Nintendo, Microsoft, EA and others unite to make accessibility messaging a priority

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has launched the Accessible Games Initiative at GDC 2025 to provide players with clear information about accessibility features in video games.

The initiative was announced alongside representatives from five founding members in Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, and Ubisoft, who have all pledged to leverage new accessibility tags to better support players.

It’s a notable cross-industry effort that will hopefully facilitate clear communication around accessibility features—letting prospective players see how titles can meet their specific needs.

The initiative is launching with a set of 24 tags (as shown below)—each outlining a specific feature or consideration such as ‘clear text,’ ‘narrated menus’ and ‘stick inversion’—that can be voluntarily used by companies to ensure their accessibility messaging is on point.

“Tens of millions of Americans have a disability and often face barriers to experiencing the joy and connection that comes with playing video games,” said ESA president and CEO, Stanley Pierre-Louis.

“We are immensely proud to announce the Accessible Games Initiative in partnership with industry leaders. This initiative demonstrates how impactful we can be when we work together in our industry-wide pursuit of helping more people experience the power of play.”

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The idea for the Accessible Games initiative was originally developed by EA, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Ubisoft. Other major companies such as Amazon Games, Riot Games, Square Enix and Warner Bros. Games joined their ranks ahead of the GDC announcement.

The ESA, the U.S. trade association best known for organizing E3, will manage the initiative.

You can find out more about the project on the Accessible Games website. 

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