Gamers with disabilities: the billion-dollar market the gaming industry can no longer ignore.

Camilla Mercadante
Nov 11, 2025
5 min read

INTRODUCTION

For years, the video game industry has talked about inclusion more than it has practiced it. Yet, there's a billion-dollar audience—gamers with disabilities—who don't demand special treatment, but accessible, seamless, and respectful gaming experiences.

Video games are a favorite pastime for many of us, but millions of gamers with disabilities still face significant barriers. Accessibility isn't just an ethical issue; it represents a significant market, as evidenced by the " Purple Pound ." In this article, we'll analyze research and market data to uncover the challenges facing gamers with disabilities and understand the opportunities the industry has to make gaming more inclusive and enjoyable for all.

Inaccessibility in the world of video games: where we are and where we need to go

Lack of accessibility in games has long been a problem, but it's recently begun to receive more attention. Take controls, for example. Many games don't allow customization of buttons for those with motor disabilities. In other cases, text is difficult for people with visual impairments to read, and the frenetic pace of some titles is difficult for those with cognitive difficulties to follow. Even flashing lights, which may be harmless to some, are a real obstacle for anyone with photosensitive epilepsy.

For this very reason, some companies are starting to implement solutions that address these issues. One example is the adaptive controller developed by Xbox , which allows for completely customizable buttons.

Even the games themselves are trying to improve. Some developers, like “ The Last of Us Part II ,” have added advanced accessibility options, including customizable subtitles, contrast modes, and simplified controls.

Nonetheless, the gaming industry isn't fully inclusive, and there's still a long way to go. But how beneficial would it be for businesses to consider people with disabilities as consumers with purchasing power?

THE SECRET POWER OF THE PURPLE POUND

The Purple Pound , or the purchasing power of people with disabilities in the UK, demonstrates how an often overlooked market segment can have a huge impact on the global economy. With an estimated value of £274 billion , the Purple Pound Pound believes that millions of gamers with disabilities could become regular and loyal buyers, making inclusivity a winning economic move.

Recent research confirms that accessibility in the gaming world is a growing need. A survey conducted in 2023 by Samsung among 500 adults with physical and invisible disabilities Pioneers and OnePoll revealed that 81% found video games difficult to access due to inaccessible features. Common issues include a lack of customizable controls, hard-to-read text, fast-paced gameplay, and distracting lighting effects. In fact, 39% of respondents said they had stopped playing or abandoned a game. Furthermore, more than half of users expressed a desire to see greater representation of characters with disabilities, suggesting that broader inclusivity would better address gamers' practical needs and increase engagement along with the duration of gameplay.

The research " Accessibility in Gaming ," published in December 2020 by the British charity Scope , highlights that 66% of a sample of 812 gamers with disabilities encounter some barriers related to the usability of video games, such as the lack of appropriate adaptive devices and their cost. According to the findings, a further obstacle is the lack of clear information on accessibility before purchasing: 17% of gamers say this strongly influences their decision to buy a game. This data shows how the market could easily improve the experience and increase sales simply by providing more detailed information.

An example of how the gaming industry is trying to meet these demands is the launch of Project Leonardo . In collaboration with non-profit entities AbleGamers , SpecialEffect and StackUp , Sony has developed a highly customizable controller that caters to the player's different physical needs.

However, the report, " State of Accessibility in Gaming ," released by Naavik— a consulting and research firm that analyzes the international video game market—in January 2023, emphasizes that the industry is still far from being fully exploited, because despite progress, most companies have not yet invested sufficiently in inclusive solutions. Still, it's important to keep in mind that customers with disabilities are becoming an increasingly influential force, and the market faces an unmissable opportunity to expand its reach.

CURIOSITY

Approximately 16% of the world's population—or 1 billion people—lives with a disability , according to the World Bank . Industries like gaming could benefit enormously from adopting inclusive solutions, thanks to this huge group;
The Purple Pound , the purchasing power of disabled people in the UK, is estimated at a whopping £274 billion ;
A 2023 survey found that 81% of people with physical and invisible disabilities had difficulty accessing video games due to inaccessible features , with 39% reporting that they had stopped playing or abandoned a video game ;
66 % of gamers with disabilities encounter barriers related to the usability of video games, such as the lack of suitable adaptive devices and costs, according to research by Scope .

Inclusivity as a driver of growth: the benefits of the gaming economy

The video game market may be evolving into an industry that fully embraces diversity, but the Purple Pound is just one of the most obvious examples of how a neglected market segment can become a driver of economic growth. It's no coincidence that companies investing in inclusive solutions today also gain the opportunity to attract an increasingly expansive and loyal audience.

Sony , with its Project Leonardo , is a demonstration of how technology can evolve to keep pace with humanity, but the entire gaming industry still has a long way to go. Looking at other sectors, we see that inclusivity is already bearing fruit: film productions are increasingly integrating characters with disabilities into their stories, and music has become more accessible thanks to platforms that allow people with disabilities to interact and create.

And gaming, with its ability to build immersive and interactive experiences (here you can find the article that goes into more detail on the topic: Accessible Gaming: From Eye-Tracking to Brain-Computer Interfaces , has extraordinary potential to do the same. This is a cultural barrier: until the market understands that inclusive video games can be a means of educating about social differences, they will not have the power to reach new heights of success.

If the industry seizes this opportunity, gaming could reap substantial profits in the future and earn the title of “ one of the most progressive sectors in terms of inclusivity ,” responding to an exponential demand for adventures that authentically reflect the diversity of the real world.

CONCLUSION

In short, the data shows that gamers with disabilities represent a rapidly growing market segment; therefore, adopting inclusive solutions is no longer optional but a necessity for corporate companies looking to expand their customer base. While some companies like Sony have already made significant strides, the industry as a whole still has much to do.

Inclusivity isn't just a matter of social justice, but a winning strategy that can lead to tangible results in customer loyalty, engagement, and growth. If the video game industry recognizes this, it could take advantage of its leadership role in promoting diversity and inclusion.

If you're passionate about gaming and technology, or work in these fields, now's the time to take action. We invite you to share this article, leave your thoughts in the comments, and help us raise awareness about the importance of inclusion.