At an awards ceremony recognizing accessibility in the gaming industry, Ubisoft, the publisher of Assassin's Creed, was notably honored. The French company, with global offices, was awarded as the Most Dedicated Publisher by GAConf, an organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity in gaming for individuals with disabilities.
The event acknowledged games released in 2024 that included features tailored to assist deaf and blind players. Additionally, two games released in the previous year by Ubisoft received recognition. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown" stood out for its innovative "memory shards feature, aiding players in navigating complex maps by allowing them to take screenshots for memory assistance.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was praised for its automatic movement features, while Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred was commended for its accessibility for blind and low vision players. GAConf also acknowledged individuals in the industry for their efforts towards accessibility, with Cari Watterton of Rebellion, the developer of Sniper Elite, winning the MVP Award for Unsung Hero.
Reflecting on the increasing focus on accessibility in gaming, Cari expressed that progress, while at times perceived as slow, is steadily improving with new hardware and features being integrated into games. GAConf co-director Ian Hamilton highlighted the significant advancements in the industry over the years and the growing awareness of players' diverse needs.
Despite challenges faced by the gaming industry in 2024, such as studio closures and layoffs, efforts towards accessibility are being prioritized. While acknowledging setbacks, industry professionals remain optimistic about creating more inclusive gaming experiences for all players.