New Steam Update! Developers are now able to add detailed accessibility tags to their games’ store pages, highlighting specific features that support a range of needs.
Steam has announced the launch of a new tagging system designed to make game discovery easier for players with disabilities. This long-anticipated move marks a significant step forward in promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the gaming ecosystem. (Check out other accessibility initiatives in gaming here)
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With this update, developers are now able to add detailed accessibility tags to their games’ store pages, highlighting specific features that support a range of needs. These tags cover over 40 categories, including options such as remappable controls, subtitle options, visual contrast modes, text-to-speech functionality, one-handed controls, and many more. The goal is to allow players to quickly identify games that align with their personal accessibility requirements, removing the guesswork and improving the overall user experience.
The system is opt-in and self-managed by developers, but it has been created in collaboration with accessibility experts and advocates, including the AbleGamers Charity, to ensure relevance and clarity. Valve, the company behind Steam, has emphasized that this is an evolving project. They plan to fine-tune the tags based on community and developer feedback to better reflect the real-world needs of disabled gamers.
For players, the new feature is empowering. Instead of relying on external reviews or community forums to determine if a game is playable with their specific needs, they can now find this information directly on the store. It’s a time-saver, a frustration reducer, and a sign that the platform recognizes the diversity of its player base.
As the gaming world continues to expand, inclusivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Steam’s accessibility tags are a clear acknowledgment that gaming should be for everyone, and they represent a meaningful step toward a more equitable and open digital space.
Originally reported by Vicki Blake