With the right hardware and software adaptations, gamers of all abilities can enjoy the benefits of gaming. Bruce Cardoso and Liesl Gerber from Konke Gamers share
Gaming is an important part of my life. It has given me countless hours of entertainment, of course, but it has done more than that. Gaming has given me a community. It allows gamers to create bonds, find acceptance and support, and broaden their world.
As technology continues to develop, gaming has flourished with innovations constantly reimagining how we game. However, gamers with disabilities are often forgotten. This is why it is so important to us at Konke Gamers to make gaming accessible to all.
There are several products on the market today that adapt or augment existing gaming tools specifically for the use of gamers with disabilities. These include both hardware and software adaptations that can meet the needs of each individual player.
Accessibility Hardware
Standard controllers are designed to be played with two hands and require full finger mobility. Players with limited motion, grip strength, or precise muscle control, or with tremors or limb differences can find standard controllers practically impossible to use. Thankfully, various companies have designed controllers for gamers with disabilities.
These controllers allow gamers to customise the layout and programming to tailor it to their specific needs. Additional controls, such as peddles or buttons, can be added for more ways to use the console or computer. Sony’s Access Controller for the PlayStation 5 is of particular interest as it is the most commonly adaptive controller available locally.
You don’t necessarily need a purpose-made controller to make the most of the newest game releases. Standard controllers can also be modified to make them playable for one- handed gamers.
A passionate gamer and 3D printing enthusiast, Akaki Kuumeri, has created adaptive 3D-printable designs that can easily be added to any PlayStation, Nintendo or Xbox controller. The system of levers and buttons transform a standard controller into a one-handed controller for both left and right- handed gamers.
Users have found these simple and affordable designs transformative, allowing them to play their favourite games without any barriers. All Kuumeri’s designs can be downloaded free of charge at www.printables.com/@Akaki.
Accessibility Software
In the past, most games did not include accessibility features, or only added them later. As the gaming industry has evolved, more developers are starting to include accessibility features from the inception of the game. These simple features can include:
- Remappable controls: Some players may struggle with hard-to-reach or small buttons. By remapping the controls, the player can reassign any action to a more comfortable button or trigger.
- Aim Assist and Auto Targeting: These help a player lock on an enemy target. This is useful to players who find precision manoeuvres difficult.
- Steering Assist: Similarly, steering assist helps players who struggle to manipulate subtle controls. It makes it easier to take sharp turns in fast-paced racing games.
- Game Difficulties: Unlike most accessibility features, game difficulty settings have been in games for decades. However, they have become more detailed and customisable to allow players a more forgiving gaming experience while they learn how to navigate the game world.
- Timing Adjustments: Often, a player is required to input a series of buttons or perform a task within a certain timeframe. Games now include settings that allow extra time to complete these actions, allowing players using adapted or adaptive controls to beat the buzzer.
- Sensitivity Settings: Sensitivity settings allow gamers with limited mobility to increase the sensitivity of their controls so that they can perform an action with less effort. Gamers with tremors can lower their sensitivity settings to counteract their involuntary movements.
There is still a lot of progress to be made, but support and inclusion is on the rise. More game developers are incorporating accessibility features with more disabilities considered and catered for.
We can help to keep this momentum going by supporting game studios who actively build inclusivity into their games, and by spreading the word about the available adaptations so that more gamers can access them. Accessibility in gaming is all about giving everyone the chance to take part, play and connect with the gaming community.
