Accessible controls make games better for more players
Accessibility is a design quality standard, not an optional feature for a later release. People play with touch, keyboard, controllers, assistive technology and different sensory abilities. A game should communicate important information through more than color or sound alone.
Implementation method
Provide remappable controls where relevant, readable contrast, scalable interface text, subtitles for significant dialogue and a visible pause mechanism. Allow players to reduce nonessential animation. In menus, ensure keyboard focus is visible and important actions do not rely on a hover effect that cannot exist on touchscreens.
Illustrative scenario
If a puzzle uses red and green pieces to convey opposing teams, add clearly different shapes or icons so the rule remains understandable for a player with color-vision differences. Test whether the same instructions remain usable on a small display at increased text size.
Quality checklist
- Test keyboard, touch and focus paths
- Use captions and noncolor indicators
- Offer clear motion and sound preferences