Accessibility in video games is varied and interesting topic to discuss. Not just in terms of “let me access all the games”, but also in the sense of “hey, a lot of games aren’t easily playable for folks with some disabilities, what’s up with that”.

There has recently been a report a study on needs and habits of disabled gamers in the UK, performed by the charity organisation Scope and written up by Vivek Gohill. The study included 1,326 people (812 disabled, 514 not disabled) with the goal of exploring issues faced in the gaming world. You can view the full report here.

Common complaints regarding lack of accessibility include:

• The high expense and low availability of assistive technology.
• Lack of in-game accessibility options.
• An inability to return games upon discovering it does not have contextually essential accessible features.

The report also showed disabled individuals often purchase in-game extras more often in games they do play, as well as watching Esports and engaging in social media more often. Gohill also pointed out the some 14 million disabled gamers in the UK alone spend combined billions in disposable income, so there’s an ethically sound reason for broadening accessible features across more video games. On a similar note, there’s a great Jimquisition episode on how loot boxes and gambling mechanics in gaming effect discourse on accessibility.

Prominent video games praised for their accessibility options include Forza Horizon 5, the latest Ratchet and Clank, and The Last of Us Part 2 (featuring options tailored for players with hearing difficulties, sight impairment and difficulty with physical mobility). We have some of those games, so poke around our store if you’re looking for any deals.

In true Paralympic fashion, Microsoft has also announced plans for an ‘inclusion-based’ Esports tournament, as well as having released an Xbox Adaptive Controller for players who struggle with the standard controller.

Given the toxicity of of many online spaces, the Scope report also highlights that “doing more to tackle negative attitudes about disability online” should be a top priority based on responses from its participants. For more on online safe spaces for gamers and reducing hate, have a look at my past article on Paidia.

As someone on the autistic spectrum, I agree that more should be done to dismantle negative preconceptions about people with disabilities. Not everyone will react the same to having those conversations and progress can be very small on an individual scale, but every little helps.

Sign up for our newsletter from the website.

Instagram: Go2GamesShop

Twitter: Go2Games

Youtube: Go2Games.com

Facebook: Go2Games.com

Store: Go2Games.com

The post Accessibility in Games And Why It Matters first appeared on Get2Gaming.

Paidia is an online gaming community that launched a Beta version of it’s portal website on Wednesday with the aim of making a supportive kind gaming community for women and allies of all genders with a no-tolerance policy on racism, sexism, ableism and queerphobia.

What to expect: When you sign up, the Paidia Pledge includes a promise to denounce online harassment and abuse of any kind. Users then get a 60-day free trial to explore the portal before going on to pay $10 per month. Paidia members will also have access to a gaming library via their membership along with the opportunities to take part in social gaming events and tournaments regardless of skill level.

Other Paidia original content includes articles, podcasts, audiobooks and on-demand classes that let gamers explore and expand their interests. Members can also access new technology, merch, Razer products and an Xbox Game Pass.

At Paidia we follow 3 simple rules.
Be Inclusive, Be Supportive, Be Kind.
You with us?#NoLabelsJustGaming pic.twitter.com/81UEcp4AN0

— Paidia Gaming (@PaidiaGaming) September 13, 2021

Prominent Supporters… Besides myself, of course: Paidia also has some backing from prominent figures and gaming investors like Guild Esports, Dynasty Esports, Leaf Mobile and Argo Blockchain. Jeannail Carter (@Cuddle_Core), Stephanie Harvey (@missharvey) and Kelsey Impicciche (@KelseyDangerous) have also voiced their support for Paidia.

My Thoughts? Well, reporting abuse and harassment in online spaces in general is about as useful as a sandpaper-encased dildo, so I’m very happy that this movement seems to be an attempt at bringing more awareness to very real problems in some gaming spaces. Some 65% of gamers have reported threats of stalking, harassment and worse as of 2019, and don’t even get me started on the dumpster fire that was Gamergate! And hey, I may be a hardcore enthusiastic ally and leftist mind-brain explordinaire, but I’m also an avocado-toast-loving switch (not of the Nintendo variety) who wants more folks singing kumbaya around the virtual campfire while doing Fortnite dances and tea-bagging on the haters!

Heck, I took time out of advertising the Go2Games store just to gush about Paidia, so hopefully that goes to show how important this is for gamers everywhere!

With that said, while I have you: We have pre-orders for various PS4 and Xbox versions of Battlefield 2042, Elden Ring, Kena Bridge of Spirits Deluxe Edition and Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl! Search our store for different versions or any other games you’re looking for, see what you find.

Sign up for our newsletter from the website.

Instagram: Go2GamesShop

Twitter: Go2Games

Youtube: Go2Games.com

Facebook: Go2Games.com

Store: Go2Games.com

The post Paidia: Fighting Online Harassment in Gaming first appeared on Get2Gaming.