Accessibility
Ongoing coverage on Accessibility.
Latest coverage
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.
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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.
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This article discusses the challenges of making modern Text User Interfaces (TUIs) accessible. It argues that while TUIs can be powerful, their current implementations often create significant barriers for users with disabilities, making them a 'nightmare' for accessibility.
Arc Raiders preparing new kernel-level anti-cheat to blast cheaters out of the sky and "sharpen both detection and…
Embark Studios is implementing a new kernel-level anti-cheat system for Arc Raiders to combat cheaters more effectively. This system will work alongside existing measures and aims to improve detection precision. The developers are also addressing concerns about false bans related to accessibility devices, stating they are refining systems to distinguish legitimate use from abuse.
AC Black Flag Remake Basically Lets You Become Aquaman
Ubisoft detailed new accessibility features for the upcoming remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, titled Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced. These features include options to disable shark attacks, skip quick-time events, and remove oxygen limits for underwater exploration. The remake will launch on July 9 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s Accessibility Options Include Unlimited O2, QTE Skips and More
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will feature extensive accessibility options, including unlimited oxygen, QTE skips, colorblind modes, screen narration, HUD customization, and adjustable difficulty settings. The game is set to release on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Minecraft 26.20 update out now, patch notes
Minecraft has released update version 26.20, introducing new features like Sulfur Cubes and Sulfur Springs, along with significant accessibility improvements including customizable closed captions. The update also brings various bug fixes and gameplay tweaks across multiple platforms, with a new Party System beta available on Xbox, Windows, Android, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
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The article discusses accessibility features in the upcoming game Wax Heads, described as a Cozy Punk title. It highlights how the developers are implementing features to make the game more inclusive for a wider range of players on Xbox.
Accessibility in our Cozy Punk Game, Wax Heads!
Patattie Games detailed the accessibility features implemented in their cozy-punk narrative simulation game, Wax Heads. The game includes multiple language options, skippable minigames, adjustable difficulty modes, dyslexia-friendly fonts, simplified controls, and cooperative play options. These features aim to make the game enjoyable for a wider audience.
Discord is finally less of a nuisance to update on Linux
Discord has released a significant update for its Linux version, introducing an auto-update feature powered by a Rust-based updater, similar to its Windows counterpart. The update also adds support for .rpm and .pkg.tar.zst package formats, alongside numerous bug fixes and improvements focused on UI, accessibility, and server administration.
Forza Horizon 6 Has Officially Gone Gold
Xbox Game Studios and Playground Games have announced that Forza Horizon 6 has officially gone gold, signifying the completion of its development. The game is now available for preload on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a global launch set for May 19, and a PlayStation 5 release in 2026. The article also details preload requirements, the game's extensive soundtrack featuring J-pop, quality and performance modes on consoles, loyalty rewards for returning players, and enhanced accessibility features.
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Modern video games are increasingly incorporating a wider range of accessibility features to cater to a broader audience. This expansion aims to make gaming more inclusive for players with diverse needs and abilities.