AbleGamers Launches New Website to Connect Developers and Disabled Gamers

One of the leading names in the fight for gaming accessibility — The AbleGamers Charity — today announces the launch of Accessible.Games, the charity’s brand-new website that connects progressive game developers and gamers that share a passion for bringing accessibility to the forefront of the conversation about game development. As one of the leading organizations that uses video games and interactive storytelling as a way to empower those with disabilities, AbleGamers seeks to break down the barriers of economic and social isolation for people with handicaps — no matter what they may be.

Whether it’s modified gaming equipment or advanced control settings in video games, AbleGamers’ primary mission is bringing accessibility to all so everyone can game.  AbleGamers helped pioneer game accessibility by bringing it from a niche video game topic to key design consideration. With increased awareness of disabled players as a major gaming community audience, industry professionals are increasingly consulting with AbleGamers for new ideas and resources on how to ensure their games include every person, everywhere. This month, the AbleGamers also spotlight their “Quest To Game” grant recipient Milan Patel, who is a streamer and gamer with muscular dystrophy. Milan found that his disability was growing into an immense barrier that prevented him from continuing to enjoy his favorite hobby: video games. This is where AbleGamers helped Milan kickstart his quest to game, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Accessible.Games features two core components in its goal to connect developers with the community:

• Accessible Player Experience Portal (APX): The APX Portal is a user-friendly hub for developers to learn what it means for a game to be truly accessible. Visitors can study the “APX Triangle” and the 22 design patterns that serve as tools for developers to fine-tune their design choices and help them create highly accessible video games.
• AbleGamers Player Panels: Player Panels place a direct one-on-one bridge between gamers and game creators. The panels give players with disabilities a way to have their voices heard within the industry by testing games and directly providing feedback, while developers are able to bring an idea or an in-progress project to players with disabilities to gain deep insight and valuable accessibility feedback.