Validation and Prioritization of Design Options for Accessible Player Experiences

Abstract

The profile of accessible design of digital games has increased rapidly in both research and practice. Whereas at one time accessibility was a niche area of interest, it is now a key feature promoted in commercial gaming. Typically, games achieve accessibility by offering a range of options, both in settings and gameplay, that players can customize to meet their individual needs and preferences. However, there is a distinct lack of systematic data regarding the accessibility options that players prefer, how options can be prioritized in design or how options can impact player experience. This paper presents a study that collects data about options preferred by players and uses it to expand and validate a design vocabulary for accessible design in games. Further, the results point to a need to prioritize particular types of options, specifically those relating to the player-feedback loop of games, before implementing options that modify the challenges encountered by players.