Both Nintendo and Xbox have both announced their joining up to a newly revealed Accessible Games Initiative, which also includes other publishers.
The announcement comes via GDC, and the Accessible Games Initiative also includes Google, Ubisoft, and Electronic Arts. Nintendo of America said: “Tens of millions of Americans have a disability, but without a common language to describe the accessibility features within different video games, making informed purchases can be challenging. That is why Nintendo of America is pleased to announce that we are a member of the new Accessible Games Initiative.
The Accessible Games Initiative strives to provide players with clear information about the accessibility features in video games through a set of “tags” that players can use to identify the accessibility features available in a specific game before they purchase that game.”
Xbox says: “For many players, it can be a challenge not having a common and consistent language to describe the accessibility features within different video games. To help solve this, Xbox introduced its Game Accessibility Feature Tags back in November 2021.
This initiative, helmed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), strives to provide players with clear information about the accessibility features in video games through a set of “tags” that players can use to identify the features available in a specific game, before they make a purchase.”
There is a whole new website for this initiative, which shows the tags, and more info. Xbox added: “Xbox is working with developers around the world to implement Accessible Games Initiative tags across participating titles. Once ready, players will be able to find both sets of tags in a variety of digital Xbox experiences.
In the meantime, players can find the descriptions for each tag on the Accessible Games Initiative website. With the Accessible Games Initiative tags, players no longer need to worry about guessing what a tag means for each individual game, and you can know exactly what to expect before you buy a game.”
“Tens of millions of Americans have a disability and often face barriers to experiencing the joy and connection that comes with playing video games,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA president and CEO. “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.”
For more information on the initiative, visit the official website.
