🎮Control

Control accessibility ensures that players with a wide range of physical abilities can comfortably and effectively play your game. Playtesting in this area helps you identify potential barriers and create an experience that's inclusive for the widest possible audience.

Key Aspects of Control Accessibility to Test

• Control Remapping: Can players fully rebind every single in-game action to different buttons, keys, or input methods?

• Input Sensitivity: Do analog sticks, mouse aiming, etc., have adjustable sensitivity ranges? Can players find a speed that suits their individual dexterity levels?

• Button Holds vs. Toggles: Does the game require prolonged button holds for actions, which can be fatiguing? Consider offering toggle options for such actions.

• Single-Handed Play: Would it be possible to remap all essential game controls in a way that allows play with only one hand?

• Adaptive Controllers: If possible, test your game with adaptive controllers in mind (Xbox Adaptive Controller, etc.). Are all game actions achievable?

• Automated Input (If Applicable): If your game uses quick-time events or requires rapid button presses, offer options to automate these sections or greatly reduce the timing window needed.

Gathering Feedback

• Work with Disabled Gamers: Target playtesters with disabilities for the most direct and insightful feedback on control accessibility.

• "What Ifs": Encourage playtesters to imagine limitations they may not personally have: What if you could only use one thumb? What if you had very slow reaction times?

• Fatigue Factor: Pay attention to any actions or control schemes that cause playtesters discomfort or fatigue during extended play sessions.

• Customization Granularity: The more fine-tuned control remapping options are, the better players can tailor the experience to their needs.

• Beyond Functionality: If your controls are technically accessible but awkward to use, that's still a barrier. Seek feedback on the intuitiveness and comfort of custom remaps.

Resources

• Accessibility Resources: Websites focused on disabled gaming often offer control-related checklists and insights for developers.

• Diverse Communities: Reach out to gaming communities for players with disabilities to connect with potential playtesters and seek their expertise.