Accessibility
Ongoing coverage on Accessibility.
Latest coverage
Guillermo del Toro says "please, I beg you," make a less roguelike-y version of Dead Cells so "elderly players" can actually get through it
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has expressed a desire for a version of the roguelike game Dead Cells that removes the respawning mechanic, suggesting it would appeal to "elderly players." Del Toro, who enjoys games like Hades and BioShock, finds the repetition inherent in roguelikes to be a barrier to entry, despite appreciating the world and design of Dead Cells.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls Could Be Much Bigger Than Anyone Expected
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, developed by Arc System Works, is poised to be a significant entry in the fighting game genre with its intuitive mechanics, striking visuals, and innovative 4v4 tag-team system. The game aims to balance accessibility for newcomers with the mechanical depth required by competitive players, featuring a simplified control scheme alongside intricate mechanics like team orders and resource management. While potential concerns exist regarding the launch roster size and monetization, the game's ambitious design and Sony Interactive Entertainment's backing suggest it could set a new benchmark for tag-team fighters.
Saturday Mobilization
Tesla has announced plans to develop a wheelchair-accessible robotaxi. The company aims to integrate advanced autonomous driving technology with features designed for users with disabilities.
All Halo Campaign Evolved changes and new features
Halo Campaign Evolved introduces significant changes to the original Halo Combat Evolved, including new prequel missions, a Campaign Remix mode, and four-player online co-op. The remake also expands the weapon and vehicle sandbox, adds new enemy types like Jackal snipers and Flood Tank Forms, and modernizes gameplay with features like sprinting and smart-link aiming. Visuals have been updated using Unreal Engine 5, and accessibility options have been greatly expanded.
Lick your way to victory with the Mouth Pad, a Bluetooth device that lets you control your PC with just your tongue
Augmental has launched the Mouth Pad, a custom-fit Bluetooth device that allows users to control PCs, tablets, and phones using only their tongue. This assistive technology aims to bridge the gap in PC gaming accessibility for individuals with limited mobility. The device, which costs $1,400, offers approximately seven hours of battery life and connects wirelessly.
Immunuzzle Review | TheXboxHub
Immunuzzle is a puzzle game where players must strategically place blockers to stop the spread of different types of infections on a grid. While offering engaging problem-solving and easy achievements, the game notably lacks a color-blind feature, which is crucial given its reliance on color-coded elements. Despite this accessibility issue, it's considered one of Afil Games' more distinct recent offerings.
Amazon's Adaptive Display for Fire TVs is officially rolling out today
Amazon's Adaptive Display accessibility feature for Fire TVs is now officially rolling out. This feature aims to improve the user experience for individuals with specific accessibility needs.
Netflix brings ASL interpretations to dozens of shows and movies for kids
Netflix is expanding accessibility by partnering with SignUp Media to offer American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations for numerous children's shows and movies. This initiative aims to make content more accessible to a wider audience.
Not So Massively: The death of Stadium is another shortsighted waste of Overwatch’s potential
Blizzard Entertainment has ceased development of new characters and maps for the Overwatch Stadium game mode, effectively ending its support. The author criticizes this decision as a shortsighted waste of potential, citing issues with balance, item complexity, and a lack of clear direction for the mode. This move is seen as another instance of Blizzard abandoning projects that don't immediately become massive hits, despite the mode serving as a crucial accessibility tool for some players.
Why Millions Can’t Stop Playing Meccha Chameleon
Meccha Chameleon has become a sensation due to its simple yet addictive hide-and-seek gameplay, where players paint themselves to blend into environments. The game's success is attributed to its focus on human perception, player creativity, and accessibility, fostering a strong community and offering a unique multiplayer experience. Despite potential pitfalls like cheating, its core mechanics and low price point make it an engaging and humorous title.
Coloratura: Designing a world where sound is the only guide
Coloratura is a narrative adventure game designed to be played without sight, focusing on spatial orientation and sensory perception. Developed by Nakama Studios, the game utilizes innovative audio mechanics like a radar system and sound-based puzzles to guide players through its 3D environments. The title aims to provide an inclusive experience for all players, leveraging the PlayStation 5's 3D audio capabilities.
Christopher Nolan has a perfectly good reason for everyone speaking with American accents in The Odyssey
Director Christopher Nolan explains his decision to use American accents in his upcoming film adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey." He states that the goal was to make the story and characters relatable to a modern audience, rather than adhering to strict historical or Hollywood interpretations of classical epics. The film, starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Zendaya, is set for a July 17 release.
MMO Business Roundup: Microsoft is why we can’t have nice things
Microsoft's recent wave of layoffs has significantly impacted its gaming divisions, including studios like Id Software, Bethesda Game Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about the quality and release schedules of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls Online. The article highlights the negative consequences of these business decisions on employees, game development, and player experience, drawing criticism from industry figures and politicians alike.
All Access
Xbox has conducted layoffs impacting its accessibility leadership team, raising concerns about Microsoft's ongoing commitment to accessibility initiatives. The article questions the future of these efforts following the staff reductions.
Xbox layoffs hit accessibility leadership, calling into question Microsoft's continued commitment to accessibility…
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone significant layoffs, impacting leadership roles in accessibility and raising concerns about the company's commitment to inclusive gaming initiatives. Despite assurances from Microsoft that accessibility remains a priority, the departure of key personnel involved in projects like the Xbox Adaptive Controller and accessibility training programs casts doubt on future efforts.
Xbox Layoffs “Heavily Impact” The Accessibility Team, Too
Xbox has significantly impacted its Accessibility team with recent layoffs, affecting multiple researchers and testers, including senior user researcher Elisabeth Whyte and accessibility test lead Zach Clothier. Despite these cuts, which represent about 20% of Microsoft's gaming staff, a spokesperson stated that accessibility remains a priority for Xbox. The company plans to continue its work on features like the Adaptive Controller and in-game accessibility options.
Review – The Day I Became a Bird (PS5)
The Day I Became a Bird is a charming, hand-drawn visual novel based on a children's book, developed by Passion Games and Hyper Luminal Games. It tells a story of pure love and childhood innocence with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling due to its lack of dialogue. The game is praised for its immersive narrative, beautiful art style, and exceptional accessibility options, making it a highly recommended experience despite its short playtime.
Accessibility and fancy footwork with GLYDR's John Warren
John Warren discusses his work at GLYDR, a foot-operated control apparatus, on the Game Developer podcast. The conversation covered the device's accessibility features, its Kickstarter success, marketing strategies, and the importance of positive developments amidst industry layoffs.
Perfect Ten: The 10 worst problems in the MMORPG community that we could probably fix
This opinion piece identifies ten fixable problems within the MMORPG community, ranging from nostalgic revisionism about past game experiences to issues with player entitlement and antisocial behavior. It argues for greater honesty, acceptance of change, and a focus on constructive community engagement to improve the overall player experience.
Rhythm Paradise Groove Review – Minigame heaven?
Rhythm Paradise Groove offers a collection of diverse minigames and a unique rhythm-based RPG mode called Beatspell. While the solo minigames provide varied challenges and the multiplayer modes enhance replayability, the game's true standout feature is its exceptional accessibility options, including read-aloud settings and audio descriptions.
