Accessibility
Ongoing coverage on Accessibility.
Latest coverage
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS: ORIGIN ENHANCES ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES FOLLOWING PLAYER FEEDBACK
Netmarble has released an update for its open-world RPG, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, introducing enhanced accessibility features for players who are blind or have low vision, inspired by player feedback. The update also includes new content such as the hero Clotho and limited-time events like the "Temple of Love" dungeon.
As a former smoker, I'm asking gamedevs to please make an 'arachnophobia mode' but for cigarettes because…
A former smoker and game developer is requesting that game developers implement an 'arachnophobia mode' equivalent for cigarettes in video games. The author argues that the presence of smoking in games can trigger cravings and suggests replacing cigarettes with less addictive items or visual effects to aid players in quitting or avoiding smoking.
Schrodinger's Cat Burglar Review - Multi-dimensional cat crimes
Schrodinger's Cat Burglar is a debut puzzle game from Abandoned Sheep where players control a cat that gains quantum powers, allowing it to split into two. The game features creative puzzles, a funky soundtrack, and extensive accessibility options. It offers both single-player and split-screen co-op modes, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players.
Microsoft launching improved Xbox Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers
Microsoft is releasing updated Xbox Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers designed to prevent accidental removal during intense gameplay. These new toppers, developed with feedback from the disability community, will be available as 3D printables via Xbox Design Labs starting May 21, 2026.
The latest Xbox thumbstick topper looks like a goal post
Xbox has released a new thumbstick topper designed to resemble a goal post, as part of a range of accessories aimed at improving accessibility for players with disabilities. This new design joins six other specialized controller modifications.
Virtual Reality Check
Apple has introduced a new accessibility feature for the Apple Vision Pro that allows users to control a wheelchair using only their eyes. This innovation leverages the headset's advanced eye-tracking technology to provide greater independence for users with mobility impairments.
Fear Not, Blue Prince's Accessibility Update Is Coming To Switch 2 "Soon"
The 'Accessibility Update' for Blue Prince, which includes features like color assist, button remapping, and an invert stroll toggle, has been released on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile. The update is confirmed to be coming to Nintendo Switch soon. The article also details numerous smaller game fixes and improvements included in patch versions 1.7 and 1.7.1.
Blue Prince's Accessibility Update Is Finally Live On Switch 2, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Dogubomb's Blue Prince has received its version 1.7 accessibility update on Nintendo Switch, following its release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and mobile platforms. The update includes features such as color assist, button remapping, and motion assist options to improve the player experience. The developer also confirmed that a subsequent hotfix, version 1.7.1, is also included in this rollout.
Apple's new accessibility feature lets Vision Pro users control a wheelchair with their eyes
Apple is previewing new accessibility features for its Apple Vision Pro, including the ability for users to control a wheelchair using only their eyes. These updates are powered by Apple Intelligence and will also introduce natural language voice input.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Showcases Incredible Fidelity in New Underwater Gameplay
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will feature significantly improved underwater gameplay, allowing players to dive anywhere and explore detailed environments. New gameplay footage showcases treasure hunting, questing, and shark encounters, with accessibility options like auto-completing quick-time events and unlimited oxygen available. The game launches on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Two Of The Best VR Games Are Ditching The Headset For A Switch 1 & 2 Summer Release
Polyarc has announced Moss: The Forgotten Relic, a VR-free package combining the acclaimed puzzle platformers Moss and Moss: Book II. The collection will launch on Nintendo Switch in summer, featuring enhanced visuals, new cutscenes, all DLC, and an option to skip combat. This release marks the first time the games will be available on PC and consoles without a VR headset.
Moss: The Forgotten Relic announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Switch
Publisher Polyarc has announced Moss: The Forgotten Relic, a collection of its virtual reality titles Moss and Moss: Book II, for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Launching this summer, the game will feature enhanced visuals, new cutscenes, a "Smart Follow" camera system, and an optional "Skip Combat" accessibility feature.
Path of Exile's overwhelming complexity isn't the real reason new players pass on it, director believes: 'I think that PoE 1's being such an old game is in itself the accessibility problem'
Grinding Gear Games co-director Jonathan Rogers believes the age of Path of Exile, rather than its complexity, is the primary barrier for new players. He suggests Path of Exile 2 offers a more accessible entry point due to its more intuitive systems and the removal of accumulated 'cruft' from the original game. Future updates for Path of Exile 2 aim to improve mechanics tutorials and overall player onboarding.
How Accessibility Features Are Changing Modern Gaming
Modern gaming is increasingly incorporating accessibility features like customizable controls, subtitles, and colorblind settings as standard elements, benefiting all players, not just those with disabilities. This shift is improving player experience across PC, console, and mobile platforms, making games more inclusive and engaging. Digital storefronts are also enhancing accessibility, making game discovery and purchase easier for a wider audience.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Accessibility Spotlight
Ubisoft has released an article highlighting the accessibility features within Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. This spotlight focuses on the game's design choices aimed at improving the experience for players with disabilities.
Another shooter flopped after its launch, but this time, it didn’t have to die for it
Despite initial commercial struggles, the online shooter Blindfire has been relaunched as Blindfire: Lights Out, completely free for players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Developer Double Eleven cited a belief in game preservation and player feedback, including new accessibility options, as reasons for the revival.
Arc Raiders studio confirms AI anti-cheat is tracking player behavior
Embark Studios has detailed Arc Raiders' anti-cheat system, emphasizing the role of machine learning and AI in detecting cheaters. The system uses telemetry data and trained models to differentiate between legitimate player behavior, including the use of accessibility devices, and cheating. While the process is automated for efficiency, ban appeals are reviewed by humans to refine the system and ensure fairness.
All Access
Ubisoft is highlighting accessibility features in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. The article focuses on the game's 'Resynced' accessibility options, showcasing how the company is working to make its titles more inclusive.
Embark are testing kernel-level anti-cheat in Arc Raiders to help put a stop to its ongoing cheating problem
Embark Studios is testing a new kernel-level anti-cheat system for Arc Raiders, combining Easy Anti-Cheat with machine learning models to combat ongoing cheating issues. The studio addressed concerns about accessibility devices, stating their systems are designed to distinguish legitimate use from abuse and are continuously refined. Ban appeals are also manually reviewed by the anti-cheat team to ensure fair gameplay.
Indie shooter devs pull a reverse-Concord: No one played their game, but they 'make it free to play and keep the…
Developer Double Eleven has made its multiplayer FPS Blindfire free-to-play after a year and a half in early access, citing a failure to gain traction. The studio is committed to keeping the servers online for years to come and has added new weapons, skins, achievements, and an "Audio Aim Assist" feature for visually impaired players as a final update.
