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Electronic Arts has announced a patent promise that gives competitors completely free access to its technology and current accessibility innovations without the threat of legal action. Which is cool!
The publisher hopes that the engagement, which it says is the first of its kind in the video game field, will encourage innovation in accessibility-related technologies from other companies that are now free to rely on. on some of the foundations already laid by EA.
Chris Bruzzo, executive vice president of positive gaming, business and marketing at EA, said in the press release that the long-term goal here is to make games accessible to all gamers, a goal that cannot be achieved. achieved if the industry works together to drive meaningful change. :
“We hope developers get the most out of these patents and encourage those with the resources, innovation and creativity to do like us by making their own commitments that put accessibility first. We welcome collaboration with others on how we move the industry forward together. “
The pledge currently incorporates five existing patents that include some of EA’s most innovative technologies, including Apex Legends’ excellent ping system. Respawn’s superlative shooter has received a lot of praise since its release for this innovative system, which makes communication and teamwork quick and easy without the need for headsets or microphones, giving gamers with cognitive impairments the power to opportunity to become fully involved by providing them with other ways to interact with teammates.
The ping system has also been praised for its positive effects on in-game toxicity, reducing the need for players to communicate verbally, thereby eliminating a way for problem gamers to become abusive.
Three other patents involved in the pledge relate to technology widely used in the FIFA and Madden NFL franchises, innovations that automatically detect and change colors and contrast to improve visibility for players with vision problems.
With EA also open source code for technology that addresses color blindness, brightness and contrast issues, as well as the inclusion of another patent involving custom sound technology for players with hearing problems, movement appears to be a really positive step forward for the industry with regards to accessibility going forward. Chris Bruzzo added that:
“We are always listening to our players in order to understand the unmet needs that we must meet. It’s important to us that everyone feels welcome in our games, and that level of inclusion needs to be anchored in community feedback. These technologies exist to help more people around the world experience great games, and we’re very proud of the role our community plays in driving innovations that can make a difference.
Which games do you think could benefit from the Ping system? Let us know below.
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