The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has launched the Accessible Games Initiative, a groundbreaking "tag" system designed to enhance video game accessibility. Announced at the Game Developers Conference, this initiative was developed by a coalition including major players like Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, and Ubisoft, with additional support from Amazon, Riot Games, Square Enix, and WB Games. The ESA will oversee the management of this initiative.

Under this new system, participating companies will tag their games with 24 specific accessibility features, which will be displayed alongside game information on digital storefronts and product pages. These tags cover a wide range of features, from auditory enhancements like "Multiple Volume Controls" and "Narrated Menus" to gameplay adjustments such as "Difficulty Levels" and "Save Anytime." Input options include "Basic Input Remapping" and "Playable with Keyboard Only," while visual features encompass "Clear Text" and "Large & Clear Subtitles."

Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA president and CEO, emphasized the initiative's importance, 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."

The rollout of these tags will be gradual and optional, initially available only in English. Over time, the ESA may introduce new tags or refine existing ones to further improve accessibility.

Here's a detailed look at the tags included in the Accessible Games Initiative:

Auditory Features

Tag: Multiple Volume Controls

Description: Allows separate volume adjustments for different sound types, including music, speech, sound effects, background audio, text-to-speech, accessibility audio cues, and voice chat. A single control can also adjust all game sounds simultaneously.

Tag: Mono Sound

Description: Enables mono audio playback, sending the same sound to all channels for a unified audio experience.

Tag: Stereo Sound

Description: Supports stereo audio, providing directional sound cues from left to right but not vertically or in depth.

Tag: Surround Sound

Description: Offers surround sound, providing directional audio cues from any direction.

Tag: Narrated Menus

Description: Allows the use of screen readers or voice narration for menus and notifications, enabling accessible navigation.

Tag: Chat Speech-to-Text & Text-to-Speech

Description: Converts game chat text to speech and vice versa in real-time, facilitating communication for players with different needs.

Gameplay Features

Tag: Difficulty Levels

Description: Provides multiple difficulty settings, including options to reduce challenge intensity, with clear descriptions of differences.

Tag: Save Anytime

Description: Allows manual saving at any time, except during specific game states that could cause issues.

Input Features

Tag: Basic Input Remapping

Description: Permits rearranging button controls through simple methods like swapping.

Tag: Full Input Remapping

Description: Enables full customization of all game controls across supported input methods, including swapping controller stick functionality.

Tag: Stick Inversion

Description: Allows changing how directional inputs affect game movement in vertical and horizontal directions.

Tag: Playable without Button Holds

Description: Supports gameplay without the need to hold buttons, though some analog inputs may still require holding.

Tag: Playable without Rapid Button Presses

Description: Eliminates the need for repetitive button actions such as mashing or quick-time events.

Tag: Playable with Keyboard Only

Description: Allows the game to be played using only a keyboard, without additional devices.

Tag: Playable with Mouse Only

Description: Supports gameplay using only a mouse, including adaptive technologies that map to mouse inputs.

Tag: Playable with Buttons Only

Description: Enables gameplay using only digital inputs like buttons or keys, where pressure doesn't affect control.

Tag: Playable with Touch Only

Description: Allows gameplay using only touch controls, without requiring non-touch inputs.

Tag: Playable Without Motion Controls

Description: Supports gameplay without the need for motion controls.

Tag: Playable Without Touch Controls

Description: Allows gameplay without using touchpads or touchscreens.

Visual Features

Tag: Chat Speech-to-Text & Text-to-Speech

Description: Provides real-time conversion of text chats to speech and voice chats to text.

Tag: Clear Text

Description: Ensures menu and settings text is reasonably sized with adjustable contrast and less stylized fonts.

Tag: Large Text

Description: Offers a large font size option for menus, control panels, and settings.

Tag: Large & Clear Subtitles

Description: Provides subtitles for all dialogue with adjustable size, background transparency, and non-overlapping placement with game elements.

Tag: Color Alternatives

Description: Uses shape, pattern, icons, or text instead of color to communicate important information, or allows color adjustments.

Tag: Camera Comfort

Description: Allows adjustment or disabling of camera effects that may cause discomfort, such as shaking, swaying, or motion blur.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in making video games more accessible to all players, reflecting the industry's commitment to inclusivity and enjoyment for everyone.