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 Features
Making Video Games Accessible: Business Justifications and Design Considerations
 The Need for Accessible Games
In 2003, Microsoft Corporation commissioned Forrester Research, Inc., to conduct a comprehensive study to measure the current and potential market of accessible technology in the United States and understand how accessible technology is being used today. The study determined that 57% of computer users are likely or very likely to benefit from the use of accessible technology. And the future demand for accessibility is only projected to grow ("Accessible Technology in Computing: Examining Awareness, Use, and Future Potential," Microsoft Corporation).
Figure 1: Predicted Growth in Number of Accessible Technology Users from 2003 to 2010
The study also determined that the use of accessibility features was not restricted to people with disabilities. Among computer users who use built-in accessibility options and utilities:
Empirical observation suggests this is not just a trend limited to PCs. Accessibility features are often used by people without any disability just to improve their game experience. For instance, a gamer could be compensating for a temporary disability (like a broken thumb), environmental issues (such as background noise), or other situational factors.
Given the potential increase in the use of accessibility technology, it is crucial to educate management, designers, developers, and testers. Many companies are looking for ways to expand into new markets outside of the 18-32 male demographic. While publishers mull over how to convince little Suzy to play games or Grandma and Grandpa to pick up a controller, there is a market comprised of people who want desperately to play mainstream games that is going unnoticed. The potential revenue to be gained from a relatively small amount of effort providing basic accessibility features in a title is very tangible.
Including basic accessibility features in a title can increase sales through a "domino effect"-for example, by reaching gamers who would normally be unable to play the title or would have their experience significantly diminished. By reaching these gamers, you also reach the accessibility community (which is known for a rapid sharing of information on accessible products and its loyal support of businesses that promote accessibility). By extension, businesses that take an active role in this community benefit from positive media exposure.
By not including accessibility features, you run the risk of potential boycotts and lawsuits-and the resulting loss of sales. Many retailers and airlines have been sued for lack of accessibility, and in the technology sector, the blind community boycotted Internet Explorer 4 for its lack of accessibility.
Below are different categories of disabilities. Each category includes some relatively easy-to-implement suggestions that can make a title accessible to a wider audience.
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