How AGI tags help developers and players

The Microsoft Game Dev blog recently highlighted the launch of the Accessible Games Initiative (AGI), a collaborative effort led by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and major industry players like Xbox, Electronic Arts, Google, Nintendo of America, and Ubisoft. The AGI introduces a set of standardized “tags” that clearly communicate the accessibility features offered by a game before purchase.

Making games for all: Accessible Games Initiative tags now available

Building upon Xbox’s 2021 introduction of the Xbox Game Accessibility Feature tags, this initiative provides consistent, cross-platform information to help players, especially the estimated 429 million players worldwide with disabilities, identify games that fit their needs and make informed choices. The initiative also encourages game developers to prioritize accessibility from the earliest stages of development.

How AGI tags help developers and players

For developers, the adoption of AGI tags streamlines the process of communicating available accessibility features across different platforms and storefronts. By reducing ambiguity, these tags allow creators to highlight accommodations like text readability options, audio enhancements, and customizable input methods. This clarity helps broaden the audience reach and better serves diverse player communities, ultimately making games more inclusive and accessible to all.

Kaizen Game Works and the impact of accessibility

Phil Crabtree, Technical Director and Co-founder at Kaizen Game Works, shared insights into the studio’s journey with accessibility, particularly in their latest release, Promise Mascot Agency. The game includes numerous accessibility options inspired by player feedback, such as adjustable fonts and alternative control schemes. Crabtree noted that when the game’s demo revealed players struggling with font choices, the team quickly implemented a font replacement option accessible from the start of the game. While this adjustment came late in development, it was recognized and deeply appreciated by players upon full release.

Crabtree emphasized the sense of pride the team feels when players praise the features and options that enhance their gameplay experience. Despite being a small studio with only two programmers (one part-time), Kaizen Game Works demonstrates that even indie developers can implement a wide range of meaningful accessibility features.

Embedding accessibility as a design mindset

Crabtree reflected on how the gaming industry can embed accessibility as a design mindset. He suggested that beyond deciding what actions are required in a game, developers should also consider how those actions are performed. For example, in Promise Mascot Agency, players have the option to use tap-to-drive instead of holding a button, an alternative that can remove barriers for some players. Features like motion sickness reduction tools were introduced thanks to AGI guidelines, prompting the team to address needs they might not have otherwise considered.

Crabtree also pointed out that while some desired improvements, such as better scaling UI or more robust audio-visual options, remain challenging for small teams due to resource constraints, each implemented feature contributes meaningfully to accessibility. He expressed optimism that, over time, best practices will continue to evolve as developers learn from each other.

Tools and future opportunities

Crabtree expressed a wish for more easily embeddable accessibility toolkits compatible with popular engines like Unreal Engine, which already offers some integrated tools. By embedding best-practice tools into workflows early in development, more developers can adopt accessibility features, benefiting a wider range of players and raising industry-wide awareness.

Xbox’s role in the Accessible Games Initiative

From Crabtree’s perspective, Xbox’s involvement in the Accessible Games Initiative signals a meaningful commitment to inclusivity. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Crabtree has witnessed the joy and opportunities that arise when individuals with disabilities can engage in gaming through recognized and accommodated needs.

Looking ahead: Cross-platform standards and discovery

Crabtree anticipates that AGI tags, as a cross-platform standard, will significantly improve how players discover and evaluate games based on their needs. He hopes the tags will eventually integrate into recommendation algorithms, further amplifying the discoverability of accessible games and rewarding developers who prioritize inclusivity. As awareness grows, Crabtree expects the tag system to expand, reflecting the wide spectrum of accessibility needs across vision, motor abilities, and beyond.

Advice for developers and companies

Crabtree encourages developers and companies to start small and focus on actionable steps, such as offering toggle options for actions that traditionally require holding buttons. He believes that once developers begin implementing a few accessibility features, they will start identifying further opportunities organically. While acknowledging that smaller teams may not match the scope of AAA studios, Crabtree emphasizes that every step taken to enhance accessibility helps players and builds recognition.

For those interested in incorporating AGI tags, Crabtree recommends reviewing the tag requirements and conducting an honest assessment of their games. Understanding why these features matter will not only improve accessibility but also enrich development practices overall.