Breaking down accessibility barriers: how the industry is redefining how we play

The video game community is huge — and thus inescapably, splendidly diverse. That diversity should be a call to action for the game industry, to deliver characters and stories that reflect the global player community, which includes the players counted among 61 million Americans living with a mobility, cognition, hearing or vision disability. It means tapping into a huge audience that is ready, willing and able to hand out their money, time and enthusiasm to studios that offer them accessibility features and hardware. And it’s an opportunity to hire diverse development talent who offer fresh ideas, new perspectives and, most critically, the benefit of their lived experiences, to help give these players the games they need. “Video games have delighted and inspired players for decades and are often a lifeline for social connection for players with disabilities,” says Aubrey Quinn, senior vice president for the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). “Our industry has made significant ... Read full article.