• Gamers with disabilities continue to face significant barriers, with 81% struggling with inaccessible features and 39% being forced to give up on their favorite games.
• Over half (52%) want greater representation in the games they play
• However, gamers with disabilities want to play games, with over a fifth (22%) saying they feel empowered while gaming and 40% saying gaming gives them a sense of escapism.
LONDON, UK – October 4, 2023 – A study by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. reveals that the video game industry could be doing more to accommodate gamers with disabilities. The study, conducted by Samsung Pioneer and OnePoll, surveyed 500 adults with physical and visible disabilities and found that 81% of respondents struggle to play their favorite games due to lack of accessibility features, such as a lack of customizable control options (21%), hard-to-read text (33%), fast-paced gameplay (34%) and flashing lighting effects (31%). As a result, 39% said they were forced to stop playing a game or abandoned it altogether.
The results make it clear that gamers with disabilities want greater inclusivity in games: Over half of respondents (52%) want to see characters that reflect their disability, and the findings suggest that increased disability representation could significantly increase engagement and gameplay time.
But despite the challenges posed, the survey found that over a fifth of respondents (22%) feel empowered by games, and 40% say games provide a sense of escapism. In addition to this, 16% say games give them an outlet to connect with other gamers with disabilities, highlighting the valuable opportunities for social and community engagement in the gaming world. Meanwhile, 28% of gamers surveyed said video games are an “integral” part of their daily life.
Samsung recently launched a gaming training initiative across Europe, with the “Embrace Your Game” portal designed to centralize insights and provide expert guides, training sessions and video workshops for gamers at all levels.
Stephen Woodgate, head of category management MX at Samsung Electronics UK and chair of the True Ability employee resource group for disabled people, said: “Disabled gamers not only make up a significant portion of our player base, but they also offer valuable perspectives and experience to the gaming community. Great strides have been made in accessibility in recent years, but this research highlights the immediate barriers that many still face.”
Further barriers to gameplay for those surveyed include games that cause “cognitive load” due to complex control configurations or unclear information or instructions (28%). Nearly a quarter (24%) experience dexterity issues, such as controllers not being properly designed for their ergonomic needs.
According to the survey results, Mario Kart (29%) and Grand Theft Auto (23%) are perceived as the most inclusive and considerate for gamers with disabilities. Survey respondents cited more accessory options for players with disabilities (34%) and more online multiplayer options that accommodate a range of disabilities (34%) as features and accessibility options they would like to see in future titles. Nearly a third of respondents (31%) would like to see improved guides and tutorials to help them learn the game’s controls, as well as more customizable controller options (31%).
Robin Christopherson, head of digital inclusion at AbilityNet, a UK-based charity that works for an accessible digital world for everyone, added: “It’s not surprising that disabled people enjoy gaming just as much as everyone else, but this research shows very clearly that when hardware and software is inaccessible, it has a detrimental effect on people’s wellbeing.”
“It also highlights that gaming is an essential part of many people’s lives, building social networks and providing fun that everyone can enjoy. That’s why it’s so great to see Samsung leading the way in inclusive design and building accessibility into its products.”
Samsung UK & Ireland values fairness, compassion and respect in everything we do. A diverse talent base is absolutely fundamental to Samsung’s commitment to driving sustainable growth, bringing diversity of thought to our business and ensuring it is reflected in the design and manufacturing of our products.
“We need to prioritise an inclusive gaming environment so that all players, with or without disabilities, can have fun and connect in these digital realms. The games industry has a duty to make gaming as accessible and representative as possible for all players,” concludes Stephen Woodgate, head of category management MX at Samsung UK and chair of the True Ability employee resource group.
Samsung Gaming Certification
Samsung products, content and services are built on a “human-centered” philosophy that recognizes diversity and embraces differences. For example:
Samsung Gaming Hub, an online store dedicated to games, allows you to stream games directly to your TV without the need for a console or streaming stick. This allows everyone from hardcore gamers to casual players to play their favorite games. With Samsung devices, gamers can enable auxiliary shortcuts, customize touch settings, and optimize their games using screen readers such as voice assistants and Google TalkBack integration with Bixby Vision. With a 7.6-inch main screen, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 device offers expansive and uninterrupted viewing so users can enjoy their favorite games. Peak brightness is increased by more than 30% up to 1750nits for the ultimate gaming experience on the move. Samsung TVs are compatible with 90% of Bluetooth controllers, so players who need more auxiliary or personalized controllers based on their unique needs can play their favorite games through Samsung Gaming Hub. Samsung is working with partners to enable games to be played using mobile virtual controllers built into The Gaming Hub, including Amazon Luna. Users can also use their Samsung TV remote to play games from providers such as Antstream and Blacknut. This removes the barrier to entry for players who require a bespoke setup or access to a wider portfolio of gaming accessories. For gamers with visual impairments or colour blindness, Samsung has set up the game to give players maximum control over graphics settings, including the ability to adjust picture modes, image size settings and even expert settings like sharpness and backlight control. Samsung 2023 TVs and monitors feature SeeColors mode, which allows people with colour blindness to see the full spectrum of colours on Samsung QLED TV screens, enhancing the gaming experience. In addition to this, Relumino mode supports people with visual impairments by enhancing contrast ratio, brightness, colour and sharpness to enhance image contours. The wheelchair accessible flagship store Samsung KX offers hands-on and interactive gaming experiences, including a Gaming Bus that also features an accessibility ramp. Samsung has received the “Tried and Tested” certification from the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB), awarded to Samsung Smart TVs based on their suitability for the blind and partially sighted, to improve the viewing experience for console gamers.
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