Accessibility
Ongoing coverage on Accessibility.
Latest coverage
Nintendo Switch 2 update 23.0.0 patch notes add VRR support in TV mode
Nintendo Switch 2 has received system update 23.0.0, introducing Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support in TV mode, system-to-system transfers, and the ability to use other controllers while Handheld Boost Mode is active. The update also includes enhancements to GameChat, Virtual Game Cards, accessibility options, audio and display settings, Mii creation, and sleep mode features.
Total War: Warhammer 40k is aiming to be the most complex and most accessible game Creative Assembly has ever made - here's how the devs managed both
Creative Assembly aims to make Total War: Warhammer 40,000 both the most complex and most accessible game in the series. Developers Joy Dey and Dave Petry explain how new systems, detailed combat simulation, and a robust tutorial campaign are designed to cater to both veteran players and newcomers to the Total War and Warhammer franchises.
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush Review – Kick it into gear
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush offers gorgeous visuals and fitting music for its diverse islands, making it feel like playing with the toy cars. However, the campaign becomes repetitive, the controller scheme is not newcomer-friendly, and specific race requirements can be rigid, leading to a game best enjoyed in short bursts.
Guild Wars 3 wants to solve every MMO's biggest problem, and might actually pull it off: "No subscription fee…
ArenaNet is aiming to solve the biggest challenge in the MMO space with Guild Wars 3: making the genre more accessible and less like a 'second job.' Studio head Colin Johanson discussed how the game will focus on approachability and depth without a subscription fee, allowing players to engage meaningfully in shorter play sessions and return after breaks without falling behind. This focus on player time and a less demanding relationship with the game aims to attract both veteran MMO players and a new generation.
The Witcher 3 Remastered lets you ignore everyone's least favorite RPG mechanics
CD Projekt Red is enhancing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with a remaster that includes visual upgrades and a new 'Bard's Ballad' accessibility suite. This suite allows players to disable or modify mechanics like item weight, durability, and underwater sections, aiming to make the game more approachable for players with limited time or attention spans. The remaster will be a free upgrade for existing owners and includes the original expansions.
Marvel’s Wolverine – Everything You Need to Know
Marvel's Wolverine, developed by Insomniac Games, is set to launch exclusively for PlayStation 5 on September 15th. The game will feature a linear narrative focusing solely on Wolverine, with gameplay elements including a rage system, parrying, stealth sections, and extensive suit customization. It will offer performance modes with 60 FPS and ray tracing at launch, alongside robust accessibility options and New Game Plus.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 – 10 New Details You May Not Know
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, launching August 25th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, introduces new classes, extensive cosmetic customization with no microtransactions, and deeper class modifiers. The game features smarter Xenomorphs and Synths, a robust Combat Rating system for character progression, detailed lifetime statistics, and enhanced accessibility options compared to its predecessor.
"We ended up kind of cornered there": Mortal Shell 2 devs say they didn't intend to "lock everybody out" by disabling achievements for Slayer Seal "easy mode" users
Mortal Shell 2 developers Cold Symmetry have addressed player complaints regarding the disabling of Steam achievements for those using the Slayer Seal 'easy mode'. They explained that the intention was to offer a separate set of achievements for this mode, but technical limitations with the disc version prevented this. The team may introduce new accessibility tools or achievements in future post-launch content.
Triple-A vets and accessibility experts launch new game dev co-op: Raze and Rebuild Studio
Veteran game developers and accessibility experts have launched Raze and Rebuild Studio, a new worker-owned cooperative. The studio aims to address industry layoffs and create games with impact, focusing on real-world experiences and accessibility in both development and gameplay. They are currently developing their debut project without external funding, seeking grants and partners.
The Blood of Dawnwalker – 15 Huge Details You Probably Missed
The Blood of Dawnwalker will feature a 50-70 hour playthrough with a consequence-based story and multiple ending conditions. The game will include dynamic weather affecting gameplay, advanced accessibility options, and quality-of-life features like manual saves. PC requirements are detailed, with no Denuvo, while the Xbox Series X will support 4K and ray tracing, with Xbox Play Anywhere functionality also confirmed.
