Accessibility Innovation in Games in 2023

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The role of accessibility in games is ever-evolving. In 2020, accessibility entered the mainstream space when publications and award shows began covering innovations like Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II. A title featuring dozens of options specifically for accessibility purposes was relatively unheard of at the time, and since TLOU2’s release, the industry’s understanding of what makes a game accessible and enjoyable has drastically shifted. 2023 is proof of this concept. With every new release – whether AAA or indie – disabled players can know with certainty that a game will include some form of settings or inclusive designs.

While IGN has a clear winner for the most accessible game of 2023, the nominees for this category are all winners. Yes, each game listed below features numerous options and designs, but it’s the ways in which they revolutionized not only their respective genres, but the industry itself, that is why they deserve to be on this list.

Runner-Up: Street Fighter 6 – Fighting Game Victories

2023 saw the release of new additions for major franchises. Street Fighter 6 is one of our nominees because it shook up the fighting game genre with mechanics like Drive Rush. But aside from new tools to master, it added a plethora of accessibility features that significantly reduced inaccessible barriers.

Within the options menu of Street Fighter 6, blind and low vision players have access to multiple aural indicators for character movement, opponent movement, punches, kicks, fireballs, and even depletion of the Drive Gauge. Yet its biggest achievement is through the implementation of Modern and Dynamic Controls. Modern Controls simplify extensive combos and special move inputs. Rather than needing to memorize and use six buttons for punches and kicks, Modern Controls reduces the inputs to four buttons – light, medium, heavy, and a special attack. Combine that with basic movements, and players can execute powerful combos with far fewer buttons and motions, albeit with a damage cap of 80 percent of standard control combos. Dynamic Controls reduces the complexity even further, with only three buttons that automatically do combos based on distance to your opponent and remaining health. However, Dynamic Controls can only be used for single fights against AI players.

While not perfect with its accessibility, namely with a lack of screen reader support and inability to use Dynamic Controls outside of single arcade fights, Street Fighter 6 revolutionized accessibility for the series. Whether you’re a newcomer, disabled player, or veteran, Street Fighter 6 is one of the most accessible fighting games in recent years.

Runner-Up: Dead Space – Cognitive Accessibility Meets Horror

Our next nominee examines the horror genre, demonstrating that accessibility can positively impact all games and experiences. Motive Studio’s Dead Space remake comes equipped with common accessibility features like toggles for actions like aiming and sprinting, varying difficulty choices, and customizable subtitles. But it’s a nominee because of its attention to cognitive accessibility.

Traditionally, video game accessibility covers three pillars – motor, visual, and auditory. While cognitive accessibility exists through inclusive design and settings like arachnophobia modes in games like Grounded, Dead Space’s plethora of content sensors is revolutionary, especially for a horror game. For players that have PTSD, trauma relating to violent events, or even phobias, Dead Space allows individuals to enable varying sensors and trigger warnings for disturbing images like gratuitous violence and themes like self-harm and suicide. More importantly, these options don’t detract from the core elements of Dead Space – immense isolation and hopelessness. Further, Dead Space excels with cognitive accessibility through its gameplay and level designs. Simplistic corridors prevent players from getting lost, a beacon button accurately guides others through the USG Ishimura, and it’s entirely possible for individuals to beat the game with a single weapon, preventing overwhelming feelings relating to ammo management. Dead Space proves that cognitive accessibility is as important as other forms of accessibility, and even settings like content sensors and trigger warnings can still be properly implemented in horror games.

Winner: Forza Motorsport – Racing to Victory

Our winner for the most accessible game of 2023 is an iconic Xbox racing sim that truly demonstrated the importance of accessible innovation for not only the racing genre, but also the gaming industry. Forza Motorsport redefined accessibility, especially for blind and low vision and physically disabled players. Compared to 2020’s The Last of Us Part II, Forza Motorsport’s options allow disabled players to seamlessly complete races with relatively few, if any, inaccessible barriers.

For blind and low vision racers, Forza Motorsport includes a bevy of options labeled under Blind Driving Assists. These features provide aural indicators for acceleration, gearshifting, terrain, straightaways, turns, and even verbal indicators for when you’re driving the wrong way. Combine that with full-screen reader support across the entire game, and audio descriptions for cinematics, and blind and low vision players can be as independent while racing as they wish. For physically disabled players, options like assisted steering, braking, acceleration, and stability allow for control over every aspect of driving. Traditionally, racing sims require significant energy levels to hold and consistently press numerous buttons to ensure your vehicle functions. With these settings, it’s entirely possible to fully play the game with a single button.

Forza Motorsport is the first in the genre to allow for full control, regardless of disability. No game will ever be perfect, especially with the individualistic nature of the disabled experience. However, racing accessibility should now be categorized as before and after Forza Motorsport.

Honorable Mentions

The three games above are just some of the incredible titles featuring innovative accessibility options and designs. Mortal Kombat 1’s visual accessibility is a first for the series. Stories of Blossom is fully playable for an array of disabilities, proving that even indie games can and should be accessible. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor implemented even more features and designs than its predecessor, namely the capability to adjust game speed. Even Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s design makes it one of the most accessible side-scrolling Mario games.

2023 demonstrates the necessity and evolution of accessibility in games. Accessibility will never be solved. Studios will continue to innovate based on the needs of disabled players. But if 2023 is an indicator, disabled individuals no longer need to hope for inclusion. They have the capability to fully enjoy games alongside their able-bodied peers.