Unveiling the Demands of Accessibility: A Personal Account
As a fervent follower of Soulslike RPG games, I was thrilled when I got the chance to try out Lords of the Fallen, the latest sensation by CI Games. However, my excitement quickly soured when I encountered accessibility issues upon launching the game. Determined to play it, I navigated to the settings menu, my go-to destination before embarking on any gaming adventure. Unfortunately, even after tinkering with the limited accessibility options, I found myself unable to decipher the text or navigate through the visually stunning environments. Frustration overwhelmed me – I had to abandon Lords of the Fallen due to my deteriorating vision.
Confronting the Curse
For those unfamiliar with my condition, I suffer from keratoconus. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this disease causes the cornea, the protective layer covering the eye, to bulge and thin out, distorting the vision and potentially leading to near-blindness. In my case, the added challenge of corneal scars exacerbates my already low visual functioning. Keratoconus affects approximately one in every 2,000 individuals, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Sadly, this degenerative and progressive disease remains without a cure or known cause.
My life took a drastic turn when I was diagnosed as a 15-year-old high schooler. It may sound cliché, but I had perfect vision throughout my childhood. However, one morning I woke up to a world enveloped in a blurry haze, as if someone had smeared Vaseline over my eyes or I was peering through a rain-soaked windshield. Devastated, I struggled to accept the reality of my situation.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of my late grandmother, we eventually found a professional who provided some answers after months of searching. In tears, I listened to the words: “I’m sorry, but they’ll never see clearly again.”
To halt the progression of the disease, I underwent eye surgery in early October. However, due to the excessive use of contact lenses and digital devices, my left eye was deemed unfit for the procedure. The specialized scleral lenses I wear, which are not covered by insurance, compensated, but also caused weeks of excruciating pain. The break that followed was a welcome respite, yet it served as a stark reminder of the limitations my deteriorating eyesight imposes and the challenges I face in my beloved hobbies of gaming and writing. It’s disheartening.
The Game Changer: Companion in Accessibility
Keratoconus has irrevocably altered my gaming experience. I constantly tinker with brightness and contrast settings to amplify visuals, compensating for my struggle with dark environments. Paradoxically, excessively bright games also strain my eyes. Whenever possible, I opt for larger text sizes, irrespective of the resulting formatting irregularities. The choice between Performance and Quality modes, which trade smooth gameplay for visual fidelity, presents a dilemma. I need optimal performance to react swiftly, yet I also require visual clarity to perceive the threats. It’s akin to being caught between a rock and a hard place.
When accessibility features are absent or buried within the game, I am compelled to pass up on titles I eagerly anticipate, such as Lords of the Fallen or Tears of the Kingdom. Without my specialized lenses, I am virtually unable to partake in gaming, rendering the newly released Starfield an unattainable dream. However, donning my contacts for extended periods triggers the dreadful “hazy and inflamed” state cautioned by my ophthalmologist. It’s a never-ending struggle.
Another unfortunate reality is the absence of standardized accessibility offerings across the gaming landscape. While notable progress has been made by exceptional titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Forza Motorsport, and The Last of Us Part II, not every developer possesses the resources of major first-party studios. The likes of Microsoft and Sony have taken commendable steps by introducing accessibility controllers, but not all industry players have followed suit (Nintendo, take note). As a result, the landscape of accessible gaming remains fragmented, with incremental improvements rather than the comprehensive transformation it demands.
Persevering Amidst the Challenge
Will I cease playing video games? Absolutely not. Will I abandon writing? The same resounding answer applies. Yet, even in this very moment as I pour my thoughts onto the page, my scleral lenses parch my eyes, obscuring the words before me. I aspire to continue gaming well into old age, yet I am consistently reminded that the industry, like life itself, often fails to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Nevertheless, we must acknowledge the admirable work being done within the realm of accessibility. Disability advocates like Brandon Cole, a blind consultant for TLOU 2 and Forza Motorsport, and Steve Saylor, collaborating with Raven Software on Call of Duty, have spearheaded meaningful change for individuals with low vision, mirroring my own circumstance. In recent years, organizations like The AbleGamers Foundation, award categories such as The Game Awards’ Innovation in Accessibility, and Microsoft’s online developer resources for gaming accessibility have positioned disability advocates as catalysts for necessary change. Thanks to them, accessibility is commanding greater attention from both developers and players alike.
Yet, the road ahead remains uncharted. If the industry genuinely hopes to cater to a diverse audience, as it often proclaims, disabled players must be consistently considered and heard. Failing to do so will perpetuate gaming’s status as an elitist club. The present moment offers an unprecedented opportunity to establish a universal accessibility standard. Let us seize it.
