Japanese Game Studios Are Taking Accessibility to the Next Level
Japanese Game Studios Are Taking Accessibility to the Next Level
Japanese Game Studios Are Taking Accessibility to the Next Level
By Grant Stoner
May 6, 2023
Summary
From the recent PC release of The Last of Us Part I to Dead Space's extensive content warnings for individuals with mental health disabilities, accessibility design continues to evolve.
Several titles from Japanese studios are demonstrating a global interest in accessibility in games.
Speaking with WIRED, Wild Hearts co-director Takuto Edagawa and Hi-Fi Rush director John Johanas discussed their games' options, how the studios work with the accessibility community, and the overall importance of creating accessible and entertaining experiences for all.
With the difficult task of slaying gargantuan beasts comes an assortment of accessibility features to aid disabled hunters.
"This is not the first time Omega Force has incorporated accessibility features into our games, but I think it's the title which we put the most effort into so far," Edagawa says.
Implementing accessibility is a process that requires continuous learning and listening.
"We weren't inspired by one specific game, but we did refer to various Western AAA games when we decided on the accessibility features, as Western games are really advanced in this field," he says.
Reference
Stoner, G. (2023, May 6). Japanese game studios are taking accessibility to the next level. Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/japan-game-studios-accessibility/