their games, providing clear information about accessibility features. These tags will be displayed alongside the game's details on digital storefronts and product pages, making it easier for players to find games that meet their specific needs.

The tags cover a wide range of features, including "clear text," "large and clear subtitles," "narrated menus," "stick inversion," "save anytime," "difficulty levels," "playable without button holds," and more. These tags aim to address various accessibility needs, from auditory and visual to gameplay and input requirements.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA's president and CEO, emphasized the initiative's importance, 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, implemented on a company-by-company basis, and initially available only in English. The ESA plans to refine and possibly expand the tag system over time, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.

Accessible Games Initiative Tags:

Auditory Features

Tag: Multiple Volume Controls

Description: Separate volume controls are available for different types of sounds, allowing players to adjust music, speech, sound effects, background audio, text-to-speech audio, accessibility audio cues, and voice chat independently. A master volume control is also available to adjust all game sounds at once.

Tag: Mono Sound

Description: Players can enjoy the game with mono audio, where the same audio is sent to all channels, providing a single, combined audio experience.

Tag: Stereo Sound

Description: This feature allows players to experience stereo audio, where sounds indicate their left or right origin, enhancing the gaming experience.

Tag: Surround Sound

Description: Players can immerse themselves in surround sound, where audio cues come from any direction, creating a more realistic gaming environment.

Tag: Narrated Menus

Description: Screen readers or voice narration can be used for menus and notifications, allowing players to navigate and understand game interfaces through auditory feedback.

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

Description: This feature enables real-time conversion of text chats to speech and voice chats to text, facilitating communication for players with different accessibility needs.

Gameplay Features

Tag: Difficulty Levels

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

Tag: Save Anytime

Description: Players can 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: Players can rearrange button controls, allowing for personalized control setups. This is distinct from full input remapping, which allows for remapping all game controls.

Tag: Full Input Remapping

Description: This feature allows players to assign any game action to any control across all supported input methods, including keyboard, mouse, controllers, and virtual on-screen controllers.

Tag: Stick Inversion

Description: Players can invert the direction of thumbsticks or flight sticks, customizing how movement is controlled in the game.

Tag: Playable without Button Holds

Description: The game can be played without the need to hold down buttons, though some analog inputs may still require holds.

Tag: Playable without Rapid Button Presses

Description: This feature eliminates the need for repetitive button actions, such as button mashing or quick-time events, making the game more accessible.

Tag: Playable with Keyboard Only

Description: Players can enjoy the game using only a keyboard, without the need for any other input devices.

Tag: Playable with Mouse Only

Description: The game can be played using only a mouse, including support for adaptive technologies that map to mouse inputs.

Tag: Playable with Buttons Only

Description: Players can control the game and menus using only digital inputs like buttons or keys, where the pressure applied does not affect the controls.

Tag: Playable with Touch Only

Description: The game can be played using only touch controls, without the need for non-touch inputs like buttons or analog sticks.

Tag: Playable Without Motion Controls

Description: Players can enjoy the game without the need for motion controls, ensuring accessibility for those who prefer traditional input methods.

Tag: Playable Without Touch Controls

Description: The game can be played without using touchpads or touchscreens, catering to players who prefer other input methods.

Visual Features

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

Description: This feature, also listed under auditory features, allows for real-time conversion of text chats to speech and voice chats to text, enhancing communication accessibility.

Tag: Clear Text

Description: Text in menus, control panels, and settings is displayed at a reasonable size with adjustable contrast, ensuring readability for all players.

Tag: Large Text

Description: Players can adjust text in menus, control panels, and settings to a larger size, improving visibility and accessibility.

Tag: Large & Clear Subtitles

Description: Subtitles for all dialogue are available, with options for size, background transparency, and font style, ensuring they are clear and do not obstruct important game elements.

Tag: Color Alternatives

Description: Important information is communicated through means other than color, such as shape, pattern, icons, or text, ensuring accessibility for colorblind players.

Tag: Camera Comfort

Description: Players can adjust or turn off camera effects that may cause discomfort, such as shaking, swaying, or motion blur, ensuring a more comfortable gaming experience.