French publishing powerhouse Ubisoft has unveiled its innovative colourblind simulation tool, Chroma, to the public. This initiative, which began in 2021, aims to enhance the accessibility of its games for individuals with colourblindness. The project was spearheaded by Ubisoft’s quality control team in India, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity.
Enhancing Accessibility in Gaming
David Tisserand, Ubisoft’s director of accessibility, shared insights into the tool’s impact: “Over the past few years, Chroma has proven to be a highly efficient tool for us at Ubisoft.” He emphasized that it has significantly expedited the assessment process for colourblind players, allowing for a more thorough evaluation of game accessibility. Tisserand further noted, “Because we believe accessibility is a journey, not a race, we’re thrilled to share Chroma with the entire industry.” This open invitation encourages others to engage with the tool, provide feedback, and contribute to its ongoing development.
Quality control product manager Jawad Shakil elaborated on the tool’s purpose: “Chroma was created with a clear purpose – making color blindness accessibility a natural part of the creative and testing process.” He acknowledged the challenges the team faced during its development but highlighted their collaboration with accessibility experts. This partnership was crucial in refining the tool, ensuring that it operates without lag or inaccuracies, thus making accessibility testing both efficient and seamless.
Chroma stands as a testament to the team’s innovation and dedication, marking a significant shift in how games are designed with accessibility in mind. By open-sourcing Chroma, Ubisoft takes a proud step forward, enabling the broader industry to benefit from this groundbreaking advancement.
