[games_access] XBox One reception on twitter

[Ian Hamilton]

On the plus side though, the pause/save at any point thing looks very nice. 

I sent some suggestions in for TCRs (technical certification requirements, the list of requriements that every game must meet before Microsoft allows it to be be published) which apparently went to the TCR panel for consideration, I'll be very interested to see if any of them make it in as that's a surefire way for MS to increase accessibility across the board.. not holding my breath though as they need to keep the list as short as possible to avoid overburdening developers. I've given them a poke about TCRs for XBox One kinect accessibility too, can't hurt to try.

If anyone else is interested in speaking to Microsoft about accessibility and you don't have a direct contact there, they have a page about their accessibility policy that contains an email address to contact them directly about any issues:

http://support.xbox.com/en-GB/xbox-360/kinect/accessibility-kinectxaccess@microsoft.com

From: i_h at hotmail.com
To: games_access at igda.org
Subject: XBox One reception on twitter
Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 14:42:17 +0100





There has been a fair bit of twitter chatter from disabled gamers following the launch announcement, mostly around the fact that it is not possible to buy an XBox without a Kinect, and that it will not turn on without a Kinect attached.

Most of the concerns are due to the  the assumption that you won't be able to use the console without gestures and speech. Personally I'd be surprised if the main console interface requires gestures/speech, but Microsoft's statement on the issue shows a pretty dangerous side to it:

"By having it as a consistent part of every Xbox One, game and entertainment creators can build experiences that assume the availability of voice, gesture and natural sensing, leading to unrivaled ease of use, premium experiences and interactivity for you."

This is where the real problem lies. Currently Kinect accessibility at OS level and in non-exclusive games too is pretty good, with simpler alternative input methods often available. MS clearly wants developers to feel assured that all of their players are kinect-capable so that they feel comfortable with greater reliance on Kinect-exclusive input.

All of their players being kinect-capable is obviously not the case, and although it's far too early to know for certain I'm concerned that we'll see more and more kinect-exclusive controls, expecting people to be able to move their bodies, talk, and operate complex controls simultaneously.

Microsoft could avoid this extremely easily by simple including some accessibility requirements in the XBox One TCRs, but as that would directly clash with the business objective of pushing the new platform.. well, we'll see soon enough.

Changes to controller design

@KnarkyBadger at IGNUK hmm as a disabled gamer I think its looks a bit suspect to me dont think I'll be able to use it :(

Kinect required at all times

@spritesbitesDear Microsoft will Xbox One have a kinect REQUIREMENT? What about disabled gamers who struggle with body movements?

@CaniLupineAnother thing Microsoft overlooked: Disabled gamers. How are they going to use the Kinect if they are physically unable to do what it asks?

@pandatr0nicsGamers with various disabilities may have problems with Xbox One being Kinect required we'll just have to wait and see

@bagmanmanXbox One requiring Kinect to actually use the device is a HUGE way to alienate the disabled gamer community.

@nebulaegirlOk, new XBOX looks great, but what about game accessibility for disabled gamers? # xboxreveal  # AbleGamers

@GamingJay85Wow, back in 2010, I wrote about how Kinect was flipping off disabled gamers and how it'd be a party game implement. http://www.pinkanddeadly.com/?p=283 

@shogan01but yet again with these consoles #xboxone discriminates the disabled gamer

@justineckblad at N0M4DTV As a fellow disabled gamer, whats your take on Xbox1 requiring the kinect? Not sure it works with me in my WC & my bad voice. :/

@TheNewBoyWonder at Xbox How does requiring Kinect effect disabled gamer? What if I can't stand on my feet during a 2 hr CoD session?

@Zzephferus at MicrosoftXbox Why is the connected needed for the Xbox One to work? What about disabled gamers or gamers with speech problems?

@skipsophrenic at NaomiKyle #xboxone as a disabled gamer who relies on the controller reports on it needing the kinect has me concerned need to test b4 buy.

Paying fees for used games

@VirtuousLumox at EmInterrupted As a disabled gamer with no income who uses games to pass the time so I don't rot my brain watching TV, I'm very concerned. 		 	   		   		 	   		  
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