EA continues its efforts to make its games accessible to as many people as possible, including people with disabilities, and has just made a big announcement on the subject.
In recent years, the accessibility of video games has taken an important place. Manufacturers like PlayStation or Xbox, as well as third-party publishers, try to do their best not to leave anyone behind. Games like The Last of Us 2 or Forza Motorsport are showcases in this regard. Almost everyone is doing their part and EA proves it in turn.
EA deploys tools and patents for more accessible games
To strengthen accessibility in games, EA announced the implementation of a new solution. A photosensitivity analysis tool. Called IRIS, it allows developers to act for people sensitive to powerful, sometimes abrupt lighting effects. The idea here is that development teams can examine their content in depth, in order to more easily check for the presence “flashing flashes or rapidly changing patterns”. Likewise, thanks to IRIS, studios will be able to identify potential photosensitivity problems. And this from the start of the creation of the games with the aim of eliminating concerns very early if necessary.
EA has already implemented its work on EA Sports FC 24, Madden NFL 24 and EA Sports WRC. The IRIS program will therefore be open to developers, but it is not the only initiative. The publisher also offers four patents for royalty-free use. Four patents that focus on four areas:
- Automated player takeover: a technology intended for disabled people who cannot interact immediately, or in a limited way, with a title. When activity is no longer detected, the character is controlled by the system which will then imitate the player’s play style
- Adaptive Tutorial System: Provides guidance on commands or techniques based on individual skills or playing style. The goal is to remove as many obstacles as possible
- Route navigation system: the idea this time is to support players in navigation, with routes or help lines. A system already deployed in Mirror’s Edge Catalyst
- Animated and personalized coach for video games: a fictional avatar to provide tips during and outside of gaming sessions to improve performance
“We want to give developers the opportunity to eliminate barriers to entry. To create safer, more inclusive, more accessible experiences. And, ultimately, more fun for gamers around the world.” added EA’s Kerry Hopkins.