Fostering Inclusive Gaming Community

by Arthur Herring
in News, Release, XBOX
on 19 May 2024

Gaming has always been a platform to bring people together and create shared experiences. In line with this vision, we are committed to promoting accessibility and inclusivity in gaming. Here are some exciting updates and resources we have for our players:

Earn the new Xbox Ambassador Accessibility Ally Badge

Starting in June, Xbox players can earn the Xbox Ambassador Accessibility Ally Badge for their profiles. By completing quests and knowledge checks on the Xbox Ambassadors website and reaching a new top level in the Xbox Accessibility Explorer Path, players can showcase their commitment to accessibility and become an Xbox Ambassador Ally.

New Xbox Support articles categorized by disability

To make it easier for players with specific disabilities to find accessibility features, Support.Xbox.com has introduced five new articles. These articles categorize the available accessibility features based on disabilities such as speech, cognitive, vision, mobility, and hearing. Now players can quickly access the information they need to enhance their gaming experience.

New updates to Xbox Adaptive Controller

In response to community feedback, we are updating the Xbox Adaptive Controller to expand its support for more accessories connected via USB port. With the update, each port will now support up to 12 buttons, a second stick, and a hat switch. This update will be rolled out to Xbox Insiders in the coming weeks and will be available to the public through a controller update prompt in the coming months.

Continued investments in accessibility

We are constantly striving to innovate and invest in Xbox’s accessibility offerings. We value feedback from the disability community and non-profit organizations to create products that cater to diverse needs. We are also working closely with accessibility hardware manufacturers to become authorized Designed for Xbox partners, allowing us to expand gaming options for people with disabilities.

Improved Filtering & Sorting in My Games and Apps

In the My Games and Apps section on the console, players can now filter and sort games based on their accessibility or technical features. Whether you’re looking for games with narrated game menus or specific accessibility settings, this feature will help you find games that meet your needs.

Enabling Play with Expanded Accessibility Features

We understand the importance of bringing new accessibility features to our games to make gaming more inclusive. Here are some notable games with accessibility features:

– Candy Crush Soda Saga: The game has introduced a new accessibility menu that centralizes all accessibility features, including audio, visual, and haptic feedback. Players can customize audio settings such as bass control, reduction of high frequencies, and sound effects.

– Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III: The game has updated its settings menu to flag features related to motor, vision, audio, and cognitive adjustments. It also features a new accessibility preset called “Low Motor Sprain” to reduce physical effort during gameplay.

– Diablo IV: The development team is actively working with the accessibility community to expand access to gaming for everyone. More details will be available on the Diablo YouTube Channel.

Empowering Game Creators to Include Accessibility in Design & Development

To ensure accessibility is integrated from the beginning, we are sharing helpful resources for creators and developers:

– Game Accessibility Workshop Toolkit: Xbox Research has developed a toolkit for game developers to conduct Game Accessibility Workshops. This toolkit combines Microsoft Inclusive Design with Xbox’s approach to game accessibility, making it easier for developers to design games with accessibility in mind.

By fostering an inclusive gaming community and providing resources for developers, we aim to make gaming accessible and enjoyable for all players.

Additional facts:
– Microsoft has a dedicated Accessibility website that provides information and resources on accessibility features across their products and services, including gaming.
– Xbox has a dedicated Accessibility support team that can be reached for assistance with accessibility-related questions or issues.
– Xbox also supports third-party accessibility accessories, allowing players to customize their gaming experience even further.
– The Xbox Adaptive Controller, released in 2018, is a revolutionary device designed specifically for gamers with limited mobility. It features large programmable buttons and can be customized to meet individual needs.

Key questions and answers:
1. What is the Xbox Ambassador Accessibility Ally Badge?
– The Xbox Ambassador Accessibility Ally Badge is a badge that Xbox players can earn for their profiles by completing quests and knowledge checks on the Xbox Ambassadors website and reaching a new top level in the Xbox Accessibility Explorer Path.

2. How are the Xbox Support articles categorized?
– The Xbox Support articles are now categorized based on disabilities such as speech, cognitive, vision, mobility, and hearing. This makes it easier for players with specific disabilities to find relevant accessibility features.

3. What updates are being made to the Xbox Adaptive Controller?
– The Xbox Adaptive Controller is being updated to expand its support for more accessories connected via USB port. Each port will now support up to 12 buttons, a second stick, and a hat switch.

Key challenges or controversies:
– One key challenge associated with fostering an inclusive gaming community is ensuring that the accessibility features provided are comprehensive and cater to a wide range of disabilities. Different disabilities may require different accommodations, and it is important to gather feedback from diverse sources to ensure inclusivity.

Advantages:
– By promoting accessibility and inclusivity in gaming, more players are able to enjoy and participate in the gaming community.
– The availability of specific accessibility features can enhance the gaming experience for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to fully engage in gameplay.

Disadvantages:
– Despite efforts to improve accessibility, there may still be limitations or challenges in providing accommodations for all disabilities. Finding solutions that work for everyone can be complex.