Nintendo, Microsoft, EA and others unite to create accessibility messaging a precedence
By Presented by The ESA / Accessible Games
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has introduced the Accessible Games Initiative at GDC 2025 to provide players with clear information regarding accessibility features in video games.
The initiative was unveiled alongside representatives from five founding partners: Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, and Ubisoft, all of whom have committed to utilizing new accessibility tags to enhance the experience for players.
This represents a significant collaborative effort that will hopefully encourage open dialogues around accessibility features—allowing potential players to see how titles can accommodate their specific needs.
The initiative launches with a set of 24 tags (as illustrated below)—each detailing a specific feature or consideration such as ‘clear text,’ ‘narrated menus,’ and ‘stick inversion’—that can be voluntarily adopted by companies to ensure their accessibility messaging is accurate.
“Millions of Americans have a disability and often encounter obstacles to enjoying the fun and connection that comes with playing video games,” stated ESA president and CEO, Stanley Pierre-Louis.
“We are extremely proud to announce the Accessible Games Initiative in collaboration with industry leaders. This initiative showcases how impactful we can be when we join forces in our industry-wide mission to help more people experience the power of play.”
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The concept for the Accessible Games initiative was initially developed by EA, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Ubisoft. Other major firms such as Amazon Games, Riot Games, Square Enix, and Warner Bros. Games joined the effort prior to the GDC announcement.
The ESA, the U.S. trade organization best known for coordinating E3, will oversee the initiative.
You can also discover more about the project on the Accessible Games website.
About the Author
News Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist with over ten years of experience in the gaming industry. His writing has appeared in prominent print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered significant industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has served on the judging panel for The Develop Awards multiple times and has appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.