Ubisoft Leads the Way in Gaming Accessibility Awards

The gaming industry recently celebrated a significant milestone at the GAConf awards, where Ubisoft emerged as a leader in promoting inclusivity. The French company was honored for its commitment to accessibility, with multiple games and initiatives receiving accolades. This year's event highlighted the growing importance of making gaming more accessible to players with disabilities. The ceremony recognized various titles for their innovative features, including support for deaf, blind, and mobility-impaired gamers. Additionally, individual contributors were acknowledged for their dedication to advancing accessibility in the industry.

GAConf also underscored the ongoing challenges and progress in this field. While there have been substantial improvements over the past few years, much work remains to ensure that all players can enjoy games without unnecessary barriers. Industry leaders emphasized the need for continued innovation and collaboration to make gaming truly inclusive.

Ubisoft's Commitment to Inclusivity

Ubisoft has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to enhancing the gaming experience for all players. The company was named the Most Dedicated Publisher by GAConf, recognizing its efforts across various projects. Two of its games received special mentions: Star Wars Outlaws won the AAA Excellence award for its comprehensive accessibility features, while Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was praised for its innovative "memory shards" function. These achievements reflect Ubisoft's commitment to creating games that cater to diverse needs.

Star Wars Outlaws stood out for its extensive range of accessibility options, ensuring that players with different abilities could fully engage with the game. Features such as adjustable subtitles, colorblind modes, and customizable controls made it a standout title. Meanwhile, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown introduced the unique "memory shards" feature, allowing players to take screenshots and revisit them later. This innovative approach helps players navigate complex maps and remember important locations, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Ubisoft's Kyiv studio also received recognition for its dedicated efforts, further highlighting the company's global commitment to accessibility.

Pioneering Individuals and Industry Progress

Beyond corporate achievements, the GAConf awards also honored individuals who have made significant contributions to gaming accessibility. Cari Watterton, a senior accessibility designer at Rebellion, received the MVP Award for Unsung Hero. Her work exemplifies the dedication and passion required to drive meaningful change within the industry. Cari's insights into the challenges and rewards of accessibility design offer valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of gaming.

GAConf co-director Ian Hamilton noted the rapid transformation of the accessibility field over the past decade. The increasing awareness of players' diverse needs has led to more specialized roles and better integration of accessibility features in mainstream games. Despite some setbacks due to economic factors, the industry is moving forward with new positions and expanding teams. Ian emphasized that while progress has been substantial, there is still much to achieve. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where every player can enjoy games without encountering unnecessary obstacles. Continued innovation and collaboration are essential to reaching this vision, ensuring that gaming remains a universally inclusive activity.