What do you do if your game design excludes certain groups when incorporating new technology?

1 Recognize Exclusion

The first step is to acknowledge that your game design might exclude certain groups. This requires a thorough analysis of your game's accessibility. Look at the technology you're using and ask yourself who might be left out. For example, virtual reality (VR) games can be problematic for people with certain physical disabilities or those prone to motion sickness. By recognizing these potential issues early on, you can plan for alternative modes of play or adjustments that can make your game more inclusive.

2 Seek Feedback

Engage with your audience and actively seek feedback, especially from those who might be affected by the exclusion. This can be done through surveys, beta testing with diverse groups, or by reaching out to communities directly impacted. Listen to their experiences and understand the specific challenges they face. Their insights are invaluable for identifying issues you may not have considered and will inform how you can adapt your design to be more inclusive.

3 Design Flexibly

Flexibility in design is key to creating an inclusive game. Offer customizable options that allow players to tailor the gaming experience to their needs. This could involve adjustable difficulty levels, remappable controls, or options to alter visual and audio elements. By providing these choices, you ensure that players with different abilities and preferences can enjoy your game without facing unnecessary barriers.

4 Update Regularly

Once your game is released, the work doesn't stop there. Stay committed to inclusivity by updating your game regularly based on ongoing feedback and technological advancements. This might involve patching in new accessibility features or refining existing ones. Continuous updates show your dedication to all players and can significantly enhance the gaming experience for those who might have been excluded initially.

5 Educate and Advocate

Use your platform as a game designer to educate others about the importance of inclusivity in game design and advocate for industry-wide change. Share your journey towards creating a more accessible game and encourage other designers to consider the impact of new technology on all players. By raising awareness and promoting inclusivity, you contribute to a more welcoming gaming landscape.

6 Partner Up

Consider partnering with organizations that specialize in accessibility to gain expertise and resources that can help make your game more inclusive. These partnerships can provide valuable guidance on best practices and may even offer tools or services to assist in implementing accessibility features. Collaborating with experts ensures that your efforts are well-informed and effective in reaching a wider audience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?