PlayStation Store adds 50+ new accessibility labels for games

This week, PlayStation is introducing a range of new accessibility tags to PlayStation Store listings. As per the announcement on the PlayStation Blog on April 3rd, the PSN Store will undergo some changes to enhance accessibility.

Later this week, over 50 new tags will be added to PS4 and PS5 games on the storefront, aimed at providing more information on a title’s accessibility options.

One instance of the new accessibility tags that will be introduced is the ‘Visual’ tag, which allows game developers to indicate features such as “clear text, large text, colour alternatives, directional audio indicators and audio cues” that are related to the game’s visual display. Another category, the ‘Audio’ tag, will have tags like “volume controls, mono audio, screen reader, and visual cue alternatives” to describe the game’s audio features.

The listings also include ‘Control’ for titles that feature button remapping, thumbstick sensitivity adjustments, and allow playing without button holds, rapid button presses or motion control. Additionally, the ‘Online’ tag will indicate the availability of in-game text or voice chat transcription and ping communication options.

Accessibility tags to the PlayStation Store this week will be rolled out with selections like Returnal, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Gran Turismo 7, and God of War Ragnarok, featuring the new tags. According to PlayStation, the tags will be adopted by more developers in the coming weeks and months ahead.

One thing to note though, although the new accessibility tags are designed to work for both PS4 and PS5 titles, they will only be accessible on PlayStation 5 consoles. This development is a significant step towards better accessibility on PlayStation since it enables prospective buyers to thoroughly explore a game’s accessibility options before making a purchase.