Even packaging has become more accessible, as seen with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which provides a seamless unboxing thanks to low-effort tear strips and tuggable loops. The QuadStick, a mouth-operated controller, gives gamers a hands-free way to play. More recently, gaming equipment companies have also begun prioritising accessibility in their device designs such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller and Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit, which allow players to customise their gaming experience with programmable buttons and external peripherals.

“No one or two implementations will make anything accessible for everyone, because no one or two implementations would even make things accessible for one person,” says Lorelei, whose energy levels and accessibility needs fluctuate from day to day. These types of highly customisable settings are essential for meeting the needs of as many players as possible - and the more options, the better. Eidos-Montréal’s Marvel’s Guardians of The Galaxy offers a custom difficulty mode of gameplay, which allows players to tailor specific aspects of the game to their needs, from adjusting how much damage they deal to enabling auto-win events. Ubisoft Toronto’s Far Cry 6 boasts an expansive accessibility menu of audio and interface options, from enabling closed captioning for all in-game sounds to outlining certain enemies and items in different colours for people with visual disabilities. Accessibility starts with the development of games themselves, and thankfully certain studios from major and indie developers are prioritising inclusive features today more than ever, often with the help of hired accessibility consultants.

Accessible gaming