5 Accessible Video Games Tested by a Gamer with a Disability (2025)

INTRO

In recent years, the video game industry has made great strides in making games more accessible to all players, regardless of their physical or sensory limitations. While there is no data on the accessible games industry, according to a report from the Game Developers Conference (GDC), State of the Game Industry 2025 , 71% of developers are committed to making games accessible to everyone in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), while the market for accessibility tools in games was valued at approximately $654.3 million in 2024 .

The 5 most accessible titles tested

With this in mind, here are five titles that I have tested and that offer above-average accessibility options.

I started with The Last of Us Part II, which I consider a true masterpiece in this regard. Before leaving you with the individual games, I'd like to point out that each title is already available for purchase.

1. The Last of Us Part II

Since 2020, the press has consistently hailed The Last of Us Part II as the most accessible video game ever, lauding it for its extensive accessibility options, which include six gameplay aspects (editable in the dedicated menu, divided into six sections), such as high-contrast mode, navigation assistance, and full control customization. In this latter regard, it's worth noting the ability to remap the analog sticks in addition to the classic buttons. Sony has thus responded to Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller , released in 2018, by integrating accessibility directly into the software of one of its flagship games.

2. Forza Horizon 5

A racing game that offers a wide range of accessibility options, including difficulty adjustments, customizable controls, and driver assistance options.

The accessibility options for those with visual or hearing impairments deserve special mention. Turn 10, the studio behind the game, has introduced a particularly advanced set of accessibility options.

In addition to the now classic options for changing the size and color of the characters, the game features a menu narration system and a series of visual and audio indicators designed to facilitate map exploration and driving.

For those who require hearing aids, there are options to adjust the audio balance, activate audible descriptions of environmental effects, and differentiate channels to better distinguish dialogue from background music.

Key mapping and HUD changes, as well as customization of game options, complete the picture.

3. Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the latest work from Bethesda , the production company recently acquired by Microsoft and owner of video game sagas that have enchanted and continue to enchant millions of gamers of all ages.

With Indiana Jones, attention to detail was a must, as the professor's brand is an iconic one with fans all over the world.

This game not only offers an exciting and engaging adventure; the title has received considerable positive reception from fans and critics alike, thanks to the faithful reproduction of Harrison Ford's archaeology professor , a precursor to Lara Croft. This positive reception is evidenced by the critical reviews and general acclaim it has received.

As a long-time fan of our Indi, I couldn't help but test the game for accessibility.

I must admit that even in this respect, it met expectations positively. The game was also designed with a series of accessibility options for various aspects of the game, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the experience. The complete list of accessibility options is directly accessible on the Bethesda website.

We begin with the display options, to improve accessibility for colorblind and visually impaired users. Special mention goes to the subtitles, which, in accordance with Microsoft guidelines, allow fonts to be enlarged, reduced, and highlighted. The field of view is also highly customizable, using the on-screen interface.

Other options for people with motor disabilities include layout changes, with key mapping.

In short, there really is something for every need.

4. Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest installment in one of the oldest video game franchises of all time, arguably the precursor to modern first-person shooters and the 3D world-building approach to video games today.

Having become part of the Xbox ecosystem, in its most recent incarnation, it was inevitable that it would need to be revamped in terms of accessibility. The challenge for the developers here was to combine the frenetic pace and fast-paced gameplay typical of the series without compromising the game's inclusive experience.

What emerged was a more than successful experiment, evident from the first launch, where players were guided through the configuration of the interface settings even before reaching the game settings.

It then continues with the ability to adjust almost every aspect of the gameplay, from controls to difficulty, allowing players of different abilities to fully enjoy the DOOM Slayer's epic crusade.

However, some options (such as color blindness mode) are hidden in non-dedicated menus, and there are reports of small bugs that may be fixed in future updates.

5. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Mindful of the accessibility experiences of Valhalla , with Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft, the French developer, wanted to raise the bar even further by involving a team dedicated to accessibility, which allowed the introduction of features such as audio description of cinematic sequences, an absolutely original approach that denotes attention to detail.

Every aspect has been meticulously thought out, just like everything else about the flagship title from the historic French company.

We therefore have video options to make the game easier for the visually impaired, remappable controls for those with physical disabilities, and options that serve to simplify navigation through the menus.

Impact and benefits on accessibility.

These improvements not only make games more inclusive, but also demonstrate the industry's commitment to creating gaming experiences that everyone can enjoy. Thanks to features like menu narration, color filters, advanced remapping, and audio descriptions, every player can customize the interface and gameplay to their needs.

My settings and my experience with my disability.

Luckily, I have a disability that doesn't cause any difficulty with my hands, so holding a controller isn't a problem; however, I do suffer from severe myopia, which makes it difficult to read subtitles from far away... font size is crucial.

With this in mind, let's move on to the first titles.

In Indiana Jones , The Last of Us , and Forza Horizon 5 , customizing subtitles had a significant impact on my gaming experience. As soon as I launched the games, as usual, I immediately dove into the on-screen text accessibility settings.

On Indiana Jones , I found the ability to enlarge the subtitles and change the font color to a vibrant color and a dull background that allowed me to clearly follow the dialogue and directions without having to get too close to the screen.

The contrast adjustment was particularly useful during scenes set in dark or highly detailed locations. We know Indiana Jones is full of tombs, narrow passages, and tunnels, so the accessibility options made the experience more enjoyable.

In The Last of Us , I was able to choose an extra-large subtitle size and set a high-contrast text style, making even the quickest lines and environmental information appearing during action sequences legible. I also customized the background transparency, striking the right balance between text visibility and immersion in the game.

In Forza Horizon 5 , adjusting the subtitles allowed me to participate in conversations, announcements, and race events more immersively. I increased the size of the subtitles and selected a color scheme that stood out against the colorful, ever-changing landscapes. I didn't make any changes to the driving settings, which I usually set for an experienced driver, with the ability to shift gears instead of using the automatic transmission.

As for the latest version of DOOM , having trouble making out the subtitles from a distance, I immediately found the initial guide helpful, allowing me to quickly access the interface settings. I increased the size of the subtitles and adjusted the text contrast to make them more visible during gameplay, also customizing the colors where possible.

In Assassin's Creed Shadows , the presence of video options designed for the visually impaired was essential. I immediately activated large-format subtitles and, where possible, chose a matte background to make them easier to read. Furthermore, the audio descriptions of cinematic sequences helped me not miss important details when I couldn't read the text from a distance. I also remapped the controls to select the most accessible functions without having to navigate complex menus.

HIGHLIGHT BOX

Practical tips for gamers with disabilities:

• Always check the accessibility menu before starting a new game.

• Save multiple configuration profiles to quickly switch between setups.

• Explore the use of adaptive controllers (e.g., Xbox Adaptive Controller) and physical or software aids.

The future of inclusive gaming

Actively involving players with disabilities in development testing ensures more effective and universally appreciated solutions. The future of gaming will be increasingly inclusive, with accessibility considered a cornerstone from the earliest design stages.

CONCLUSION

These five titles represent a concrete step toward a barrier-free gaming industry. Want to tell us about your accessible gaming experience? Email us and share your thoughts!