Microsoft Is Making Big Leaps in Gaming Accessibility

Microsoft has recently updated its Xbox Accessibility Guidelines (XAG) to improve the inclusive practices in the gaming industry. The list includes methods by which developers can reduce the barriers faced by disabled gamers, from input device support to UI tweaks. It has also been improved with feedback from Microsoft’s Gaming & Disability community. Developers can also ship their Xbox or PC games to Microsoft for analysis and validation according to the XAG specs.

The guidelines include a lot of information for any developer to start making their game more accessible. These include areas such as game difficulty, speech-to-text, audio customization, screen narration and much more.

The most recent version includes improvements and updates which make the guidelines even more useful, and easily digestible by busy developers. These are:

Improved language to make sure the guidelines are clear and easily understood.
Clear goals.
Improved overview of each XAG guideline section.
Scoping questions to guide developers to high-priority updates.
Background information.
More examples (images and videos)

The most important is the ability for developers to ratify whether their games meet the XAG standards by the Microsoft Gaming Accessibility Team.

Developers now have the option to send Microsoft their Xbox or PC title and have it analyzed and validated against the recommendations provided in the XAGs. Where issues are found, they are noted with reproduction steps, screenshots, and other information to help the developer understand what aspect of a given experience may be challenging for certain gamers with disabilities.
Brannon Zahand, Senior Program Manager, Gaming Accessibility

Brannon Zahand, Senior Program Manager, Gaming Accessibility

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The report generated from this process will also champion other non-profit organizations, experts and documentation to further improve accessibility.

This is great (and wholesome) news, especially in a time when things always seem so dire. Opening up gaming to a wider audience benefits not only the people, but also the industry itself.