Inclusion and accessibility for players of all abilities have become increasingly important topics of discussion in gaming. The Game Awards, in particular, highlighted this with the introduction of the Innovation in Accessibility award in 2020. This is a way to recognize games, and their developers, for going the extra mile to make sure everyone can enjoy the games they make. The Game Awards goes far as to bring in a selection panel of disabled gamers to decide the nominees and winners.
So far, games like Forza Motorsport, God of War: Ragnarok, Forza Horizon 5, and The Last of Us Part 2h ave each won the Innovation in Accessibility award, with last year’s nominees including Diablo 4, Hi-Fi Rush, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Mortal Kombat 1, and Street Fighter 6.
In four years, only one first-person title has received a nomination for the Innovation in Accessibility award. Far Cry 6 was among the list of nominees in 2021, recognized for its accessibility options available for differently abled gamers requiring alternative settings. Far Cry 6 was also the first entry in the franchise to include a “No Stick-Click” option. This feature eliminates the player’s need to click controller sticks. Notable also is the relative lack of multiplayer titles and shooters. But, for one gamer, Helldivers 2 stands out as a game that lets them enjoy playing with friends without feeling like a burden due to their disability.
u/LeviAsmodeus recently shared on Reddit a heartwarming statement on Helldivers 2 as a surprisingly accessible game that’s enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. This player, who lives with both cerebral palsy and neurological damage from a childhood stroke, has found a particular joy and sense of achievement in playing Helldivers 2.
Cerebral palsy, a neurological condition affecting movement and muscle coordination, makes fast-paced action games challenging. Affected individuals might experience a delay between their intention to move and their actual movement. This can make quick reactions difficult. For many, game genres requiring precise timing or rapid responses are near-impossible to enjoy.
Despite these challenges, u/LeviAsmodeus has excelled in Helldivers 2. With a kill/death ratio of 155/1 and nearly 6,000 kills to their name, this player has enjoyed the game and excelled, even completing mission-critical objectives.
The user’s story also highlights an underrated aspect about Helldivers 2: how players can have a meaningful and impactful role at any given point in time, regardless of skill and ability. This flexibility is crucial for inclusive gaming, as it acknowledges that every player brings unique strengths to the table.
Moreover, the thread has attracted several other users who are in similar situations in Helldivers 2. In response, players have flocked to offer their support and even their time for those who are anxious about playing with strangers for fear of becoming a burden. This further proves that, despite the claims, the community remains largely positive and welcoming – one of the things that Arrowhead Game Studios would like to maintain.
The concept of inclusivity in gaming isn’t new. For decades, video games have been a source of enjoyment, challenge, and community for people worldwide. However, for players with disabilities, certain physical barriers can make it difficult to enjoy. Adaptive technologies, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller and PlayStation Access, have made strides in accessibility, but there is still a long way to go. Players like u/LeviAsmodeus reminds us of the potential video games have to bring joy and a sense of accomplishment to all players, regardless of their physical abilities.
The importance of inclusivity in gaming mirrors the values of society as a whole. As per u/ZombiePotato90, just as the Terran Federation in the Starship Troopers book and film series, which served as an inspiration for Helldivers, finds roles for its citizens, so too should the gaming industry strive to accommodate every player. This means not only adapting controllers and interfaces but also considering game design and mechanics more audiences can enjoy.
Video games can offer therapeutic benefits, too, particularly for children with disabilities like cerebral palsy. Motion-sensing technology or virtual reality can be used for physical therapy, helping improve motor skills in a fun and engaging way. Moreover, video games can enhance cognitive skills like problem-solving and strategic thinking, while multiplayer games and online communities provide valuable social interaction.
Ultimately, u/LeviAsmodeus’s experience with Helldivers 2 is a powerful example of why making games accessible matters. It’s a call to action for developers and the industry to consider inclusivity as a central aspect of game design.
By doing so, they can ensure that the world of video games is a place where everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can find enjoyment, challenge, and a sense of belonging.
