It’s no secret that gaming can be daunting, especially for those who might face barriers while trying to enjoy their favorite titles. However, developers are stepping up to the plate with each new release. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is no exception, promising a range of accessibility features to make the experience more welcoming for everyone.
Jonathan Bedard, the UX Director behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows, recently shared insights about the game’s commitment to accessibility in a blog post. He noted how discussions around this topic are gaining momentum with every new project. It seems every team member comes up with ideas that push boundaries and make gaming accessible for all.
What is the feature that stands out most for Bedard? “Audio descriptions for cinematics.” His excitement shines through as he recalls how emotional nuances were conveyed through these descriptions during development. It’s refreshing to see such passion directed toward inclusivity.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Accessibility Features List
This game covers five core aspects regarding accessibility: Visual, Audio, Navigation & Guidance, Controls, and Gameplay. Let’s break down what players can expect:
Visual
- Colorblind options: Players can adjust colors for certain gameplay elements using presets.
- Screen Narration: Most menu items and HUD modules will have narration available.
- HUD Customization: Players can toggle HUD elements on or off individually or use presets like ‘increase opacity’ or ‘resize text’ for better readability.
- Screen Shake: A toggle allows players to turn the screen Shake on or off.
Audio
- Subtitles: Improved color modifications, speaker directions, and emotional cues will be included.
- Gameplay Captions: These will highlight stimuli and their sources during play.
- Audio Description for Cinematics: Cutscenes will feature audio descriptions for better understanding.
- Audio Cues/Audio Glossary: New signs and feedback help navigate the game world non-visually.
- Audio Sliders: Isolated audio sliders provide control over different sound elements.
Navigation and Guidance
- FTUE (First-time user experience): The flow returns to offer critical options upon first access.
- Guided Mode: This mode streamlines systems and reduces gameplay complexity for easier content navigation.
- Tutorials Section :Tutorials will be easily accessible in the Codex section anytime players need them.
- Ahead-up notifications about new menu functions keep players informed.
- A complete dialogue log from start to finish is available for review anytime.
Controls
- The ability to remap inputs, including actions like hold or double-press, is present.
- Many input devices: This includes support for mouse and keyboard setups alongside controllers.
- Lock-On Camera: A lock-on camera option helps target enemies effectively.
- X and Y axis inversion: The ability to invert aiming controls offers customization.
- Stick inversion: This allows analog-stick behavior adjustments.
Gameplay
- Difficulties split into four distinct settings cater specifically to player preferences.
- Simplified mechanics remove some engagement requirements when exploring.
- Narrative decisions automatically select choices following established story paths.
- Simplification means using one input instead of complex combinations.”
What do you think about these strides made by Assassin’s Creed shadows?
