The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has unveiled an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility within the gaming community. The Accessible Games Initiative seeks to empower consumers with accurate information regarding the accessibility features available in various video game titles. This collaborative effort is spearheaded by industry giants including Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, and Ubisoft, with additional support from Amazon, Riot, Square Enix, and Warner Bros.
Key Features of the Initiative
At its inception, the Accessible Games Initiative introduces a comprehensive set of 24 tags, each designed to highlight specific accessibility functions within games. These tags will inform players about:
- Clear text options
- Appropriate subtitle availability
- Flexible save features that allow players to save their progress at any point
Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO of ESA, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Tens of millions of Americans have a disability and often face barriers to experiencing the joy and connection that comes with playing video games. We are immensely proud to announce the Accessible Games Initiative in partnership with industry leaders. This initiative demonstrates how impactful we can be when we work together in our industry-wide pursuit of helping more people experience the power of play.”
