Visually Impaired Gamers Call for Enhanced Accessibility in Gaming

A coalition of gamers who are blind or have partial sight is urging industry executives to prioritize inclusivity in video games. This group, established through the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), aims to provide a platform for individuals to bond over their mutual love for gaming.

Tiernán Devine, a 21-year-old from Belfast who is blind, expressed his enthusiasm for audio-based games on mobile devices but desires more console options that are accessible. He reminisced about his enjoyment of handheld games like Mario Kart when he had some vision in his right eye.

Now, without sight, Tiernán focuses on audio games that rely solely on sound and narrative rather than visual elements. He particularly enjoys immersive fantasy games that feature compelling storylines and rich audio descriptions.

Participating in the RNIB group allows Tiernán to connect with others who share his experiences, as they gather regularly to discuss their gaming adventures. He emphasized that game developers should involve individuals with disabilities in beta testing to enhance accessibility for all players.

Tiernán pointed out that many visually impaired users depend on screen readers to interpret their devices. He envisions a future where games include audio descriptions, enabling players to fully engage in the action. “For example, I would love a Star Wars game that narrates the number of Star Destroyers and TIE fighters during a space battle,” he noted.

Louise Meeke, who has cerebral palsy and partial sight, also benefits from the group, which she describes as a vital source of social interaction. Enjoying a variety of genres, including platformers like Crash Bandicoot and Minecraft, she often needs to adjust her TV settings for better visibility.

“I sometimes have to increase the contrast on my TV significantly to see the visuals clearly. It would be amazing if games could have customizable settings based on a player’s vision level,” she suggested. Louise initially found it intimidating to join the group but quickly discovered a community she regards as a “second family.”

She recounted meeting another person with the same condition, albeit affecting the opposite side of her body, which she found particularly meaningful. Louise is passionate about encouraging more individuals with visual impairments to engage with video games.

Globally, approximately three billion people are regular gamers, making the gaming industry twice as lucrative as the film and music sectors combined. In the UK alone, the gaming sector supports around 76,000 jobs and contributes roughly £6 billion annually to the economy.

The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE), the trade association representing the UK gaming industry, acknowledged the importance of accessibility. They indicated significant investments have been made in inclusive design, though challenges remain for blind and partially sighted players.

UKIE highlighted that recent game releases are now considering accessibility more seriously, with titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, EA Sports FC 26, and DOOM: The Dark Ages setting new standards in inclusive design.

With an estimated 250 million gamers identifying as visually impaired, the need for accessible gaming experiences is both a substantial market opportunity and a crucial priority for the industry. UKIE affirmed its commitment to ensuring everyone can partake in the creative and social joys that video games provide.