Game makers battle to boost accessibility for players with disabilities

In the ultra-competitive US$150bil (RM627bil) market, improved accessibility for disabled players has become one more way that game makers can stand out. — Pixabay

As a kid growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Randy Fitzgerald couldn’t make friends by playing sports. He was born with arthrogryposis, a muscle and joint disorder that made activities like soccer or baseball out of the question. Over time, he discovered another powerful way to bond with his peers – video games.

These days, Fitzgerald, 41, is a renowned gamer, known in the pro community as N0M4D. Since his arms and legs have limited mobility, he plays by using his bottom lip and chin to command a specially modified controller. When he’s not competing, he also consults with video-game companies on ways to improve their products for players with special needs.