Originally published at: Xbox Celebrates its Commitment to Accessibility, Showcases Improvements Made to Website, Services, More - XboxEra
In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Microsoft has published a blog post on Xbox Wire talking about what commitments the company is making to ensure gaming can be enjoyed by everyone. This includes updates to the Xbox.com website for finding games with noted accessibility features, updates to support pages regarding said accessibility features, and finally to the Xbox software of things itself. The post also celebrates some of Xbox’s Accessibility Ambassadors, who have taken the path to learning more about what it means to make gaming available for everyone—and getting a sweet profile badge to boot.
The company will also be partnering with the likes of the HiPerks Foundation and Korea’s National Museum of Modern Contemporary Art to highlight the Xbox Adaptive Controller, showcasing visual and contemporary works that are implemented with the accessibility device. Select games are also highlighted for their accessibility features, such as STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor, Hi-fi Rush, and the up-and-coming Forza Motorsport.
Have a gander at the full Xbox Wire post here. A select portion of the blog post will be available below.
New Accessibility Updates from Xbox
Updated Accessibility Support Pages
Late last year, Xbox unveiled a redesigned, easier to navigate support hub for players to learn about all the accessibility features available on console and Windows devices. In support of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we are pleased to share support pages now cover more than 150 accessibility controls across PC and console, including new articles like: Adjusting the controller stick settings in the Xbox Accessories app | Xbox Support and Accessibility controls for Xbox for PC and Xbox Store apps.
Players can access the full list of support pages via the support.xbox.com accessibility site, within the accessibility tab on Xbox App on PC, Xbox.com, and coming soon to Game Bar.
New Accessibility Settings on Xbox App on PC
In March, the Xbox App on PC rolled out a new accessibility settings menu that features two brand new settings: Disable background images and Disable animations. These settings are designed to help players reduce visual components that could cause disruption, confusion, or irritation. Links to additional accessibility settings and a link to learn more about accessible gaming are now also available in the new settings menu.
Check out a YouTube video that gives an overview of the new settings and features of the Accessibility settings menu in Xbox app on PC.
Improved Xbox.com Experience
It’s easier than ever to find your next favorite Xbox games! A new update on the Microsoft Store on Xbox.com now allows users to filter and search games based on their accessibility needs and preferences, as well as search for games based on their Supported Language, with over 17 supported languages. For example, let’s say a player is looking to find Action & Adventure games that have adjustable difficulty settings and spatial audio support. The improved Xbox.com experience allows users to do just that – and more – by applying different filters, including 20 accessibility filters, to find their next great game across Console, PC, and Cloud. Try it out here.
Xbox Celebrating Accessibility Around the World
Xbox partners with Korea’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
From May to September, Xbox will partner with Korea’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) for an art exhibition titled “Game Society”, showcasing contemporary visual art works embodying games’ imagination and realism. One of the exhibitions will spotlight game accessibility and will include the installation of the Xbox Adaptive Controller for visitors to use.
For the latest information, click here.
XboxNL and HiPerks Foundation spotlight the Xbox Adaptive Controller
In 2018, Xbox launched the Xbox Adaptive Controller as part of our mission to empower gamers around the world to play the games they want, with the people they want, on the devices they want. In honor of GAAD, Xbox Netherlands is excited to partner with Paul Van Der Made, a player with a disability, and the HiPerks Foundation to release a new video series showcasing the impact the Xbox Adaptive Controller continues to have for players with disabilities.
Check out the video series at the following links:
- TikTok: XboxNL
- Instagram: xbox_nederland
- Facebook: XboxNL
Xbox is meeting athletes at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023
For the past two years, we’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Special Olympics to showcase the power of inclusion in two epic Gaming for Inclusion esports tournaments. This year, we’re excited to continue our support of athletes and Unified partners at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. In June, Xbox and the inclusion specialist Humanelektronik will be providing Xbox gaming stations in the athlete’s lounge in Berlin. Athletes and Unified partners will be able to sit back, unwind from competition, and try different Xbox accessibility features and games while connecting with other participants from around the world through the universal language of play.
For more information, check out our Xbox Wire DACH content series and the official website of Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
Xbox Wire GAAD 2023 Post