Really, video games are for everyone! And there’s no reason why you can’t play games even well into your golden years. If anything, games are becoming more and more accessible as the video gaming industry continues to enter different markets.
So here are some accessibility tips for you as a senior who just loves playing video games!
Explore Games with Adjustable Settings
Adjustable settings make games more personalized. You want to be in your element while gaming and these settings are how you can make the experience just right.
How?
When you start a new game, head to the settings menu. Look for options related to text size, subtitles, and color settings. You don’t want to strain your eyes or miss out on dialogues, so tweak the text size and turn on subtitles; experiment with color settings to find what really fits your vision.
Say you’re playing a game where the text is too small. Without adjustable settings, chances are the game will be less enjoyable, and by going into the settings and increasing the text size, the game instantly becomes more accessible to you; like putting on glasses to see things more clearly.
Check for User-Friendly Controls
Simple controls make gaming less stressful. You want to focus on having fun, not wrestling with complicated button combos.
Before diving into a game, explore the control settings. Look for options that let you customize which actions are assigned to which buttons. You don’t want to struggle with controls that feel awkward, so set them up like your favorite chair.
Think of customizing controls like setting up your TV remote with your favorite channels. You want to make it easy to switch between actions, just like changing channels. Customizing controls is like having a remote tailored exactly to your liking, making your gaming experience smooth and enjoyable.
Discover Inclusive Game Titles
Inclusive games are designed to welcome everyone, considering different skill levels so that everyone can enjoy the game, regardless of experience. This is what you want.
When choosing a game, look for those that mention inclusivity features – such as spoken instructions, clear interfaces, and adjustable difficulty levels. You don’t want to get frustrated with a game that’s too hard, so pick titles that often cater to a wide range of players.
Imagine playing a game that not only explains controls through on-screen text but also guides you with spoken instructions, like a friend helping you learn. This friendly guidance makes the gaming experience more accessible and enjoyable, especially for those who may be new to gaming or want a more relaxed experience.
Playing video games is meant to be fun and thrilling, not a chore or a struggle because of inaccessibility. So you want to prioritize games that have adjustable settings, user-friendly controls, and specific inclusivity.
