There are more and more efforts being made to make sure that gamers from all backgrounds are included in this much-loved pursuit. From the likes of Sony investing in more games that will help those with disabilities to play, to someone modding Minecraft to allow players to control the game with their eyes, issues surrounding accessibility are of key importance. Now it looks as though Xbox are also looking to implement additional inclusivity features.
To celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which focuses on inclusive access to technology for those with impairments and disabilities, Director for Xbox Accessibility, Anita Mortaloni, has announced new ways the company will be committing itself to promoting accessibility within the video games' industry. Mortaloni made a number of announcements recently which go towards the organization's commitment to inclusivity.
One of the things announced was the Xbox Accessibility Insider League, or XAIL, which is a way for those who identify as having a disability to provide feedback to Xbox or development studios in regard to accessibility. The system has been implemented to provide a streamlined way to directly provide feedback and is open to anyone who identifies as having an impairment. Feedback is arguably a very important way for gamers to give opinions on such topics, particularly as more and more companies are implementing ways to be more inclusive, such as Twitch adding accessibility features to those with visual impairments.
The other feature Mortalini announced was that the Xbox Gaming Accessibility team has created a Gaming and Disability Player Experience Guide. This gives insight into the kinds of barriers that many gamers face, such as those with vision or hearing impairments, issues with mobility, or anyone with mental health concerns. The Xbox website itself says the guide is there to provide a "holistic understanding" of the kinds of barriers that can impede gameplay, but can also be a way for the gaming and disability community to collaborate and give feedback on certain games.
These features are a commendable approach to inclusivity in gaming. With charities, such as AbleGamers, paving the way for video games to be more accessible to people with disabilities, companies such as Xbox have an opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, and creating ways for gamers to provide feedback on accessibility issues or educating others on what it means to be a gamer with barriers, is a step in the right direction for an all-inclusive pastime that billions are passionate about.
Source: Xbox