Accessibility is a growing priority in the artistic community. Across mediums, artists share a desire to open powerful experiences to a wider audience. This means building accessibility into the creative process, but without compromising the overall aesthetics or meaning of any given piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This balance can sometimes be difficult to strike within the vast world of gaming, where intricate details and expansive worldbuilding coalesce with a rapid pace of gameplay. These elements could easily cause problems for gamers with a range of impairments, including visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These issues should not prevent players from enjoying the visual appeal and deeper meaning of game art. Thankfully, by drawing on universal design principles, today’s gaming leaders can cultivate experiences that welcome a wider variety of players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accessibility represents far more than a gaming buzzword. This term references the need for gaming experiences that can be seamlessly navigated and enjoyed by a wide range of users, regardless of whether they have physical or cognitive disabilities or whether they deal with various visual or hearing impairments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accessibility consultant Ian Hamilton<\/a>\u00a0explains that misconceptions have long plagued this practice, that the effort to boost accessibility is “expensive and involves diluting down your vision.” Speaking to the influence of accessibility, Hamilton explains, “The decisions we make as designers, developers and content producers have way more impact on people\u2019s lives than most people working in the industry [realize].”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applied to gaming, accessibility determines how easily various users can understand and control games. The goal of accessibility in gaming is to make these experiences widely available and enjoyable, but without hampering the overall vision or quality of top games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking broadly to the value of accessibility, the\u00a0National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)<\/a>\u00a0explains that materials and technologies qualify as accessible when a person with a disability can “acquire the same information [and] engage in the same interactions…with substantially equivalent ease of use” as an individual without a disability. Beyond this, materials are only deemed accessible if users with disabilities can engage in said experiences in an “equally effective, equally integrated” manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Players face many challenges that prevent them from fully embracing otherwise promising game experiences.\u00a0Insights from AbleGamers<\/a>\u00a0suggest that over 46 million players have disabilities, although many others also struggle to navigate games regardless of disability status. Many\u00a0conditions or disabilities<\/a>\u00a0can impact gaming, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessible game art draws heavily on the principles of inclusive design, driving the clarity and adaptability of gaming resources and experiences. The ultimate goal is to create game art that a wide range of players can enjoy but that also elevates the overall gaming experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report in the\u00a0Journal of Consumer Psychology<\/em><\/a>\u00a0clarifies that inclusive design “considers the needs and capabilities of the whole population” to prevent a potential mismatch between what designed materials promise and what audiences or users actually experience. No formula can reliably guarantee inclusivity in something as subjective as game art, but these principles help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrast has long brought compelling visuals to the gaming experience, using purposeful differences in color, brightness or other visual elements to ensure that central features stand out. This delivers not only dynamic aesthetics, but also an element of visual clarity that could be extra important for users with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color contrast, for example, can help players distinguish between different elements, although this alone will not be sufficient, given the realities of color vision deficiencies. Edge definition offers further contrast, preventing key elements from blending into the background. Some games offer specially designed\u00a0high-contrast modes<\/a>\u00a0to boost visibility for user interface (UI) components or environmental hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High contrast can help, but additional features may be needed to bring compelling visuals to users with color vision impairments. Screen-wide color filters cannot be expected to address this problem in its entirety. Rather, color accessibility should be built into the structure of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patterns, shapes, and symbols can all be useful for revealing crucial details or establishing a compelling aesthetic. Features such as heads-up display (HUD) elements can prevent games from relying entirely on colors to convey important information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typography<\/a>\u00a0plays a more significant role in the gaming experience than many people realize. This helps to guide users through the gaming experience while reinforcing core themes. Unfortunately, text also has the potential to clutter the gaming environment or simply confuse players. Therein lies the need for legible typography, complete with sans-serif fonts and high contrast. Adjustable text can provide additional assistance, but ideally, most players will easily make sense of the standard typography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the previously discussed principles can provide a valuable blueprint to promote inclusivity in all stages of game design, additional tools may be needed to confirm that developers actually live up to their promises of providing accessible gaming experiences. Beyond this, assistive technologies can be provided to address any lingering accessibility concerns that cannot be overcome through design alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessibility testing<\/a>\u00a0determines whether game designers achieve their stated intentions of making games accessible to (and enjoyable for) a wide range of players. This is one of the most effective strategies for identifying and addressing accessibility gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prior to testing, it is essential to consider game accessibility guidelines (GAG) to establish benchmarks. From there, developers can use a range of testing tools and strategies (such as user experience testing platforms or color blindness simulators) to determine how different types of users might navigate or enjoy games, especially when accessible features or modes are enabled. Similarly, tests can be performed using screen readers to confirm that text remains easy to read and understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Assistive technologies can help overcome difficult-to-address accessibility concerns that might otherwise stand in the way of desired aesthetics or gameplay mechanics. From eye-tracking technologies to strategically designed joysticks, many exciting assistive options are available. These should not be pursued in lieu of inclusive design but can certainly support an accessible gaming experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Games can transport players to worlds they never dreamed of visiting, but nothing can snap someone out of the fantasy quicker than a visual disruption that ruins the experience. Thankfully, many developers have integrated impressive accessibility options into their games. Promising examples reveal the creative possibilities for bringing