Accessible gaming with EE

At EE we feel that gaming should be accessible to everyone regardless of abilities or impairments users might have, we want to support and provide ways for anyone to game. In this article we have highlighted products and hardware features that can help everyone play. We’ve also put a spotlight on the outstanding work that the SpecialEffect organisation do to support young disabled people enjoy gaming.

Xbox and accessibility 

Xbox is committed to making gaming accessible for all, offering various features to support diverse needs. The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a unified hub for devices that helps make gaming more accessible. Custom button mapping and mouse/keyboard support enhance usability. Visual aids include a magnifier, high contrast, and colour filters, while audio features include speech-to-text and voice commands. With Xbox users can even personalise their customer support experience to improve the usability through Xbox Assist, which can help provide you with guides on features, how-to videos and further suggestions. There is also a Disability Answer Desk where customers can get support.

With a great balance between accessibility support between it’s hardware, software and games - it’s evident Xbox care about all their users and are doing what they can to bring their gaming experiences to everyone.

PlayStation and accessibility

PlayStation has taken significant strides in making gaming accessible to a broader audience through a variety of innovative features and hardware. A standout in their efforts is the Access Controller, this controller is designed with a highly customisable setup, allowing players to configure analog sticks and buttons according to their individual needs. It includes a variety of swappable components such as stick caps and buttons caps, enabling players to tailor their gaming experience based on their needs.

On the software side, the PS5 offers extensive accessibility settings. These include button remapping, control profile storage, and adjustments for stick sensitivity. Players can store up to three control profiles on the controller and easily switch between them. The console’s accessibility settings encompass features like screen readers, text-to-speech, high contrast modes, and much more.

SpecialEffect

SpecialEffect is a charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of physically disabled individuals by enabling them to enjoy video games. They provide customised solutions using modified controllers and eye-tracking technology to help users play to their fullest potential. This not only brings joy and inclusion but also improves confidence and aids rehabilitation. Their services include innovative projects like EyeMine for playing Minecraft with eye movement, Eye Gaze Games, and BubbleBusters for reducing medical isolation. These efforts significantly improve the quality of life and foster social connections for disabled gamers.

Hardware

The gaming hardware such as the consoles we provide improve accessibility with customisable controls and adaptive interfaces for gamers with disabilities.

Software

The software in consoles enhance accessibility with features like customisable text-to-speech, and adjustable visuals. These options allow gamers with disabilities to tailor their experience.

Games

Many video games we offer embrace accessibility, such as "The Last of Us Part II" and "Assassin's Creed Valhalla" offer extensive accessibility settings.

Gaming subscriptions

Many of our bundles include gaming subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, and they are actively supporting gamers with disabilities.