For millions of people around the world, video games are more than just a fun pastime—they’re a way to unwind, connect with others, challenge ourselves, and even build new skills. But for some, accessing the world of gaming isn’t always straightforward. That’s where accessible gaming comes in.

At Enhanced Lifestyles, we’re all about choice, inclusion, and independence—values that also sit at the heart of accessible gaming. Whether you’re a lifelong player or a curious newcomer, this blog explores what makes a game accessible, highlights some fantastic titles to try, and shows how gaming can be a meaningful and enjoyable activity for people of all abilities.

 

A person in a wheelchair sits at a desk using a computer to edit video footage in a modern, well-lit room.

 

What is Accessible Gaming?
Accessible gaming refers to video games that are designed or adapted to be playable by people with a wide range of disabilities. This can include physical, sensory, cognitive, or neurodivergent access needs. The goal is to remove barriers so that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy gaming to the fullest.

 

Key Features to Look for in Accessible Games
If you’re looking to explore accessible gaming, either for yourself or someone you support, here are some helpful features to keep an eye out for:

  • Customisable Controls: The ability to remap buttons or choose from different control schemes is crucial for players who use adaptive controllers or have limited mobility.
  • Subtitles and Captions: Games with dialogue should include clear, adjustable subtitles—and bonus points for captions that describe sounds and music.
  • Text Scaling and Contrast: Large, readable fonts and high contrast settings make text easier to see.
  • Colourblind Modes: Options to adjust or change colour schemes help accommodate colour vision deficiencies.
  • Assist Modes: These might include the ability to skip difficult sections, slow down time, enable hints, or toggle invincibility.
  • Clear Menus and Tutorials: Simple, straightforward instructions and uncluttered menu screens can make a huge difference for cognitive accessibility.
  • Single-Player or Co-Op Options: Games that don’t require fast reflexes or constant connection with others can be more inclusive for different play styles.

 

Two women sit on a couch holding game controllers, focused on a video game, with drinks and people in the background.

 

What’s exciting is that more and more game developers are recognising the importance of these features and including them as standard. In fact, major industry events now include accessibility awards, and entire design teams are dedicated to making sure their games are playable by the widest possible audience.

 

Why Gaming is Great for Everyone
Gaming often gets a bad rap for being too addictive or isolating, but the truth is, for many people, games offer meaningful and positive experiences. Here’s why gaming is such a great option for people of all abilities:

  • Social connection: Online multiplayer games can be a lifeline for social interaction, especially for people with mobility restrictions or limited access to community events.
  • Skill-building: Games can help build hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, communication skills, and even literacy and numeracy.
  • Creativity and self-expression: Many games allow players to build, customise, and create—sparking imagination and giving players control over their experiences.
  • Stress relief: Whether it’s solving puzzles, managing a farm, or exploring a fantasy world, gaming can be a great way to unwind and decompress.

 

Game Recommendations to Get You Started
Here are some fantastic accessible games that cater to a wide range of players:

🧙 The Last of Us Part II (PS4/PS5)
A cinematic action-adventure game with over 60 accessibility options. Features include audio cues, text-to-speech, and simplified gameplay.

🚗 Forza Horizon 5 (Xbox/PC)
A vibrant open-world racing game with relaxed driving modes, fully remappable controls, and compatibility with the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

🛠 Minecraft (All Platforms)
A creative sandbox game that lets players build and explore at their own pace. Its simplicity and wide mod support make it highly accessible.

🎨 Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)
A calming life simulation game where you can decorate, fish, garden, and visit friends on their islands. Great for slow-paced, stress-free fun.

🧩 Unpacking (All Platforms)
A quiet, story-rich game about unpacking belongings across different life stages. No time limits or fail states—just thoughtful gameplay.

🤖 Celeste (All Platforms)
A platforming game with a moving story and an Assist Mode that lets players modify difficulty, making an otherwise challenging game inclusive.

A man and a woman sit on a couch playing video games with wired controllers, both looking at a screen and smiling.

Controllers and Hardware to Support Accessible Play
Accessible gaming isn’t just about software—hardware matters too. Some great options include:

There are also many third-party accessories designed for specific needs—such as one-handed controllers, eye-tracking software, and more. For people using assistive technology already, it’s worth checking compatibility with gaming consoles or PC setups.

Making the Future More Playable
As technology continues to evolve, so does the world of accessible gaming. Many developers now consult with players with disability during the design phase, ensuring that their voices are heard and their experiences are prioritised.

At Enhanced Lifestyles, we support our customers’ rights to enjoy life their way—and for many, gaming is part of that journey. Whether it’s connecting with others online, escaping into another world, or simply having fun, accessible gaming offers inclusion, creativity, and connection in one interactive package.

Enhanced Lifestyles customers are welcome to contact us if they’d like help identifying suitable accessible games and hardware, or locating local accessible gaming opportunities or programs. We’re here to help you get started!

Two people sitting on a couch, smiling and interacting with a video game controller in a bright, modern living room.

Want to Learn More?
If you’re interested in exploring accessible gaming, here are a few useful resources: