The new industry-wide initiative aims to provide clear information about accessibility in games. (Image credit: ESA)
Major game developers and tech companies are coming together for a new initiative, managed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), to standardise information about the accessibility features of their games. The announcement was made last week at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.
The new “Accessible Games Initiative,” founded by five members—Electronic Arts, Nintendo of America, Microsoft, Google, and Ubisoft—will use 24 new tags such as “clear text,” “large and clear subtitles,” and “narrated menus” to assist gamers who are blind or have low vision.
The ESA noted that these tags were “developed with insight and feedback sourced directly from players with disabilities, accessibility advocacy groups, and game development teams.” According to the Accessible Games Initiative website, the list of tags includes auditory features, gameplay features, input features, and visual features.
The standardisation of tags will make it easier for gamers with disabilities to find games with accessibility features or assistive device compatibility, also helping parents and teachers discover suitable games. However, the implementation of these tags is voluntary and will be displayed on digital storefronts, product pages, or digital catalogues. Currently, game developers use their own in-house accessibility tags, which may not always be effective in identifying games with the right accessibility features.
The five founding members and Sony Interactive Entertainment “first developed” the initiative. However, Sony isn’t a founding member. Amazon Games, Riot Games, Square Enix, and Warner Bros. Games have since joined the initiative.
A growing number of tech companies and leading game developers are incorporating more accessibility features—both in hardware and software—as part of a broader push to include accessibility in the design process. Advocates say it is critical for companies to hire and consult disabled people when creating products.
Tech companies like Google and Apple already include several accessibility features in their smartphones and operating systems, while Microsoft and Sony have introduced gaming products for players with limited mobility in recent years. However, there is still a long road ahead to making tech products and games universally accessible.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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