Microsoft, which already has a very positive stance on accessibility in gaming, has stated that it wants to further improve game accessibility for future generations of gamers.
"The Future of Game Accessibility on Xbox"
In a blog post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft has committed to building on the passion for accessibility that already exists within the Xbox team and the wider gaming community.
It says:
According to the ESA Foundation, there are nearly 46 million gamers with disabilities in the U.S. alone, so we’re heartened to see that game developers are actively seeking out resources that guide inclusive game design to ensure that their games are fun for everyone who wants to play.
Accessibility is massively important, as it allows those who live with a disability to immerse themselves in games, meaning that they can fully enjoy their favorite titles. Microsoft continues:
At Microsoft, accessibility is a core aspect of how products are built. The implementation of inclusive design principles is a foundational part of the overall development process across Team Xbox.
So, Microsoft does, and will, continue to support gamers with disabilities as a major focus.
How Does Microsoft Support Accessibility?
We can see how accessibility is a central ethos at Microsoft. Back in 2019, it formed a Gaming Accessibility team. In turn, this team created the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines, also known as XAGs.
Microsoft intends these XAGs to act as a template for game developers and designers to ensure their games are accessible to those who otherwise wouldn't be able to play. It launched the XAGs in January 2020 and hasn't looked back since.
Since then, Kaitlyn Jones, project leader for the Microsoft Gaming Access Team, has built upon those XAGs and added numerous improvements.
What Accessibility Features Does Xbox Have?
Xbox has a wide variety of features designed to improve the accessibility of games. Some of these features work at system level and carry across into any game compatible with the feature.
If you have a sight impairment, for example, you can enable high-contrast mode on the Xbox Series X. This feature uses hues from opposite ends of the color spectrum. So, black on white or white on black would be a good example to use. It makes the details easier to see.
Likewise, if you require assistance because of a hearing impairment, you can enable closed captions on the Xbox Series X and S.
A Bright Future For Gaming Accessibility
Microsoft has a range of such features and is showing no sign of stopping in its goal of creating a truly integrated gaming community.
It even takes care of minor details, such as allowing you to remap your controller, making certain buttons easier to reach. It is this kind of forward thinking that we need to see across the entire gaming industry, so that nobody feels left out.
