Accessibility in Esports
Accessibility in esports refers to how easy it is for people to play, compete in, and watch esports.
Esports is generally accessible because it does not require high levels of physical fitness and can be played from home using a computer, console, or mobile device.
Accessibility for Players
To take part in esports, players usually only need:
- A device (PC, console, or mobile)
- Internet access
- The chosen game
Most esports games focus on skill, strategy, and reaction time, rather than physical strength, which allows players of different abilities to compete.
Many games also include accessibility options, such as:
- Customisable controls
- Subtitles and closed captions
- Adjustable visual and audio settings
Support and Specialist Equipment
Some players require additional support to participate in esports.
Charities such as AbleGamers help players with disabilities by providing advice and access to specialist equipment.
This equipment may include:
- Adaptive controllers
- Voice or mouth-controlled devices
However, this technology can be expensive, which can limit accessibility.
Accessibility for Spectators
Esports is easy to watch because events are often streamed online.
Accessibility features for spectators include:
- Free live streams and recorded matches
- Subtitles and captions for commentary
This allows a wider audience to engage with esports.
Limitations of Accessibility
Although esports is more accessible than many traditional sports, limitations still exist, including:
- Cost of specialist equipment
- Need for reliable internet access
- Games that lack accessibility features