The first annual Access-Ability Summer Showcase just aired, unveiling varying accessibility options and design practices across 15 upcoming and current titles. Created by accessibility consultant Laura Kate Dale, the showcase is the first of its kind dedicated exclusively to the disabled experience.
Games like Bossgame: The Final Boss Is My Heart, Sniper Elite 5, Upheaval, and BLINNK and the Vacuum of Space are just some of the exciting and accessible examples that we’ll explore here.
Boss Rushes and Romance
Bossgame: The Final Boss Is My Heart (watch the segment here), developed by Lily Valeen explores the relationship between “two broke girlfriends who hunt devils to pay their rent.” Beyond rhythm-based gameplay, the story revolves around building the relationship between Sophie and Anna, as well as explore the mysteries behind Mammon City.
For disabled players, settings like “Automatic Block,” “Invincibility,” and the capability to alter Player Attack Damage and Energy Recovery reduce reaction times and energy levels for physically and cognitively disabled players. Further, the options do not diminish the overall story or themes. Disabled individuals can still fully build relationships with Sophie and Anna.
Bossgame: The Final Boss Is My Heart is currently available on Android and iOS and will launch on PC this month.
Sniping Nazis Is as Accessible as Ever
Karl Fairburne returns for the fifth installment of Sniper Elite (watch the segment here), developed by Rebellion. This entry tasks Fairburne with learning more about Project Kraken while doing what he does best – snipe nazis.
Sniper Elite 5 is the most accessible entry in the series, with options to customize subtitle size, color, and opacity. Physically disabled players can alter controls, activate aim assist, and even turn off friendly fire and change difficulties. Rebellion has even implemented new settings since its release, like automatic traversal, movement, and toggles for crucial mechanics like aiming. The developer encourages feedback from the disabled community across varying channels like Discord and social media.
Sniper Elite 5 is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
Accessible Text Adventures in Upheaval
Developed by Alex Leone, Upheaval (watch the segment here) is described as a text-based, open-world adventure game where players must gather magical artifacts in 30 game days to stop an evil magician.
Accessibility was crucial during the development stages of Upheaval, with design practices like turn-based gameplay ensuring disabled players can rest between actions. Couple that with exclusive mouse or keyboard gameplay, and physically disabled players aren’t forced to use specific inputs. For blind/low vision individuals, Upheaval enables screen reader support, as well as complete text-to-speech descriptions of graphics necessary to the story.
Upheaval will be available on PC.
VR Space Accessibility
BLINNK and the Vacuum of Space (watch the segment here) tasks individuals with, well, vacuuming in space! Developed by Changingday, you are expected to clean the messes of aliens and capture creatures with your Vacuumizer 5000.
BLINNK and the Vacuum of Space is intrinsically designed to be a relaxing, stress-free experience. This game was intentionally created to provide autistic players with as few barriers as possible. From no time limits, no capability to fail, the option to skip tasks, or even replay missions. There’s even a design that allows players to press a button on their smart watch to seamlessly leave and reenter the game if they become overstimulated.
BLINNK and the Vacuum of Space is available now on PC.