EA has expanded its commitment to accessibility by adding four additional patents to its accessibility patent pledge, as announced by Vice President Farah Ali. This move underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to making gaming more inclusive for players with disabilities and individuals facing medical challenges.
The newly included patents are as follows:
1. Automated Player Control Taker: This patent detects when a user ceases interaction with a game and seamlessly transitions control to a system-operated character, mirroring the player’s gameplay style.
2. Adaptive Gaming Tutorial System: Designed to offer personalized guidance on in-game commands, this system assists users in overcoming barriers they may encounter while playing.
3. Route Navigation System: Aiming to improve cognitive and visual accessibility, this patent generates navigation cues and display aids to assist players who struggle with navigating expansive virtual worlds.
4. Animated and Personalized Coach for Video Games: Through an animated and personalized coaching feature, players receive both in-game and out-of-game insights aimed at enhancing their performance, thereby increasing their overall enjoyment of the gaming experience.
Since 2021, EA has been actively bolstering its accessibility efforts. In that year, the company introduced five patents as part of its Accessibility First Patent Pledge. Building on this commitment, EA expanded its portfolio in December 2022 with six additional patents.
Moreover, by December 2023, EA took a significant step by making its photosensitivity analysis tool, IRIS, open source, further promoting accessibility within the gaming community.
