More Than a Moral Obligation: Why Accessibility Matters in Video Games
Disabled players represent a significant portion of the gaming community – 31% in the US and 29% in the UK, while globally, 16-20% of the population identifies as having a disability. These numbers are undeniable, making accessibility not just a moral imperative but also a smart business decision.
Understanding Accessibility
Accessibility in games means creating an experience that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy and engage with. While often focused on people with disabilities, accessible design benefits everyone. It involves thoughtful, inclusive, and customizable game design that accommodates diverse needs. Examples include colorblind-friendly modes, configurable control schemes, subtitles, closed captions, and robust audio features.
Beyond Good Deeds: The Business Case for Accessibility
While ethical considerations are paramount, the business case for accessibility is equally compelling. Integrating accessibility into game development from the outset can save costs in the long run. Fixing accessibility issues after a game’s release is a much more expensive and time-consuming endeavor.
Allocating resources upfront for accessibility ensures you won’t face scrambling to fix accessibility barriers later on. It also avoids potential damage to your brand reputation. In addition, factoring in accessibility during early development
allows for proactive design choices that preemptively address potential challenges.
Design with Accessibility in Mind
Accessibility begins with thoughtful design. Many accessibility barriers can be prevented at the design stage. Developers should consider inclusivity when thinking about UI, control schemes, environments, and all game aspects. A key concept is “inclusive design,” which strives to integrate accessibility considerations from the beginning rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
Integrating user testing with disabled players during early design phases is invaluable. Their insights help identify barriers and opportunities for improvement before costs escalate.
How can the gaming industry better balance the moral obligation of accessibility with the financial realities of game development?
## More Than a Moral Obligation: A Closer Look at Accessibility in Gaming
**Host:** Welcome back. Today we’re diving into a topic that’s gaining increasing attention in the gaming world – accessibility. Joining us to discuss the importance of accessible game design is industry veteran and advocate for inclusive gaming, Alex Riley. Welcome, Alex.
**Alex:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Why is accessibility in video games so important?
**Alex:** It’s crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, disabled players are a significant portion of the gaming community. We’re talking about 31% in the US, 29% in the UK, and keeping in mind that globally, 16-20% identify as having a disability.
It’s not just morally right to provide them with equal access to this form of entertainment – it makes good business sense. Ignoring this massive audience means missing out on a significant chunk of potential players and revenue.
**Host:** You mentioned the business case for accessibility. Can you elaborate on that?
**Alex:** Absolutely. Integrating accessibility from the outset is cost-effective in the long run. Fixing accessibility issues after a game’s release is a much more expensive and time-consuming effort. By addressing potential barriers early on, you avoid scrambling later and potentially damaging your brand reputation.
**Host:** What key steps can developers take to ensure their games are more accessible?
**Alex:** The key lies in inclusive design.
Capture accessibility considerations from the very beginning, not as an afterthought. This means thinking about UI design, control schemes, environments – all aspects of the game – with accessibility in mind.
Crucially, involve disabled players in user testing during early design phases. Their firsthand insights are invaluable for identifying barriers and finding creative solutions.
**Host:** Definitely food for thought. Alex, thank you for sharing your insights. This is a conversation that needs to continue.
We want to hear from you, our viewers. Do you think the gaming industry is doing enough to prioritize accessibility? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
