All players. For years, Xbox has done this slogan. The Microsoft Games branch undertakes to facilitate the accessibility of their titles to players with disabilities. For this, he has developed controllers and functions adapted to different situations, but also changed his own philosophy while encouraging all developers to do the same. It should be said that almost 430 million players are potentially affected by a concern for disability.
The arrival there are almost seven of the Xbox adaptive controller, a kind of giant controller in which other accessories can be connected, illustrated the participation of one of the tenors in the sector. People with motor or cognitive disabilities have found a great ally to make the most of the games without using an expensive material made to measure.
The accessibility erected in philosophy, Xbox has also developed for developers the Xbox accessibility guidelines, recommendations for options and functions that are integrated so that a game is affordable by a greater number of players. Or, at least, if you know before downloading it. Measures implemented from development and bear fruit.
Open the game so many
“Accessibility opens the video game to a broader game base, has been in exponential growth for years, both in terms of hardware and software, both for platforms and AAA games,” analyzes with Tech & Co Caitlin Jones, allowing to allow passionate games and technology packages, which has become responsible for accessibility in video games in Xbox. “Why would you not want as many people as possible to play your game and adapt it to your particular situation?” She wonders.
Because Xbox’s desire is simple: finding a solution for a specific case and extending the benefit to the greatest number “(resolve for one, extend many).” What motivates me is to see the impact it has on the opening of video games to more players who want and can enjoy it, “explains the young woman.” We see the smiles that it brings, the exit of the isolation for some or the social bond created. “
Within this department dedicated to accessibility in video games, we are so interested in software, “more flexible than hardware”, as in technological innovations that “should not resemble medical devices.” Audio -description was added and even a sign of sign language for the cutting networks of the racing game Forza Horizon 5. The Microsoft store also shows the accessibility assets it has for each game.
A joystick to help disabled players, but not only
Xbox launched the adaptive joystick this year. “He was born from the community’s request that could not find an affordable joystick to go with the adaptive controller. We wanted to fill this fault,” says Caitleen Jones, who spent the last three years in the concept.
Taking the form of the ancient Nunchhk of the Wii, the adaptive joystick wants to strengthen the possibilities of those who have problems to hold a controller with their two hands. From the thumb, the stick allows it to be more precise in its controls, especially in racing simulation games or that requires more supported reflections. The buttons can be reconfigured as necessary and all ultra customizable. The joystick can be used alone, connect to the adaptive controller or a more standard, or any other compatible device (PC or console), for valid as non -valid.
It can even be solved in a photographic tripod thanks to the aggregate rhythm to obtain more stability or even help those who will use it with the chin, elbow or foot. And all for only 30 euros. This is also added to the provision of 3D printable ergonomic accessories to help players with motor difficulties.
And in Xbox, sometimes we also tell ourselves surprised by the adaptation of the material made. Use by other parts of the body, personal reconfiguration of orders … all this to gain speed. Therefore, the material design collaboration of the game is essential to “create a truly accessible holistic experience.”
The anger of Assassin’s Creed in Trigger’s difficulties players
The American manufacturer is collaborating with multiple studies, particularly Ubisoft, the other great player in the industry that has advanced accessibility in video games with its multiple options added over time (eliminating controls, subtitling subtitling, research projects, etc.). And the French editor also has a unit dedicated to accessibility that radiates in all games.
“Historically, we start with the first Assassin’s Creed“, Recalls David Tisserand, Director of Accessibility at Ubisoft.” He was released without subtitles. We received deaf players who said they wanted to play it, but that they could not follow the story. Therefore, it was not profitable or interesting for them. “The second Opus inherits the subtitles, then all the episodes thereafter.
“It was not optimal in terms of size, white background to read …” From there, all development teams reflect on improving the accessibility of the game, with a configured unit and that will define three four principles, became requirements, which will be taken in all games of its design. From a response to players requests, Ubisoft is becoming gradually proactive. Origins of ca (2017) will be the first standard holder of accessibility for the real home.
In 2020, a team uploaded, with people with disabilities also games designers. “This will change the perspective,” admits David Tisserand. “We are no longer on the list of verification options, but in Design accessibility. By default, we must provide the most equitable experience possible for all players. “Mechanics and game systems are considered very early in development to perceive possible barriers.
Almost 430 million players with disabilities
Dedicated menu, Gogo options to facilitate all disadvantages (brightness, daltonism, cognitive configurations, improved listening, visual detection, etc.), Ubisoft has multiplied the possibilities for years. Star Wars Outlaws And above all Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – Sacred for Pegasus and the game awards for their accessibility – They are the new figures. For the industry, with many bases established in essential functions (accessible menu from the launch for new users with the supply of key options, police size, contrast, customizable controls, etc., menu by category of disability to have the right functions).
The future of accessibility could also go through the use of AI. Ubisoft has been collaborating for years with Cap Games, an association that plays for greater consciousness in video games and helps studies for this. The two are also thinking of a kind of “virtual” dog “dog” in the shot or another. “I would prefer to be a guide of attack dogs that would embody all possible aids, from a narrative point of view and walk around the world, for players with visual disabilities. A dog that can adjust the difficulty in real time according to the level of disability and the situation,” explains the Jérôme Dupire de Cap games.
The mobilization becomes generally into video games. Pushed by Naughty Dogs, Sony PlayStation, until now little involved, is now aware of the importance of focusing on these careless players and launched a dedicated access controller.
Electronic Arts has established an accessibility information portal to offer its patented functions to developers such as its ping system implemented in Apex legends, which allows you to communicate between players without the need to speak or write, through a wheel of functions. Thanks to command shortcuts, players can send visual or audio messages to an object to recover, a nearby opponent, an area to attack …
In recent years, the issue of accessibility has become increasingly important in video games. The main actors are interested in it, they advance the issue by being interested in all forms of disability. Beyond the important deposit of players, there is also more easier between the power of machines, directives, innovations and the most appropriate teams. The ball is now in the developer camp that has all the cards in hand to adapt its games. By saying that for a long time, accessibility advances have always ended up enjoying all players.
Source: BFM TV
