Approach gameplay through the lens of accessibility

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You're a member of a team that wants to create accessible games but is unsure where to start.

The team develops games for a living, so we can assume they know how games are played. When it comes to accessibility, your team needs to think about this process with a wide range of players in mind.

Start with an assessment:

  • How do games provide information to players?
  • How do players interpret this information?
  • How do players act upon this information for successful gameplay?

In this unit, you're introduced to basic gaming and disability concepts. You also learn how to assess the gameplay process within the context of accessibility. You increase your understanding of how specific game elements or mechanics can introduce inaccessible experiences for players.

How are games played?

The following video introduces basic concepts about gaming and disability. It introduces ways to approach the question of "how games are played" within the context of accessibility. An understanding of this approach helps you establish the foundation you need to begin your game accessibility journey.

Solve for one, extend to many

Before we explore the game accessibility concepts about vision, audio, cognition, and input, familiarize yourself with the inclusive design principle of "solve for one, extend to many."

"Solve for one, extend to many" means that intentional design efforts to create accessible experiences for people with disabilities often results in universally beneficial features and settings for everyone. For example, accessible automatic doors for wheelchair access are also often used by the following individuals:

  • Individuals who have their hands full and can't open the door
  • Individuals who want to avoid touching door handles for hygienic reasons

When it comes to game accessibility, options or features intended for a specific group of players often provide better experiences for all players.

For example, captions and subtitles are intended to make game experiences accessible to players with hearing loss or players who are d/Deaf. They might also assist players who are easily distracted and miss audio cues. Players in a loud environment can also benefit from these features.

As you learn about visual, audio, cognitive, and input accessibility concepts throughout this module, keep the broader effect of your future efforts in mind.

Check your knowledge

1.

What is the definition of disability according to the social model of disability?

2.

Which of the following options best describes how gameplay should be assessed through the lens of accessibility? A game uses color alone to differentiate enemy and ally characters. Enemies are red. Allies are green.