Electronic Arts (EA) is making waves in the gaming industry once again by expanding its open-source accessibility initiative. Following its 2021 commitment to let developers use its accessibility-related patents for free, the company has now added 23 new patents to its program. These include advanced speech recognition tools, simplified speech technology, and personalized speech systems designed to assist players with speech disabilities or those who need help expressing themselves verbally. EA envisions developers leveraging this tech to create in-game systems that better understand players’ unique speech patterns, including their age, emotions, and language.
One of the most exciting additions is a new plugin for Unreal Engine 5 that integrates EA’s IRIS photosensitivity analysis tool. IRIS, which was previously open-sourced, now allows developers to identify potential photosensitivity triggers in real time during game development. Blanca Macazaga Zuaz, an engineer on the IRIS project, highlighted the impact of this tool, noting that few accessible, free tools existed in this space before. She called the initiative “incredible,” as it lowers the barriers for developers while addressing a critical accessibility concern.
This move builds on EA’s history of sharing game-changing technologies with the industry. The publisher previously made features like Apex Legends’ ping system and voice control systems for NPCs freely available. These contributions come at a time when many accessibility improvements in gaming have focused on controllers, such as adaptive hardware, or on in-game options like colorblind modes. By tackling accessibility at a technical level, EA is helping pave the way for more inclusive gaming experiences.
Kerry Hopkins, EA’s Senior Vice President of Global Affairs, described the latest patents as part of a broader push to foster inclusivity in gaming. “Removing unintended barriers to access encourages the industry to work together to make video games more inclusive,” she explained. In addition to releasing patents, EA is also hosting accessible design workshops through its Player Experience Insights (PQI) team and enhancing its testing capabilities to ensure accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of game design.
EA’s efforts underscore a growing recognition of the importance of accessibility in gaming. By making these tools available to third-party developers, the company hopes to inspire more inclusive design across the industry, benefiting players of all abilities. As Hopkins teased, “More to come soon!” gamers and developers alike can expect EA to continue leading the charge for accessibility innovation.
