AbleGamers, a nonprofit organisation that aims to help gamers with disabilities, has named FIFA 13 its “Accessible Mainstream Game of the Year”. Steve Spohn, Editor-in-Chief for the AbleGamers site, wrote that “2012 turned out to be a very encouraging year for game accessibility”, with big studios “creating some of the most disability-friendly video games to date”, but that FIFA 13 won the close race to secure the top spot.
Some of the features that have helped FIFA 13 win this title are simple, ones that games should really incorporate by default, including: remappable controls (for those who need the controls set out a certain way, for instance strongly favouring one hand), customisable colour options (for the colourblind), high contrast and intuitive menus (for those with sight difficulties), and visual cues for any audio input (for those with hearing difficulties). The game is also praised for allowing players to play the entire thing just with a mouse, which is extremely helpful to gamers with issues like Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, or Multiple Sclerosis.
But apparently the best feature FIFA 13 brings to the table when it comes to disability-friendliness is the option to tailor the AI and PC settings for the game. This allows players to essentially craft an experience that suits their needs perfectly, making it possible for gamers to enjoy the game at a level that is appropriate for them. Even those with severe disabilities that affect cognition and motor skills can enjoy FIFA 13, which makes it one of the most accessible games out there.
EA may be hated by some for things like its online passes, but it is undeniably one of the best studios for ensuring its games take into consideration those often ignored by others, whether that's by including same-sex romance options or making sure disabled gamers can enjoy the game just as easily as others.
