Disability boundaries increase K-game access for deaf people

Con Jin-won Publishs 'A Study on How to Improve Access to Deaf Games'

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency published a study on ways to improve accessibility to games for the hearing impaired today (31st). This is the third result after the 'Basic Study on ways to improve access to games for the disabled' in 2022 and the 'Research on ways to improve access to games for the visually impaired' this year.

In this study, the necessary functions were summarized through a case study of domestic and foreign game accessibility, an analysis of the current status of 93 PC, mobile, and console games, an observation survey of the hearing impaired, and a meeting with stakeholders. As a result, it was found that deaf people rely more on in-game options than assistive devices, and in particular, speaker (話) visual display, simple language, subtitles, character animation, various input/output devices, interface changes, individual sound control, and visual signals were selected as factors that should be developed and applied first.

Experts emphasized, "Rather than putting pressure on game companies by mandatory, a policy that benefits companies that have contributed to access to games for the disabled is needed." It also suggested that the government prepare integrated guidelines to reduce the burden of improving accessibility of game companies and provide "contribution indication" or "incentives" to the game.

The need to hold regular discussions and seminars to promote access to games for the disabled was also discussed. It is pointed out that this should lay the foundation for continuing the spread of accessibility and improvement of awareness for the hearing impaired.

More information is available on the website of the Korea Creative Content Agency.