Games can be made more accessible

We are a team created at the University of Washington created to solve the issue of accessibility in video games. We originally chose to work with the game Dark Souls 3 and were creating a mod that would allow users with disabilities to play their games with more ease. In light of Covid-19, our resources were severely limited, and we chose to pivot towards researching and compiling information and guidelines about accessibility in gaming as a whole.

Problems in Game Accessibility

A lack of accessibility in video games lead to certain demographics being excluded from games others can normally play. 92% of gamers with disabilities still play videogames regardless of issues that may arise from this. Video game companies often do not do enough to make their video games accessible to all players.

Regardless of whether or not you are someone with a disability or not, creating a more accessible platform increases the ability for a wider inclusive community to exist.

accessible gaming infographic

The Solution

Cognitive

cognitive

Alternative screen and game settings to address cognitive impairments.

Motor

motor

Resources to create modified controllers designed to help those with motor impairments.

Auditory

auditory

Create options for audio settings that accommodate those with hearing issues.

Visual

visual

Optional changes in screen size, color contrast, and other visual settings.

The Team

priti

Priti Patel

I'm a senior double majoring in Informatics and Communications. I am a UX designer with a passion for creating accessible designs. In my free time I enjoy playing video games and dancing as a part of the UW Raas team.

Email: ppatel18@uw.edu

alex

Alex Wong

I am a fullstack software developer at UW in the Informatics department. I am currently working as the web team lead at a startup called SENSOL Systems. I enjoy playing basketball and listenting to music in my free time.

Email: alwong34@uw.edu

kiley

Kiley Wong

Hi! I am a graduating senior majoring in Informatics. I am not a big video game player. I hope that people who like to play games but suffer from accessibility issues are able to enjoy their gaming experience.

Email: kaw29@uw.edu

carmelito

Carmelito Gutierrez

I am an Informatics major with a focus in Human-Computer Interaction. I am involved in research and design for this project. I enjoy playing video games and would like to help other be able to more easily play games.

Email: crjg@uw.edu

Team Hylian | iSchool Capstone 2020, This project is a part of the Capstone Project course at the University of Washington Information School

We are going open source on May 31st! For inquiries contact us at kaw29@uw.edu