Video games are increasingly acknowledging the diverse audience that engages with them. Upon launching a modern title, players are often greeted with a comprehensive array of accessibility options. While these features may seem extensive, they might not cater to everyone’s needs. Websites like Can I Play That? meticulously evaluate games for various accessibility features, ranging from difficulty settings to adjustable text sizes and sound navigation.
However, a significant challenge persists: for those seeking specific accessibility options in the vast library of games on Steam, detailed information can be elusive without purchasing the title. Fortunately, Steam is taking steps to address this issue. In a recent update from Valve, a new accessibility-support questionnaire has been introduced for developers, enabling them to clearly outline the accessibility features available in their games.
New Accessibility Questionnaire
This questionnaire allows developers to select from a range of accessibility features by simply ticking boxes. Options include:
- Adjustable Text Size
- Narrated Menus
- Colorblind Options
The questionnaire is already live, and Valve is providing developers with a few months to familiarize themselves with this new tool. Later this year, Steam will begin displaying the selected accessibility features on game store pages, alongside information such as controller support and achievements. Players will also have the ability to filter search results based on these accessibility features.
This initiative signifies a positive shift in the gaming landscape, as the leading PC video game platform recognizes the importance of accessibility. While Valve has made it clear that participation in this system is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged. The hope is that this recommendation will motivate developers to embrace the questionnaire, enhancing the accessibility of their offerings.
Here’s a glimpse of the accessibility options that Valve will start listing:
Gameplay
- Adjustable Difficulty: Players can modify gameplay difficulty.
- Save Anytime: Players can save their progress at any point through both automatic and manual saves.
Audio
- Custom Volume Controls: Players can independently adjust the volume of different audio elements.
- Narrated Game Menus: Menus can be navigated with narrated audio.
- Stereo Sound: Players can discern the direction of sounds.
- Surround Sound: Players can identify sound sources from all directions.
Visual
- Adjustable Text Size: Text size can be modified across various in-game contexts.
- Subtitle Options: Customization options for subtitle display are available.
- Color Alternatives: Important gameplay information is not solely reliant on color, or players can adjust color settings.
- Camera Comfort: Options to adjust or disable uncomfortable camera movements are provided.
Input
- Keyboard Only Option: The game can be played using only a keyboard.
- Mouse Only Option: The game can be played using only a mouse.
- Touch Only Option: The game can be played using only touch controls.
- Playable without Timed Input: Gameplay does not require precise timing for button presses.
- Text-to-speech: Text chat can be read aloud in real time.
- Speech-to-text communications: Voice chat can be transcribed into text in real time.
