"How do you play video games?" is a common question for Ben, known as Sightless Kombat (SK), a dedicated gamer without sight who streams on Twitch. Despite the challenges, SK relies on audio cues, in-game tweaks, and practice to play his favorite titles. He enjoys a challenge, showcasing his skills on his YouTube channel, where he tackles games like God of War Ragnarök on the hardest difficulty.

Building a following, SK has become an advocate for gamers without sight, collaborating with the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) and providing advice to developers on enhancing game accessibility. While acknowledging progress in the gaming industry, SK highlights the need for more consistent implementation of accessibility features across different areas of games.

Cari Watterton, Senior Accessibility Designer at Rebellion Developments, collaborates with SK on Project BlackKat, a stealth game replacing the visual radar with "auditory vision cones." Both agree that the industry's approach to accessibility is inconsistent, and there are misconceptions about the cost of implementation.

Cari successfully introduced high-impact features in Rebellion's Sniper Elite 5, demonstrating that accessibility enhancements don't necessarily require a significant budget. She emphasizes the importance of small changes, such as pairing visual feedback with audio feedback, to improve the gaming experience for individuals with diverse capabilities.

Accessibility in gaming has gained prominence, with initiatives like a dedicated category at the Game awards and Electronic arts opening development tools. Sony's release of an adaptive controller further highlights the industry's commitment to inclusivity. However, review sites like Game Accessibility Nexus and Can I Play That? often find major releases lacking in accessibility features.

Cari acknowledges that achieving big goals will take time, but 2023 has been a positive year for accessibility in the gaming industry. More games celebrate inclusivity, and studios are actively recruiting for accessibility roles. Cari hopes for more roles for individuals with lived experience of disability, making accessibility a central aspect of game development.

SK remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of accessibility features. He encourages developers to involve accessibility consultants worldwide and engage people from diverse backgrounds to identify and address barriers. In his view, inclusive gaming benefits everyone, fostering a sense of collective victory when everyone can play.