Beyond Words: Accessible and Inclusive Gaming Artwork

Reasoned

Take a geeky jaunt with Sabrina 'sabs' Meditz into topics that grow you and challenge your thinking. Reasoned covers topics that focus on your career, dives deep into a broad range of topics including leadership and diversity, and discusses issues within the tech and gaming industries. Each episode contains powerful information to help you grow skills, drive performance, and level up.

All Episodes

Reasoned

Beyond Words: Accessible and Inclusive Gaming

October 24, 2023 • Sabrina Meditz • Season 2 • Episode 13

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Reasoned! If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to follow us on social (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter) or subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform. This way, you'll never miss out on the latest insights and discussions on a wide range of topics, including technology, leadership, innovation, and more. Stay curious, keep learning, and let's explore the possibilities of a rapidly evolving world together.

Let's talk about an aspect of my life that has shaped my experiences — the journey of being dyslexic. Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges in consuming written content, a dreaded fear of reading aloud, letting go of dreams of being an engineer due to the extreme amount of errors in writing and grappling with the daily frustrations that dyslexia presents. There are gifts that come along with dyslexia, but that's for a different story. I have found solace and connection through the use of remarkable tools such as Grammarly and speech-to-text technology, which have allowed me to bridge the gap between my thoughts and the written word, enabling me to connect with the world around me.

Now, as someone who works in platform technologies and has supported AAA video games, I have always been captivated by the power of language and the desire to make gaming accessible to players beyond the boundaries of dominant languages or abilities. Gaming is and should be for everyone.

Gaming, at its core, is a universal language. Players from all corners of the globe come together to embark on adventures, forge friendships, and create lasting memories. Yet, it is no secret that language barriers pose challenges within the gaming community. These barriers prevent effective communication among players, limit access to updates and information delivered exclusively in the primary language of the Developers, and create a range of other obstacles that impede the gaming experience. Gamers have shown their dedication by playing games even when they are not available in their native languages or have been poorly translated. We have all chuckled at the memes born out of these mistranslations, like the infamous all your base are belong to us (Zero Wing), a winner is you (NES Pro Wrestling), or I am error (Legend of Zelda). However, there is a deeper issue at hand. With the rise of games as a service and free-to-play content, along with blurred regional support lines (meaning games are more and more global), those without strong skills in the game's predominant language find themselves silenced in voice chat or lost in the sea of text or alone on a server as the translated language community population isn't high enough. Personally, as a gamer, I often do not post on forums or engage in the group chat for fear of my dyslexia-driven typos becoming the main point of discussion.

But here's the exciting part: thanks to the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and accessibility tools, the gaming industry now has the potential to create wider communities and a truly inclusive experience for players of all languages and abilities. In this, we will embark on a journey together to explore the transformative possibilities that technologies bring to language and accessibility in gaming. We will delve into how these advancements can revolutionize the way we connect, communicate, and truly understand one another and the content within the worlds developers have artfully created.

Join me as we discover the incredible potential of AI in breaking down language barriers, empowering gamers worldwide, and unlocking a new era of inclusivity.

The Barriers

Let's explore the significance of accessibility and the limitations that exist in various forms, including spoken language challenges, disability-related barriers, and cultural sensitivity.

Language accessibility is fundamental to fostering inclusivity and creating a sense of belonging within the gaming community. It enables players from different cultures and linguistic backgrounds to interact, share experiences, and form meaningful connections. Effective communication and understanding across languages enrich the gaming experience, allowing players to collaborate, compete, and immerse themselves in diverse narratives - regardless of where they sit, their level of intersectionality, or any hindrance in using systems that were not designed for them.

When spoken language challenges exist, they can present a smaller player base, a lack of adoption in a region, lower overall sales, lower user experience and engagement scores, negative reviews, and limited potential of opportunity markets. While gamers, well-game, and in general figure things out, there is the possibility that non-native speakers misunderstand game mechanics, fail or refuse to engage in areas outside of the core game experience, or avoid all in-game communication. This can lead to frustration, reduced engagement numbers, and a general sense of exclusion. Additionally, updates, patch notes, and other essential information from game developers are often delivered exclusively in native languages, which can further alienate non-native-speaking players and hinder their access to the latest developments.

Furthermore, language accessibility encompasses more than just spoken language barriers. It also includes addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities that affect their ability to consume or interact with game content. For instance:

Neurodiversity: Individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as autism spectrum disorder may have difficulties with social interactions and communication in multiplayer games. They may require clear and explicit instructions, visual cues, or alternative communication methods to facilitate their participation and enjoyment.
Speech Impairments: Players with speech impairments may find it difficult to communicate verbally with other players or use in-game voice chat features. This can hinder their ability to engage in real-time communication and coordinate strategies with teammates.
Hearing Impairments: Players with hearing impairments may struggle to understand in-game audio cues or communicate through voice chat. They may rely on subtitles or text-based communication to understand game dialogue and interact with other players.
Visual Impairments: Players with visual impairments may encounter difficulties in reading text or visual elements within the game. Lack of proper accessibility features such as screen readers or text-to-speech functionalities can hinder their ability to understand game instructions, menus, or in-game messages.
Cognitive Disabilities: Individuals with cognitive disabilities may face challenges in understanding complex game mechanics, challenging boss battles, or making quick decisions. Complicated user interfaces, overwhelming visual effects, or the need for fast-paced responses may limit their ability to engage with the game fully.
Motor Disabilities: Players with motor disabilities may struggle with precise control inputs or complex button combinations required for gameplay. Limited dexterity or mobility can make it challenging to navigate menus, perform actions, or interact with in-game elements effectively.

It's important for game developers to consider these disabilities and implement inclusive features and accessibility options to ensure that players with diverse abilities can fully engage and communicate within the game environment. By considering the diverse needs of players and embracing inclusive practices, the gaming industry can create an environment where language and disability are no longer barriers to engagement and enjoyment.

Accessibility for All

Investing in accessibility not only promotes inclusivity but also improves the overall performance of games. By implementing accessibility features, such as customizable controls, closed captioning, and visual cues, developers can enhance the gameplay experience for all players. These features not only cater to individuals with disabilities but also provide options for personalization and accommodate a wide range of player preferences. Accessibility features boost engagement, increase player satisfaction, and can contribute to the success of the game.

Breaking spoken language barriers is a gateway to tapping into new markets. By providing multilingual support or implementing language translation technologies powered by AI, game developers can expand their reach and cater to diverse audiences worldwide. Accessible language options can open doors to emerging markets and allow players from different linguistic backgrounds to fully engage with and enjoy the gaming experience. The potential for growth and cultural exchange is immense when games embrace language accessibility.

When designing games for users with disabilities or language barriers, it is important to recognize that perfection is not the goal. Instead, the focus should be on creating inclusive experiences that accommodate various needs. Users understand that implementing accessibility features can be a complex task, and they appreciate the efforts made to make games more inclusive. By actively involving the community in the development process, listening to feedback, and continuously improving accessibility, developers can better meet the expectations and needs of all players.

Here are a few examples of games that have embraced accessibility and achieved success on the business front:

"The Last of Us Part II" (Naughty Dog): This highly acclaimed action-adventure game received praise for its comprehensive accessibility options. It included features like customizable controls, high-contrast displays, text-to-speech, and audio cues for players with visual or hearing impairments. The game not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved significant commercial success.

"Minecraft" (Mojang Studios): "Minecraft" is known for its commitment to accessibility, providing a wide range of features to cater to players with disabilities. It offers options for colorblindness, subtitles, text-to-speech, and fine motor control settings. These accessibility features have contributed to the game's widespread popularity and success across various platforms.

"Assassin's Creed Valhalla" (Ubisoft): Valhalla implemented various accessibility features, including fully customizable controls, audio descriptions, and extensive subtitle options. These efforts have been well-received by players, enhancing their overall gaming experience and contributing to the game's commercial success.

"Celeste" (Matt Makes Games): "Celeste" is an indie platformer that gained critical acclaim not only for its challenging gameplay but also for its commitment to accessibility. The game offered features like adjustable game speed, assist modes for players with motor disabilities and a comprehensive suite of accessibility options. Its inclusive design and accessibility efforts resonated with players, contributing to its success.

"God of War: Ragnarok" (Santa Monica Studios): "God of War: Ragnarok" rocks a list of more than 70 accessibility innovations by making accessibility a priority, working with experts, hiring accessibility talent, and gathering feedback from the community. God of War Ragnarok’s accessibility features encompasses four main areas: hearing, motor, cognitive, and vision. While the suite of options focused on accessibility, it includes a host of quality-of-life tweaks many players benefit from, like automated item pickups and customizable subtitles.

These examples demonstrate that embracing accessibility can enhance the gaming experience for a wider audience, resulting in both critical acclaim and commercial success. By considering the diverse needs of players and implementing accessibility features, game developers can create inclusive experiences that resonate with players and drive positive business outcomes.

Enhancing accessibility in gaming is not just a moral imperative; it is a pathway to better game performance, expanded market opportunities, and the creation of inclusive communities.

Bridging the Gap

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other tools present exciting possibilities for bridging this language gap and creating a more inclusive gaming experience. Let us explore some of these solutions.

For players who speak non-native languages, voice recognition and language processing technologies can enable players to communicate naturally using their own language while the AI system translates and transcribes or speaks the translated content in real time. This allows players to engage in conversations, coordinate strategies, and build meaningful connections across language barriers. Moreover, AI has the ability to adapt to the individual preferences of players, considering cultural implications and community expectations, thus ensuring a gaming experience that is both localized and personalized. However, it is crucial to emphasize that in order to achieve this, it is necessary to hire individuals who can provide appropriate training to AI systems, enabling them to account for cultural nuances and community expectations accurately. By investing in a diverse team of experts, developers can ensure that AI technologies are sensitively and effectively integrated into games, creating experiences that resonate with players on a cultural and personal level.

For players with neurodiversity, assistive technologies can offer customized experiences, such as adaptive difficulty levels or sensory-friendly options, to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable gaming experience. Speech recognition and synthesis technologies can enable players with speech impairments to communicate in-game, either through text-to-speech or speech-to-text conversion.

For players with hearing impairments, we can enhance accessibility by providing real-time captions or subtitles, allowing individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to fully engage with the game's auditory content. This feature extends to multiplayer experiences, transforming voice chat into text-based communication, enabling active participation and collaboration. Customization options for captions or subtitles further enhance the gaming experience, allowing players to adjust text size, font, color, and background for optimal readability.

For players with visual impairments, enhance accessibility by providing various assistive features. Audio descriptions are one such feature, where visual elements of the game generate audio cues or narrations to describe the surroundings, characters, and actions, enabling players to form a mental image of the game world. Additionally, haptic feedback, through vibration or tactile sensations, can provide spatial awareness and help players navigate the game environment by providing cues about obstacles, objects, or interactive elements. Screen reader functionalities can transform on-screen text into audible speech, allowing players with visual impairments to access menus, instructions, dialogues, and other important information.

For players with cognitive disabilities, developers can provide guidance and assistance in real-time by offering contextual prompts, reminders, or step-by-step instructions to help players navigate complex game mechanics or overcome challenging levels. Additionally, facilitating the customization of game interfaces, allowing players to simplify or modify elements based on their cognitive needs can prove immensely beneficial. This includes options to adjust the difficulty level, toggle visual aids, or streamline menus for better clarity. These features promote comprehension, reduce cognitive overload, and enable individuals with cognitive disabilities to fully enjoy and participate in gaming experiences.

For players with motor disabilities, adaptive controllers and input methods play a crucial role in making gaming accessible. Developers can further enhance this accessibility by providing assistance and customization options tailored to individual needs. Players can utilize adaptive controllers that offer a range of input methods, such as voice commands, gesture recognition, or eye-tracking, allowing them to interact with games effectively. While botting is a significant issue in gaming, providing assistance through features like auto-aim, aim assist, or smart targeting, ensuring that players with motor disabilities can still engage in combat or competitive gameplay. Algorithms can learn and adapt to a player's unique movements, enabling personalized control mappings and fine-tuning the responsiveness of input devices. This adaptive functionality ensures that players with motor disabilities can navigate game worlds, perform actions, and engage with gameplay mechanics in a way that suits their abilities. Additionally, and for now, including publications on PC platforms is highly beneficial for players with motor disabilities. PC gaming offers a wide range of accessibility options such as: customizable keybindings, adjustable mouse sensitivity, and the ability to use external devices or assistive technologies.

By embracing these players and incorporating their needs into game development, developers have the opportunity to create more inclusive and accessible gaming experiences for players with diverse abilities and language backgrounds. These advancements not only foster a sense of belonging and community but also promote equality and empower individuals to fully engage in the gaming world.

Embrace the Following Concepts

When developing games with a focus on language accessibility and accommodating disabilities, incorporating technologies can greatly enhance inclusivity. Here are some tips on what to keep in mind:

1. Prioritize AI-driven Language Translation: Discuss the integration of AI technologies that provide real-time language translation features. Explore options like natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to enable seamless communication between players from different language backgrounds. Be sure to include local resources to train the systems to be culturally aware. Explore allowing AI to modify gaming content based on gameplay, decisions, and other interactions.

2. Embrace Accessibility Features: Consider how you can enhance accessibility features for players with disabilities. Look into voice recognition and text-to-speech functionalities, which can assist individuals with speech impairments or reading difficulties. Additionally, technologies can facilitate audio descriptions, haptic feedback, and screen reader functionalities to support players with visual impairments. This one isn't a natural part of your design process and will take a concerted effort.

3. Involve Accessibility Experts: Include accessibility experts in the development team or seek external consultation to ensure that the game meets the needs of players with disabilities. These experts can provide valuable insights into best practices, identify potential barriers, and offer suggestions for improvement.

4. Conduct User Testing with Diverse Participants: Engage individuals who do not speak the native language and players with different disabilities in user testing sessions to gain firsthand feedback on the game's language and accessibility features. This will help identify any usability challenges and fine-tune the design to meet the specific needs of various players.

5. Foster Inclusive Design Thinking: Encourage open discussions about inclusivity within the development team. Incorporate training sessions on accessibility guidelines and disability awareness to build a culture of inclusivity among the developers. This will help instill a mindset of considering accessibility from the early stages of game design.

6. Stay Updated on Advancements: Keep up with the latest technologies and advancements that can further enhance language accessibility and accommodate disabilities. Regularly explore how AI can be integrated into future updates or new game releases to continually improve the gaming experience for all players.

By incorporating technologies and actively engaging in conversations about inclusivity, game developers can create games that break down language barriers and provide a more accessible and inclusive experience for players with disabilities. This collaborative approach will ensure that the game design is thoughtful and inclusive, fostering a gaming community where everyone feels welcome and can fully enjoy the gaming experience.