The Intersection of UX Research and Accessibility in Gaming
Unlocking New Realms
In today's exploration, we delve into an exciting yet essential facet of the gaming industry – the transformative role of User Experience (UX) research in video game development.
Beyond crafting immersive narratives and captivating gameplay, UX research is pivotal in enhancing game accessibility, paving the way for truly inclusive gaming experiences. By unearthing barriers and pinpointing challenges, UX research emerges as a pivotal force, guiding developers toward fostering accessible gaming environments.
Historically, gamers with disabilities were often omitted in the gaming world. This is startling given that…
46 million gamers in the U.S. grapple with disabilities that impede their gaming abilities (AbleGamers Charity)
20% of casual gamers have disabilities, with 10% of all male gamers contending with color vision deficiencies (PopCap Games)
The UK is home to 13.9 million individuals with disabilities, and 1 in 3 gamers have faced the decision to abandon gaming due to disability-related challenges (Muscular Distrophy UK)
Considering this significant demographic, one might assume that game developers would intensify their focus on inclusivity. It was not until the boom in gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic that gaming accessibility started to become prioritized. Prior, the game release was seen as a priority followed by accessibility features.
In an Allied podcast podcast episode on this topic, gaming accessibility expert Belén Agulló García spoke to the rise in accessibility in the industry:
“20 years ago, you couldn’t imagine a blind gamer, or a gamer with low vision, or with hearing loss, or with reduced mobility, that they would be able to play a game and enjoy it without barriers. But now, it’s a reality. And I think that’s super exciting, really. It’s amazing.”
The conundrum of accessibility in gaming is not a contemporary issue. It traces back to the genesis of games. "Bertie the Brain," constructed in 1950 and hailed as one of the pioneering computer games, introduced adjustable difficulty levels in its tic-tac-toe interface. Though a rudimentary measure, this feature broadened the game's appeal, making it accessible to a more diverse cohort of players.
Source: Bertie the Brain on Youtube (1950)
Fast-forwarding to the present, the landscape of gaming has evolved dramatically. The once nascent field of UX research is now a cornerstone in game development, wielding the power to shape worlds that captivate and engage players of all abilities.
Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller stands as a testament to this commitment. Designed in collaboration with organizations like The AbleGamers Foundation, Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and SpecialEffect, the controller is a groundbreaking innovation that accommodates a wide range of physical needs, enabling players to customize their setup to their preferences and abilities.
Source: Xbox Adaptive Controller on Wikipedia
Sony's PlayStation has also made significant strides, integrating accessibility options such as text-to-speech, enlarged text, accessibility controller, and customizable controls within their console interface and games. Notable titles like "The Last of Us Part II" have set industry benchmarks, offering an extensive array of accessibility settings catering to vision, hearing, and motor disabilities (for more games that are pushing accessibility features forward, this article is for you).
Source: Sony Accessibility Controller on News.Sky
As we stand at the cusp of this new era in gaming, we must acknowledge the significant strides made in recent years. Organizations like The AbleGamers Charity have been at the forefront of this movement, empowering players with disabilities by advocating for more accessible gaming technologies and practices.
Recognition of these efforts has permeated the industry, with prestigious accolades such as The Game Awards’ Innovation in Accessibility trophy, spotlighting games that are pushing the boundaries of inclusive design. These acknowledgments not only celebrate progress but also encourage developers to prioritize accessibility in their creative processes.
It's due to the relentless advocacy of these organizations and individuals that accessibility is garnering unprecedented attention from developers and players alike. As more voices join this chorus for change, the gaming industry is witnessing a paradigm shift—one that is reshaping the landscape of gaming to be more inclusive than ever before.
The future of gaming shines bright, and it is one where everyone is invited to play. It is not only a moral imperative but a testament to the transformative power of gaming—a medium that, at its best, unites us all in play, storytelling, and shared experiences. The commitment to inclusive design must remain at the forefront, ensuring that the worlds we create within our games are as diverse and welcoming as the world in which we live.
Secured your spot for UX Con yet?
If you've ever felt lost in the UX world, think of this conference as your compass, connecting you with diverse minds. Picture the inspiration from Cory Lebson, Nikki Anderson, Julian Della Mattia, Rajeev Subramanian, Dr. Wendy Zajack, and Jake Dibattista! Don't just imagine it—be a part of it!
At Research Bookmark, we believe that a holistic understanding of UX research is fundamental in shaping the future of video games. We hope this newsletter opens up new perspectives on the profound impact of UX research and how it enriches our gaming adventures.
The RB Team
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