How to evaluate if a video game is truly accessible

Marco Campanini
Nov 2
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

In a world where gaming is increasingly inclusive, knowing how to evaluate a game's accessibility is essential to ensuring everyone can enjoy it. This article offers a practical guide to recognizing the main accessibility criteria in video games, helping players, developers, and parents make informed choices.

What does “accessible” mean in gaming?

Accessibility in video games refers to a game's ability to be enjoyed by people with motor, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

An accessible game therefore has the following characteristics:

Use inclusive design from the beginning of development;
Includes customization options such as remappable keys, adjustable subtitles, color blindness mode;
It offers clear content and simplified interfaces.

The most striking practical example of accessibility in gaming is Microsoft’s Forza Motorsport, a driving game considered one of the most inclusive racing games ever.

To make the game accessible to the visually impaired, the innovative system called Blind Driving Assists has been introduced, featuring detailed audio cues to help visually impaired players orient themselves on the track.

As a sign of the importance placed on the theme, the game also offers a voice-activated user interface. Until recently, it would have been unthinkable to design a driving game for the blind, but now, with current digital technologies, this is a reality. It became a reality thanks to the developers' dedication, which began with the project's inception.

How to evaluate if a video game is accessible?

To evaluate whether a video game is truly accessible, consider these aspects:

Customizable controls: The player can modify controls and sensitivity.
Adaptive Controller Support: Compatibility with devices such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
Clear visual and audible feedback: access guaranteed even in the absence of one of the senses.
Flexible difficulty modes: Ability to adapt gameplay without compromising the experience.
Language support and localization: subtitles, text-to-speech, intuitive translations.

📊 Fun fact: According to a study by AbleGamers, over 20% of gamers have some type of disability that can impact their gaming experience.

Quick tips for evaluating an accessible game:

💡 Look for reviews from gamers with disabilities.

💡 Explore the accessibility options in the menu before you start playing.

💡 Check out sites like Can I Play That or Accessible.Games .

Because accessibility enriches everyone

A game designed to be accessible not only eliminates barriers but also enriches the experience for those without disabilities. Inclusive design improves enjoyment, offers greater flexibility, and fosters empathy among players.

Making gaming accessible is an ethical and commercial choice. It means including millions of players who would otherwise be excluded; in fact, when we talk about video games, we're referring to works of art designed to reach millions of players, even a billion people globally.

In this context, accessibility becomes a key tool for increasing sales (as can graphics, rather than narrative and storytelling). Focusing the interest of the specialized press on these topics can also lead to positive ratings and reviews.

Evaluating a game's accessibility is a step toward more equitable and inclusive gaming. Whether you're a player, a parent, or a developer, remember: every little adjustment can open the door to enjoyment for everyone.

Know of any accessible games? Challenge us, put yourself to the test, and let's see what the most accessible games of 2025 are. Tell us what you think!

🔎 Resources

Regarding gaming accessibility guidelines, it should be noted that there is no universal document, but rather a series of resources that developers can use to obtain a comprehensive overview. The following is an indicative and non-exhaustive list:

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which came into force on 28 June 2025, imposes accessibility requirements for digital products and services, including video games and online platforms.

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has developed a document that contains guidance on what accessibility in games should look like: Workshop on Web Games Position Paper - Adaptive Accessibility .

The Xbox Accessibility Guidelines (XAG) : A free resource from Microsoft with best practices for making games and hardware accessible, developed in collaboration with industry experts and developers, and engaging communities of people with disabilities.

The Game Accessibility Guidelines : A set of gaming-specific guidelines designed by scholars to help developers create accessible games.

Includification , a comprehensive guide created by AbleGamers .