ESA Launches Initiative for Game Accessibility Information

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has launched the Accessible Games Initiative, a groundbreaking "tag" system designed to enhance video game accessibility for consumers. This initiative was unveiled at the Game Developers Conference and is supported by a coalition including Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, and Ubisoft, with additional backing from Amazon, Riot Games, Square Enix, and WB Games. The ESA will oversee the management of this initiative.

Under the Accessible Games Initiative, participating video game companies will utilize a set of 24 approved "tags" to label their games, providing detailed accessibility feature information directly on digital storefronts and product pages. These tags will highlight features 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 initiative's significance, 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 while not mandatory, they will initially be available in English. Over time, the ESA may introduce additional tags or refine existing ones to further enhance accessibility.

Here’s a detailed breakdown 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 using one volume control.

Tag: Mono Sound

Description: Enables gameplay with mono audio, sending the same audio to all channels, which is useful for players with hearing impairments in one ear.

Tag: Stereo Sound

Description: Supports stereo audio, allowing sounds to indicate their left or right origin, though not their vertical or depth position.

Tag: Surround Sound

Description: Facilitates gameplay with surround sound, where sounds can be heard from any direction, enhancing the immersive experience.

Tag: Narrated Menus

Description: Allows the use of screen readers or voice narration for menus and notifications, providing an accessible way to navigate game interfaces.

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

Description: Enables text-to-speech and speech-to-text for in-game chats, allowing players to communicate through text or voice as preferred.

Gameplay Features

Tag: Difficulty Levels

Description: Offers multiple difficulty options, including at least one that reduces the intensity of challenges, with clear descriptions of each level.

Tag: Save Anytime

Description: Permits manual saving at any time, except during specific scenarios that could break the game or block progress.

Input Features

Tag: Basic Input Remapping

Description: Allows remapping of button controls, facilitating customization to suit individual player needs.

Tag: Full Input Remapping

Description: Provides comprehensive remapping of all game controls across various input methods, such as keyboards, mice, controllers, and virtual on-screen controllers.

Tag: Stick Inversion

Description: Enables customization of directional inputs, such as thumbsticks, to invert movement in up/down and left/right directions.

Tag: Playable without Button Holds

Description: Allows gameplay without the need to hold down buttons, though some analog inputs may still require holding.

Tag: Playable without Rapid Button Presses

Description: Eliminates the need for rapid button actions, such as button mashing or quick-time events, making the game more accessible.

Tag: Playable with Keyboard Only

Description: Supports gameplay using only a keyboard, without requiring additional devices.

Tag: Playable with Mouse Only

Description: Enables gameplay using only a mouse, including compatibility with adaptive technologies that map to mouse inputs.

Tag: Playable with Buttons Only

Description: Allows gameplay using only buttons, where the pressure applied does not affect the controls.

Tag: Playable with Touch Only

Description: Supports gameplay using only touch controls, without requiring non-touch inputs like buttons or analog sticks.

Tag: Playable Without Motion Controls

Description: Permits gameplay without the use of motion controls, catering to players who prefer or require static input methods.

Tag: Playable Without Touch Controls

Description: Enables gameplay without touchpads or touchscreens, accommodating players who do not use touch-based interfaces.

Visual Features

Tag: Clear Text

Description: Ensures text in menus, control panels, and settings is legible, with adjustable contrast and less stylized fonts.

Tag: Large Text

Description: Provides the option to use large font sizes for text in menus, control panels, and settings, enhancing readability.

Tag: Large & Clear Subtitles

Description: Offers subtitles for all dialogue, with adjustable size, transparency, and non-stylized font options, ensuring they do not overlap with important game elements.

Tag: Color Alternatives

Description: Ensures important information is not solely conveyed through color, using shapes, patterns, icons, or text as alternatives.

Tag: Camera Comfort

Description: Prevents or allows adjustment of camera effects that could cause discomfort, such as shaking, swaying, motion blur, or forced narrative-based movement.

The Accessible Games Initiative represents a significant step forward in making video games more inclusive, providing players with disabilities the information they need to choose games that best suit their needs.