Leading charity calls for "consistent, enforceable standards" to make games accessible for visually impaired players
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is advocating for "consistent, enforceable standards" to ensure that video games are playable for visually impaired individuals. According to a white paper released by the organization, video games have historically posed challenges for those with limited or no vision, leading to feelings of exclusion due to design barriers. The report recommends a cultural shift within the games industry to prioritize accessibility as a driver of innovation and inclusive design, rather than a mere compliance requirement.
The RNIB is also pushing for greater involvement of disabled gamers in the design process to guarantee that game difficulty stems from intentional design choices rather than user interface issues. Additionally, the organization is urging for the inclusion of accessibility tags and statements in new game releases to provide transparency for blind and partially sighted players. Despite some past efforts to enhance accessibility in gaming, the absence of a consistent, enforceable standard across the industry remains a significant challenge.
John Paton, RNIB's media, culture, and immersive technologies manager, highlighted the need for clear accessibility guidelines in gaming and proposed exploring government incentives to encourage the development of fully accessible games. The RNIB's Design for Every Game initiative, launched in 2024, aims to assist developers in creating games that are accessible to individuals with visual impairments.
