Video games are for everyone — and in 2025, accessibility is no longer a niche concern but a central design philosophy. As awareness grows, developers and hardware manufacturers are building inclusive tools that allow people with disabilities to enjoy gaming on equal footing. For Australian gamers, these innovations are helping expand the definition of who can play.
1. Customisable Control Options
Many modern games now offer deep control remapping, allowing players to reassign keys and buttons to suit their physical abilities. Games like Forza Horizon 5 and The Last of Us Part I (PC) include full controller customisation, input delays, and toggle options for extended comfort.
2. Adaptive Hardware
Devices like Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller and 8BitDo’s Ultra Stick are helping users build control systems tailored to their mobility needs. These can be connected to PCs and work with various input types — from switches to eye-tracking devices.
3. Subtitles and Visual Aids
Text customisation — including size, contrast, background shading, and closed captions — is now standard in many games. Colorblind modes, high-contrast interfaces, and motion blur reduction also assist gamers with visual impairments.
4. Audio and Cognitive Accessibility
For players with hearing or cognitive challenges, features such as visual sound indicators, simplified HUDs, and adjustable gameplay speed are increasingly common. Titles like Celeste and Minecraft stand out for thoughtful design that supports mental and emotional accessibility.
5. Community-Led Mods and Tools
In addition to official features, passionate communities are developing accessibility mods — such as one-handed control schemes or voice-activated commands — for popular games on PC. Steam Workshop and Nexus Mods are treasure troves for this kind of innovation.
6. Local Advocacy and Support
Organisations like AbleGamers and AccessibilityOz work with Australian developers and players to spread inclusive practices. Game development courses in Australian universities are also integrating accessibility into their curricula.
Inclusive gaming isn’t just good ethics — it’s good design. As tools continue to evolve, and as developers embrace universal design principles, the joy of play becomes more widely available than ever before.