Ubisoft Wins Big at GAConf 2024

Ubisoft emerged as the biggest winner at GAConf 2024, securing multiple awards for its accessibility initiatives. The event, dedicated to recognizing efforts in making video games more inclusive, awarded the French gaming giant the prestigious “Most Dedicated Publisher” title.

GAConf, an organization committed to enhancing accessibility in gaming, hosted the awards to celebrate the industry’s progress. The 2024 edition honored games released in the past year that introduced features catering to disabled players, including those with visual, auditory, and mobility impairments.

Ubisoft received high praise for two of its 2024 releases. Star Wars Outlaws won the AAA Excellence Award for its extensive accessibility options, setting a new benchmark for big-budget titles.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a 2D action-adventure game, was also recognized for its unique “memory shards” feature. In The Lost Crown, players must navigate a vast, interconnected world.

While most games in the genre allow users to mark locations on the map with pins, Ubisoft introduced an innovative system that lets players capture screenshots as reminders. This feature greatly aids those who struggle with memory retention and spatial awareness.

Industry-Wide Recognition for Accessibility Innovations

Other major titles were also honored for their contributions to accessibility. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 received an award for its automatic movement features, while Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred won for its blind and low-vision accessibility options. The awards highlighted the increasing focus on inclusivity in game design.

GAConf also recognized individuals making a difference. Cari Watterton, a senior accessibility designer at Rebellion, received the MVP Award for Unsung Hero. Speaking to BBC Newsbeat before her win, she emphasized the importance of peer recognition in the field. “They understand the amount of work that goes into accessibility and the challenges that you face,” she said.

Progress and Challenges in Accessibility Efforts

Despite these advancements, industry experts acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. GAConf co-director Ian Hamilton noted the difficulty of narrowing down the finalists, reflecting the rapid progress in accessibility over recent years. “The landscape is really unrecognizable compared to even just five years ago,” he stated.

However, Hamilton also highlighted ongoing challenges. While accessibility awareness has grown, widespread layoffs and studio closures in 2024 have impacted progress.

Ubisoft, despite its accessibility achievements, recently closed its Leamington Spa studio and reduced staff in several international offices, affecting 185 employees.

The publisher also disbanded the development team behind Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown due to lower-than-expected sales.

The Future of Accessibility in Gaming

The economic difficulties facing the gaming industry in 2024 have raised concerns about accessibility initiatives being sidelined. However, experts remain optimistic. Hamilton stated that while job cuts have affected accessibility efforts, new roles are also being created. “In terms of dedicated headcount, we’re in a relatively stable place compared to the wider industry,” he said. “This is a strong statement about how much accessibility is now valued.”

Watterton echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope that accessibility will remain integral to game development despite industry-wide struggles. “I don’t think accessibility will be singled out. It’s something we all have to go through together,” she said.

GAConf’s continued focus on accessibility reflects a broader industry shift. As major publishers like Ubisoft set new standards, accessibility is becoming an essential aspect of game design rather than an afterthought.