FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REDMOND, October 7th, 2024 – In an exciting announcement, the highly anticipated GAconf USA has unveiled its lineup for the upcoming accessibility conference, scheduled to take place on October 28th-29th. This pivotal event focuses on enhancing game accessibility for players with disabilities and will be hosted by the International Game Developers Association's (IGDA) accessibility Special Interest Group (SIG).

GAconf is a game-changer in the industry, blending both online and in-person formats. Participants can join for free via Zoom and Discord or attend live in Redmond, making the conference accessible to a broader audience than ever before.

This year's agenda is extensive and tackles crucial subjects that range from crafting effective subtitle line breaks to the cognitive accessibility in games like Jedi Survivor. With case studies on major titles such as Assassin's Creed Nexus VR and Mysteques, participants will delve into the importance of inclusive game design. Other crucial discussions will address pressing topics like blind gaming, the accessibility considerations in live service games, and the portrayal of Tourette’s syndrome in the gaming world. There will even be a session on adapting the classic game Doom to cater to blind gamers.

The lineup features prominent voices from both indie studios and major AAA publishers, including industry giants like Blizzard, EA, Maxis, and Xbox. Attendees will also hear from disabled gamers and advocates, providing invaluable firsthand insights into the gaming experience. Notable speakers include renowned accessibility activists such as Kennedie Griggs and Shaylyn Baker, along with innovative developers from indie teams like Dark Horse and Lemonade Games.

In addition to the main conference, attendees can participate in two exciting fringe events: a comprehensive accessibility workshop at Digipen on October 27th, and tours of the Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab on the evening of October 28th.

The importance of game accessibility is rapidly gaining recognition, with a growing number of developers understanding its potential to increase gaming inclusivity. Participants will leave with actionable insights and knowledge that will empower them to create games that reach a diverse player base, ensuring no one is left out of the cultural and social benefits that gaming can offer.

GAconf promises a vibrant environment filled with networking opportunities, industry-leading knowledge, and hands-on tips that will inspire attendees to help redefine what gaming accessibility means.

Feedback from Past Attendees:

“I've never felt more motivated as a designer than after attending this conference!” – Jess Hider, Technical Designer, Rare

“It was enlightening to hear firsthand experiences from players; it reshapes our understanding of the need for accessibility.” – Nikki Crenshaw, UX Researcher, Blizzard

“It’s a fantastic experience filled with practical tips on game accessibility!” – Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer, Microsoft

About IGDA-GASIG:

The IGDA Game Accessibility SIG has been dedicated since 2003 to improving accessibility for the gaming population, ensuring that games are inclusive for all players regardless of their disabilities. For further details, visit the official website.

Don’t Miss Out!

Make sure to register today for conference updates and to secure your spot in this transformative journey toward inclusive gaming!