The Best Accessible Games of 2024

Runner-Up: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

BioWare’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard stands out for its comprehensive accessibility features. This latest installment in the fantasy RPG series significantly builds upon previous accessibility efforts. It prioritizes inclusivity, catering to a diverse range of disabilities.

• Visual Aids: Options for subtitle adjustments, colorblind filters, and clear threat indicators enhance the experience for deaf and hard of hearing players.
• Sensory Adjustments: Audio cues for attacks, dialogue, and interactive objects are provided for blind and low vision players, making navigation and story comprehension easier.
• Physical Accessibility: Control remapping, adjustments for mechanics like blocking and aiming, and the removal of rapid-fire button sequences are included for physical limitations.
• Dynamic Difficulty: A truly innovative feature allows players to adjust enemy resistances, vulnerabilities, and even toggle player invincibility. This empowers players to manage their own pace and comfort level.

While some minor improvements are possible, Veilguard demonstrates a commendable commitment to creating a truly inclusive gaming experience, showcasing a valuable model for future development.

Runner-Up: Botany Manor

Botany Manor, a low-budget puzzle game, defies expectations with its surprisingly robust accessibility features. Developed by an independent studio, the game showcases that accessibility doesn’t require vast resources.

• Control Options: Players can choose between mouse/keyboard and controller input, a crucial option for many.
• Simplified Movement: A single-stick control scheme is available, offering an easier way to interact with the environment.
• Targeted Puzzle Design: Puzzles are strategically placed within specific rooms, preventing overwhelming design that could frustrate players.
• Unlimited Time: The absence of time limits for puzzle completion significantly reduces pressure for players, creating a more enjoyable experience.

Although lacking some audio-based options for blind players, Botany Manor sets a high bar for accessible design in independent game development, emphasizing that inclusive design can be achieved on limited budgets.

Winner: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown takes the prize for its innovative approach to accessibility. This Metroidvania title isn’t just accessible; it revolutionizes how exploration-heavy games can be tailored to diverse needs.

• Customizable Controls: The game provides adjustable controls to fit different playstyles and preferences.
• Visual/Audio Indicators: Subtitles and audio indicators support players with varying hearing and vision needs.
• Memory Shards: This gameplay feature allows players to mark key locations or items in the map, aiding navigation and reducing cognitive load.
• Guided Mode: The system guides players toward their objectives, eliminating the challenge of backtracking and exploration in complex environments.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown demonstrates that complex, exploratory game mechanics can be effectively blended with supportive accessibility features. Its pioneering approach is invaluable to the gaming community, especially for players with cognitive challenges.

What game had the best accessibility features in 2024?

Amongst numerous excellent accessible games released in 2024, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown emerged as the clear winner. While Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Botany Manor both showcased substantial strides in accessibility, Prince of Persia set a new standard with its innovative solutions for the challenges presented by the Metroidvania genre.

More of iGV’s 2024 Awards

• And many more!