Gamers with disabilities have long faced the problem of having limited accessibility options in video games. For several years, many developers either ignored the needs of players with disabilities or were unsure how to design games that would be accessible to a broader audience. Several days ago, Logitech G and its partners launchedthe Adaptive Esports Tournament, featuringRocket League, designed to give players with disabilities a safe and inclusive platform to compete.
The tournament pits players against each other in a 2v2 single-eliminationRocket Leaguecompetition. In a recent interview with Game Rant, Steven Spohn of AbleGamers, one of the event’s major partners, shared whyRocket Leaguewas chosen for the event and how its developer Psyonix added accessibility features to accommodate players with disabilities.
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How Rocket League Was Chosen For The Adaptive Esports Tournament
According to Steven Spohn, choice for the Adaptive Esports Tournament’s game came down tothe excitement that most gamers feel when playingRocket League. In addition, given thatRocket Leaguehas since become a household name ever since its release in 2015, the game is the perfect catalyst to entice players with disabilities to join Logitech’s Esports Tournament.
“Everyone knows the game Rocket League. Everyone likes playing it, The game gives a lot of players excitement, especially when hearing the crowd roar when you hit a goal.
Spohn also said thatRocket Leaguehad been a longtime partner for the AbleGamers charity for several years now. Additionally,Rocket Leagueis often used byAbleGamersas its demonstration game whenever they hold physical events to show people how to use adaptive video game equipment. Spohn shared the difficulties players with disabilities have when learning how to use adaptive video game equipment, especially since the technology has a steep learning curve.
Spohn himself, who admitted to being an avidRocket Leagueplayer, said thatusing adaptive technologyis not as easy as one might think. Learning to play a game using one’s mouth or with one hand takes some learning, thoughRocket Leaguemakes the process smoother thanks to its flexibility. However, Spohn explained that whenRocket Leaguewas first released, the game wasn’t accessible as it is now.
Before,Rocket Leaguewouldn’t allow players to control their car with a mouse, and that they needed to use a controller or the W, S, A, D buttons on a keyboard - which can be difficult for some players with disabilities. However, after AbleGamers reached out to Psyonix, they discovered that one of the developers had someone close to them who had a disability. Spohn explained how the team was keen on knowing more about makingRocket Leagueaccessible, and less than a week later, they already had a solution on how they could implement different controls.
Rocket League was a natural fit not only because Psyonix cared about the same audience that we do, but because they also put their action behind their words.
Spohn went on to say that, while the video game industry has changed a lot and is now more open to hearing how accessibility is a good thing, not every publisher follows through with a lot of action. But, in the end,Logitech G and its partnerswere impressed withRocket League’scontinued commitment to welcoming players with disabilities by ensuring that the game remains accessible.
Spohn hopes that the Adaptive Esports Tournament takes on and that more players will participate in future events. As for what other game may be featured at the forthcoming Adaptive Esports Tournament, Spohn said thatRocket Leagueis still a strong contender, but it could be anything at this point. “Maybe the event could featureFortniteorFIFA. Who know’s what we’re going to do next?”
