Developer Electronic Arts remains dedicated to accessibility tools that help gamers overcome barriers. Several years ago, the company behind popular franchises such as FIFA, Battlefield, and The Sims opened free access to patents and accessibility technologies for developers and competitors. This included five patents focused on aiding gamers with visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities.
The company continues its inclusive mission by releasing an easy-to-use photosensitivity analysis tool and by pledging to make four additional accessibility-related patents publicly available to enhance the gaming experience for a broad audience.
Commitment to positive play
Created as part of a broader pledge to positive gaming, the IRIS photosensitivity analysis tool automatically scans video frames to identify content that could affect photosensitive players. The Epilepsy Association in the United Kingdom and the Epilepsy Foundation in the United States note that at least 5 percent of the roughly 50 million people with epilepsy worldwide are photosensitive. Many other players also experience symptoms triggered by certain flashing lights.
IRIS is designed with ease of access in mind and provides clear, fast analysis for creators of visual digital content. It helps control flickering lights and rapidly changing spatial patterns. It also enables developers to evaluate content for potential photosensitivity issues early in the development cycle. IRIS has already been utilized in select content such as EA Sports FC 24, Madden NFL 24, and EA Sports WRC in some cases.
EA Sports WRC – Launch Trailer
In addition to offering IRIS as open source, the publisher has made the technology behind four other patents available to the public royalty-free. The first system automatically detects when a player stops interacting with the game and converts the player-controlled character into a system-controlled character that mirrors the user’s style. This technology can assist players with disabilities, including motor, cognitive, and visual challenges, who may not be able to engage immediately or fully with a game.
The second patent describes an adaptable, intelligent game training system that guides players on how to apply game commands and techniques to fit their skill or style. Following that is an innovative route navigation system that assists people with disabilities and offers a personalized guide to reduce obstacles encountered during play.
Rounding out the set is an animated, personalized advisor that delivers both in-game and off-game tips to improve performance. This animation helps players absorb tips more easily, apply them effectively, and, most importantly, enjoy the game to the fullest. The commitment to patent openness is rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of background, should be able to enjoy video games. Progress in this direction continues with the open access to IRIS and the availability of other proprietary technologies to help players with motor, cognitive, visual, or other disabilities have a smoother gaming experience, according to senior executives within EA.