Games can be:
- A major social space
- A way to manage pain, isolation, and stress
- A creative outlet and livelihood
But many games and platforms are built without disabled players in mind.
This page covers:
- Access barriers in games
- Accessibility features and hardware
- Community-led solutions and advocacy
Examples:
- No remappable controls or limited remapping
- Quick-time events and fast reaction demands with no alternative
- Small, low-contrast text and UI
- Heavy reliance on sound without visual feedback (or the reverse)
- Complex menus with no screen reader support
- Motion-heavy graphics that trigger migraine, nausea, or sensory overload
- Anti-cheat and DRM systems that block assistive tech
Games and platforms may offer:
- Control options – remapping buttons, toggles instead of holds, sensitivity adjustments
- Difficulty options – and not just “easy/normal/hard,” but specific assist modes
- Camera and motion settings – reduced motion, motion blur off, FOV sliders, camera shake options
- Subtitles and captions – customizable size, background, speaker labels, SFX indicators
- Visual settings – high contrast modes, colorblind options, text size, UI scaling
- Audio settings – volume sliders by channel, mono/stereo options, audio cues
- Accessibility presets – bundled options for different disabilities
¶ Hardware and Assistive Tech
Disabled players use:
- Adaptive controllers and switch interfaces
- Keyboards, mice, trackballs, joysticks, and other alternate input devices
- Eye-tracking, head tracking, and voice controls
- DIY and community-made hardware mods
Contributors can:
- Share guides for using adaptive controllers with specific consoles
- Document workarounds for games that lack built-in accessibility
- Link to community resources and organizations focused on accessible gaming
¶ Community and Culture
Accessibility is not only about features; it’s also about:
- Whether disabled players are harassed or welcomed
- How games depict disability (stereotypes vs real representation)
- Whether guilds, clans, and groups accommodate disabled members
- Whether tournaments and streaming platforms are accessible
This page can link to:
- Media/representation pages
- Digital disability justice discussions about gaming spaces
Some strategies:
- Use official feedback channels to request specific, concrete features
- Support studios and creators that engage with disabled communities
- Share accessibility reviews and community checklists
- Push platforms (Steam, console stores, etc.) to include accessibility information and filters
As this page grows, it can host:
- Templates for accessibility feedback
- Lists of games known for strong accessibility (with reasons why)
- Bug reports and patterns where updates made games less accessible
Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
Suggest an edit or addition →
This page centers disabled people's expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.
Last updated: January 2026