ESA Launches Initiative for Game Accessibility Information

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has unveiled the Accessible Games Initiative, a pioneering "tag" system designed to enhance video game accessibility by providing detailed feature information to consumers. Announced at the Game Developers Conference, this initiative was spearheaded by a coalition including major players like Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, and Ubisoft. The initiative has since attracted additional support from Amazon, Riot Games, Square Enix, and WB Games, with the ESA overseeing its management.

Under this initiative, participating video game companies will categorize their games using a set of 24 specific "tags" that will be displayed alongside the game's project information on digital storefronts and product pages. These tags aim to clarify the accessibility features of games, such as "clear text," "large and clear subtitles," "narrated menus," "stick inversion," "save anytime," "difficulty levels," and "playable without button holds," among others.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA's president and CEO, emphasized the significance of the 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 occur gradually on a company-by-company basis and is not mandatory. Initially, the tags will only be available in English, with potential future expansions and adjustments to the existing tags on the horizon.

Accessible Games Initiative Tags:

Auditory Features

Tag: Multiple Volume Controls

Description: Separate volume controls are available for different types of sounds, allowing players to adjust music, speech, sound effects, background audio, text-to-speech audio, accessibility audio cues, and voice chat individually. Additionally, all game sounds can be adjusted simultaneously using a single volume control.

Tag: Mono Sound

Description: This feature allows players to experience the game with mono audio, where the same audio is sent to all channels, ensuring a unified audio experience.

Tag: Stereo Sound

Description: Players can enjoy stereo audio, which helps distinguish sounds coming from the left or right, enhancing the gaming experience without directional depth.

Tag: Surround Sound

Description: This tag indicates that the game supports surround sound, providing a comprehensive audio experience that communicates the directionality of sounds from all angles.

Tag: Narrated Menus

Description: This feature supports screen readers or voice narration for menus and notifications, allowing players to navigate and understand game menus through auditory feedback.

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

Description: Enables the conversion of in-game chats to text or speech, facilitating real-time communication for players with different accessibility needs.

Gameplay Features

Tag: Difficulty Levels

Description: Games with this tag offer multiple difficulty settings, including options to reduce the challenge intensity, with clear descriptions of the differences between levels.

Tag: Save Anytime

Description: Players can manually save their progress at any point, except during specific game states like saving, loading, or during scenarios that could break game progress.

Input Features

Tag: Basic Input Remapping

Description: Allows players to rearrange button controls, offering flexibility in how they interact with the game.

Tag: Full Input Remapping

Description: Provides comprehensive control over all game actions, allowing players to assign any action to any input method, including keyboard, mouse, controllers, and on-screen controls.

Tag: Stick Inversion

Description: Players can invert the direction of movement inputs, such as thumbsticks, for a more comfortable gaming experience.

Tag: Playable without Button Holds

Description: This tag indicates that the game can be played without the need to hold down buttons, accommodating players with motor challenges.

Tag: Playable without Rapid Button Presses

Description: Ensures the game can be enjoyed without the need for rapid button actions, making it accessible for players who may struggle with such inputs.

Tag: Playable with Keyboard Only

Description: The game can be fully controlled using only a keyboard, suitable for players who prefer or require this input method.

Tag: Playable with Mouse Only

Description: Players can control the game using only a mouse, including support for adaptive technologies that map to mouse inputs.

Tag: Playable with Buttons Only

Description: The game and menus can be operated using only digital inputs, such as buttons or keys, without the need for analog inputs.

Tag: Playable with Touch Only

Description: This feature allows the game to be played using only touch controls, eliminating the need for other input methods.

Tag: Playable Without Motion Controls

Description: Indicates that the game can be played without relying on motion controls, broadening its accessibility.

Tag: Playable Without Touch Controls

Description: Ensures that the game can be enjoyed without the need for touchpads or touchscreens, catering to different player preferences.

Visual Features

Tag: Clear Text

Description: Text in menus, control panels, and settings is displayed at a reasonable size with adjustable contrast, ensuring readability.

Tag: Large Text

Description: Offers the option to display text in larger sizes, enhancing visibility for players with visual impairments.

Tag: Large & Clear Subtitles

Description: Provides subtitles for all dialogue with adjustable size, background transparency, and font options, ensuring they are clear and do not obstruct important game elements.

Tag: Color Alternatives

Description: Ensures that important information is not solely conveyed through color, offering alternative indicators such as shapes, patterns, icons, or text.

Tag: Camera Comfort

Description: This tag indicates that the game either avoids or allows adjustments to camera effects that could cause discomfort, such as shaking or motion blur, promoting a more comfortable gaming experience.