How can you design a game demo that showcases accessibility and inclusivity?

1 Choose a core mechanic

The first step is to choose a core mechanic that is the main focus of your game demo. This is the action or interaction that defines your game and makes it fun and engaging. You want to choose a core mechanic that is simple to understand, easy to execute, and adaptable to different situations. For example, if your game is a platformer, your core mechanic could be jumping. If your game is a puzzle, your core mechanic could be matching. If your game is a shooter, your core mechanic could be aiming.

2 Design a tutorial level

The second step is to design a tutorial level that teaches the player how to use the core mechanic and any other essential features of your game. A tutorial level is a short and simple level that introduces the game's rules, goals, and controls, without overwhelming or boring the player. You want to design a tutorial level that is clear, concise, and interactive, and that provides feedback and guidance to the player. For example, you can use text, voice, or visual cues to explain the core mechanic, and then let the player practice it in a safe and controlled environment.

3 Add accessibility options

The third step is to add accessibility options that allow the player to customize their experience and overcome any potential barriers or difficulties. Accessibility options are settings or features that enhance the usability and comfort of your game for players with different preferences, needs, or abilities. You want to add accessibility options that cover different aspects of your game, such as audio, visual, input, difficulty, and language. For example, you can offer subtitles, colorblind modes, remappable controls, adjustable difficulty, and multiple languages.

4 Incorporate inclusive elements

The fourth step is to incorporate inclusive elements that reflect the diversity and identity of your target audience and the wider gaming community. Inclusive elements are aspects of your game that represent or acknowledge different groups or perspectives, such as gender, race, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, or disability. You want to incorporate inclusive elements that are relevant, respectful, and realistic, and that avoid stereotypes, clichés, or tokenism. For example, you can include diverse characters, settings, stories, or themes.

6 Showcase and share

The sixth and final step is to showcase and share your game demo with the world and demonstrate your game design skills and values. Showcasing and sharing is the process of presenting, distributing, and promoting your game demo to your intended audience and stakeholders. You want to showcase and share your game demo with a clear and compelling pitch, a professional and polished presentation, and a convenient and accessible platform. For example, you can create a trailer, a website, or a portfolio for your game demo, and then upload it to a game platform, a social media, or a job board.

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?