It’s part of a growing movement to improve accessibility for games.
“Games need to reflect the reality of the world at large.”
Sign language isnt the only way game companies are working to make their products more inclusive.
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There are also adaptive controllers, enhanced subtitles, and non-visual cues (i.e., controller rumbling).
Microsoft, for example, offers theXbox Adaptive Controller, which is designed for those who have limited mobility.
The controller can be configured to fit the needs of gamers who encounter unique difficulties based on their disabilities.
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It was designed using feedback from the accessibility community.
Twitch gamers are among the company’s biggest demographic.
Reaching Fans
Game audiences are also getting help with hearing issues.
Chinese company Bilibili recently launched thefirst live-streaming gaming channelfor hard-of-hearing users.
Bilibili also used professional sign language interpreters to provide interpretations during game results announcements and post-game interviews.
This is the first time sign language interpreters will interpret an esports game as a live stream.
Bilibili has also worked with interpreters to provide video lessons on demonstrating gaming terms in sign language.
This month, the barrier-free channel attracted nearly six million viewers during the 2021 League of Legends Championship.
Hearing-impaired gamers can even turn to the websiteCan I Play Thatfor reference guides and accessibility reviews.
The site recently reported that a live-actionHalo Infinitetrailer has launched starring an actor that uses British sign language.
