On the occasion of the International Day of the Disabled, SELL - Syndicate of Leisure Software Publishers - unveils the documentary “Play as you are”. This 9-minute video aims to show how video games are intended to be an inclusive space for players with disabilities. Professionals, association managers and disabled people testify to the initiatives put in place to make this leisure activity accessible to all and participate in changing society's view of disability. Video games are proving to be a great tool for deconstructing clichés and allowing everyone to play together.
Video games, an inclusive hobby to take a different look at disability
While nearly 20% of the French population experiences accessibility problems according to INSEE, disability is a cross-cutting issue that affects all of society. Video games are one of the most popular hobbies in the world, including with people with disabilities. Video games allow them to expand their leisure space by removing certain barriers. For example, online gaming puts all players on an equal footing, whether valid or not, and brings them together in the gaming community. However, disabled players regularly encounter technical limits to calmly practice their passion.
Mobilization of the sector to promote the inclusion of all players
This is why industry players are taking action to make video games more accessible to everyone. In this documentary, SELL gives the floor to Jérôme Dupire, President of capgame, which presents the actions of the association to facilitate accessibility to video games for people with disabilities. Hugues Ouvrard, Director of the Xbox division, and Sophie Cluzel, Secretary of State to the Prime Minister, responsible for people with disabilities, also spoke to give their perspective on the issue of disability in video games. They review the existing solutions as well as the development and actions implemented, especially during the last Paris Games Week, in order not to leave any player behind.