Marvel's Wolverine will make sure squeamish players never have to see blood and gore: "We don't want to…
Insomniac Games is implementing accessibility options in Marvel's Wolverine, allowing players to toggle off blood and gore to accommodate those with squeamishness or phobias. Creative director Marcus Smith and head of technology Mike Fitzgerald detailed the complex systems involved in implementing these features, including blurring sensitive scenes. The developers aim to stay true to Wolverine's brutal nature while ensuring the game can be enjoyed by a wider audience.
Marvel’s Wolverine Studio Doesn’t Want to Surprise Players Who Have Disabled Gore
Insomniac Games is implementing gore and dismemberment toggle options in Marvel's Wolverine to accommodate players with different sensitivities. Creative director Marcus Smith and head of technology Mike Fitzgerald detailed the complex systems involved in disabling these mature content features. The game is slated for release on PlayStation 5 on September 15th.
If you're not paying attention to retro game recompilations, you're missing the most exciting thing in gaming…
The article argues that retro game recompilations, which involve reverse-engineering and rewriting old game code for modern hardware, represent the most exciting development in gaming. These fan-made projects offer enhanced graphics, accessibility options, and improved performance, often surpassing official preservation efforts. While facing challenges like low-effort AI-generated content, the scene is rapidly growing with numerous notable recompilations and more anticipated.
Xbox’s Wild Action-Adventure Game Hits PS5 Today on PlayStation Store
The Xbox action-adventure game Grounded 2 has launched on the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 5, featuring PS5-specific enhancements and DualSense controller support. Available for $29.99, the game continues its early access development and offers online co-op for up to four players with a PS Plus subscription. This release introduces new features like rideable insect companions and expanded exploration areas.
Eorzea everywhere: Why Final Fantasy 14 Belongs on Nintendo Switch 2
This article argues that the Nintendo Switch 2 would be an ideal platform for Final Fantasy XIV, offering a portable experience without compromising performance or controls. The author highlights how the game's controller-friendly design and touch functionality make it well-suited for the Switch 2's capabilities, allowing players to fit the MMORPG into busy lives.
Minecraft 26.40 update out now, patch notes
The latest major update for Minecraft, version 26.40, is now available, introducing a variety of bug fixes, gameplay enhancements, and accessibility improvements. Key additions include experimental features like the Dappled Forest and Abandoned Camps, new Wool Stair and Slab blocks, and functional Cushions and Straw Beds. The patch also addresses numerous issues across biomes, blocks, gameplay mechanics, and stability.
Minecraft 24.60 update out now, patch notes
The latest major update for Minecraft, version 24.60, is now available, introducing a variety of bug fixes, gameplay enhancements, and accessibility improvements. Key additions include experimental features like Abandoned Camps and Dappled Forests, along with functional changes such as boats requiring fewer hits to break and the introduction of Cushion blocks and Straw Beds.
Accessibility Features That Improve Both Video Games and Online Gaming Platforms - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Accessibility features are increasingly driving innovation in gaming, becoming an expected standard for millions of players. These improvements, ranging from customizable controls to larger text and colorblind modes, enhance the experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. The global market for accessible video games is substantial, reflecting the industry's investment in inclusive design, which is also being adopted by online gaming platforms to improve usability.
Guillermo Del Toro Begged For An Easier Dead Cells, And The Game’s Devs Answered His Call
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro expressed a desire for a less punishing version of the game Dead Cells, specifically requesting a mode without respawning for older players. Motion Twin responded by highlighting the game's existing Assist Mode, which allows players to respawn at checkpoints rather than restarting entire runs, and offers other accessibility options like adjustable damage and auto-hit settings.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls – 15 New Details You Need to Know
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is set to launch on August 6th for PlayStation 5 and PC, following a beta period that highlighted some technical issues. The game will feature a 4v4 fighting system with detailed mechanics like 'Assemble' assists and a 'Combo Gauge' to extend combos. It will also include extensive accessibility options, support for PS5 features like DualSense haptics, and a collaboration costume from Marvel's Wolverine.
