Accessibility in gaming is a beautiful thing. With every new game release, studios are finding wonderful and unique ways to elevate experiences for people with disabilities.
To mark International Day Of Persons With Disabilities this week, we’ve taken a look at how the gaming world is celebrating.
READ MORE: Xbox Announce New Accessibility Hardware and Updates
Xbox continue to pave the way for disabled gamers. This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Xbox highlighted some recent key advancements in accessibility, ranging from controller remapping options to hearing compensation settings.
Remapping options for Xbox Adaptive Controller and Elite Series 2
Let’s start with the recent updates to the Xbox Accessories App for both the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. These updates include the options to toggle holds (similar to sticky keys on a computer), map stick movements to button presses, map joystick movements to a mouse, and the option to map hat switches to alternate joysticks. As someone with arthritis in her fingers, I am looking forward to messing with the “toggle hold” feature.
Visual accessibility updates for Diablo IV
In October this year, Diablo IV received an accessibility update to add to its already incredible array of features. These updates included an auto-pin feature for the in-game map, audio navigation assistance using spatial audio pings to direct players, and a compass HUD element.
READ MORE: Video games releasing in December 2024
Accessibility features in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
The latest instalment in the ever-popular franchise, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 introduced a stack of new accessibility features. These included asymmetrical hearing compensation, improved high contrast mode, Intelligent Movement settings, and arachnophobia settings.
Both Diablo IV and Call of Duty: Back Ops 6 have earned their nominations for “Innovation in Accessibility” at the 2024 Game Awards this year.
World of Warcraft companion purchase to support CureDuchenne
READ MORE: Accessibility Review | Hi-Fi Rush (PlayStation 5)
In conjunction with the release of The Remarkable Life of Ibelin on Netflix, a documentary celebrating the late Norwegian gamer Mats Steen, World of Warcraft have released the “Reven” pack. Players can purchase this adorable fox companion in both Modern and Classic World of Warcraft. Doing so will support CureDuchenne, a global nonprofit research group working to improve and extend the lives of people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
