ESA Launches Initiative for Game Accessibility Details

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has launched 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 including Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, and Ubisoft. Additional companies such as Amazon, Riot Games, Square Enix, and WB Games have also joined the effort, which will be overseen by the ESA.

Under this initiative, participating game companies will use a set of 24 approved tags to label their games, providing clear information about accessibility features. These tags will be displayed alongside game 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 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 comprehensive approach aims to address various accessibility needs, from auditory and visual to gameplay and input features.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA president and CEO, emphasized the importance of this 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, implemented on a company-by-company basis, and initially available only in English. The ESA plans to monitor and possibly expand or refine the tags over time to ensure they continue to meet the evolving needs of gamers.

Here is a detailed list of the Accessible Games Initiative tags:

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 those with hearing impairments in one ear.

Tag: Stereo Sound

Description: Enables stereo audio, where sounds indicate their left or right origin, enhancing the gaming experience for those who can benefit from directional audio cues.

Tag: Surround Sound

Description: Supports surround sound, providing a more immersive experience by indicating the direction of sounds from any angle.

Tag: Narrated Menus

Description: Provides screen readers or voice narration for menus and notifications, allowing players to navigate and understand game interfaces through audio.

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

Description: Converts game chat between text and speech in real-time, making communication accessible for players with hearing or speech impairments.

Gameplay Features

Tag: Difficulty Levels

Description: Offers multiple difficulty options, including at least one that reduces 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 to suit their needs.

Tag: Full Input Remapping

Description: Enables complete remapping of all game controls across various input methods, including keyboards, mice, controllers, and virtual on-screen controllers.

Tag: Stick Inversion

Description: Allows players to invert the direction of thumbsticks or flight sticks, accommodating different player preferences.

Tag: Playable without Button Holds

Description: Ensures the game can be played without the need to hold down buttons, making it more accessible for those with limited motor skills.

Tag: Playable without Rapid Button Presses

Description: Eliminates the need for rapid button actions, such as button mashing, which can be challenging for some players.

Tag: Playable with Keyboard Only

Description: Allows the game to be played using only a keyboard, ideal for players who prefer or require this input method.

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, suitable for players who prefer or need touch-based interfaces.

Tag: Playable Without Motion Controls

Description: Ensures the game can be played without motion controls, accommodating players who may find them challenging.

Tag: Playable Without Touch Controls

Description: Allows gameplay without the use of touchpads or touchscreens, making the game accessible to those who prefer other input methods.

Visual Features

Tag: Clear Text

Description: Ensures text in menus, control panels, and settings is of a reasonable size and contrast, with options to adjust for better readability.

Tag: Large Text

Description: Provides the option for large font sizes in menus, control panels, and settings, enhancing visibility for players with visual impairments.

Tag: Large & Clear Subtitles

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

Tag: Color Alternatives

Description: Uses shape, pattern, icons, or text instead of color to communicate important information, or allows color adjustments to meet the needs of colorblind players.

Tag: Camera Comfort

Description: Eliminates or allows adjustment of camera effects that may cause discomfort, such as shaking, swaying, or motion blur, ensuring a more comfortable gaming experience.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in making video games more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience, reflecting the industry's commitment to diversity and inclusion.