accessibility to the forefront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many exciting games reveal that accessibility does not have to come at the cost of aesthetics or gameplay quality. In fact, well-designed accessibility features in games can enhance these elements. Examples of games that stand out as accessibility leaders include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessibility is beginning to feel less like a game-by-game pursuit and, instead, a widespread effort. Many studios consistently demonstrate an emphasis on inclusive design, revealed through consistently accessible offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inclusive game art represents a collaborative effort, with many talented professionals joining forces to ensure that games achieve high standards for accessibility. While in-depth training can help, even the most conscientious game designers may have gaps in knowledge that make it difficult to touch on the full range of accessibility concerns. Thankfully, many excellent resources are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessibility consultants<\/a>\u00a0provide a wealth of insight into the oft-missed concerns that can make games feel less inviting to diverse populations. These experts can perform in-depth assessments or otherwise offer guidance to ensure that game designers and developers make the most of accessibility opportunities. Consultants may also guide the user testing process, helping developers gather first hand feedback from a variety of players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever possible, developers should seek insights from the gaming public. This can reveal both strengths and deficits as they relate to accessibility. This effort may begin with surveys, which provide a chance to express personal experiences and preferences. Developers may seek more in-depth insights via focus groups or by conducting interviews. User testing completes this process, helping to bridge the gap between design theories or principles and the actual experience of navigating a particular game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gaming accessibility skeptics worry that the inclusive design movement is inherently at odds with the artistic priorities. In reality, however, there is room for both aesthetic achievement and accessible experiences, as we reveal below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Game artists and designers should clearly define and clarify a vision for their creative work, guided by the game’s narrative and a deeper sense of meaning. Within that vision, however, there is room for accessibility, especially from a visual standpoint. This effort may actually look quite similar to another balance designers need to strike, which is blending the artistic and functional components of the gaming experience. In both pursuits, customization options and environmental cues can make a world of difference, all while preserving desired aesthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many promising games prove that compelling visuals and accessibility can be achieved and that these qualities can actually amplify one another. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are merely in the infancy of the gaming accessibility movement. The industry has\u00a0come a long way<\/a>, but many players still struggle to embrace the gaming experience. As new technologies become available, game artists and designers uncover new ways to reach a broader audience. That being said, new challenges can also be expected, especially as certain technological breakthroughs (such as virtual and augmented reality) introduce distinct accessibility concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exciting technologies promise to elevate inclusive design, allowing artists, designers and developers to bring ambitious accessibility goals to life. Among the most promising trends include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many individual developers have demonstrated a clear commitment to promoting accessibility in gaming, unfortunately, this is not yet prioritized across the industry. Other developers cite a desire to improve accessibility in video games but struggle to make good on these intentions, often due to a simple lack of understanding or resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Industry standards could help resolve this, offering a blueprint to guide accessibility efforts. Accessibility-focused gamers and designers can advocate for expanded accessibility standards while also making an effort to abide by those already established via industry authorities such as the\u00a0International Game Developers Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Would you like to act as an advocate for\u00a0accessibility in video games? Discover the secrets to inclusive design \u2014 the Game Art Degree Program at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) will provide a powerful introduction, along with opportunities to put\u00a0universal design principles\u00a0into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Offering fascinating insights into the many trends, technologies and creative possibilities that shape modern game art, RMCAD can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to create game art that feels both accessible and meaningful to a wide audience. Get in touch to learn more about our\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0on-campus programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Accessibility is a growing priority in the artistic community. Across mediums, artists share a desire to open powerful experiences to a wider audience. This means building accessibility into the creative process, but without compromising the overall aesthetics or meaning of any given piece. This balance can sometimes be difficult to strike within the vast world […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":86033,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-86032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-game-art"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Is\u00a0Accessibility in Gaming?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Challenges Faced by Players<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Inclusive Design Principles for Game Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Using High-Contrast Visuals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Color Accessibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Readable Typography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tools and Technologies for Accessible Game Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accessibility Testing Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Assistive Technologies in Gaming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Accessibility in Game Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Games With Exceptional Visual Accessibility Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Studios Leading the Charge in Accessibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Collaboration for Inclusive Game Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Engaging With Accessibility Consultants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Involving the Community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Balancing Accessibility with Aesthetic Goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finding the Sweet Spot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Seamless Integration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Future of Accessibility in Game Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trends in Inclusive Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Encouraging Industry Standards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Universal Design Principles\u00a0in Game Art: Create Inclusive Worlds With RMCAD<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n