All our patents belong to you: US publisher Electronic Arts grants competitors free access to patents and technologies related to accessibility.
Update from December 6, 2024: Every year, the US company Electronic Arts expands free access to protected technologies that are intended to ensure greater accessibility in games: 23 patents were added for International Day of Disabilities on December 3rd.
The package includes a plugin for Unreal Engine 5, which can be used to analyze light sensitivity (IRIS). Other focuses: personalized speech recognition, generating speech within games based on the voice of players or emotion-based switching of music using deep learning.
Kerry Hopkins, SVP of Global Affairs at EA: “We believe that games should be accessible to everyone, and our teams – some of the best in the industry – are always looking for new ways to make that happen. By making this technology available to others, we are continually working to create accessibility and inclusivity for gamers around the world and break down unintended barriers.”
Further information is available on one specially created accessibility portal.
Update from December 5, 2023: Electronic Arts has released four additional patents designed to improve accessibility in video games – including tools for automating player control takeover, an adaptive gaming tutorial system, a route navigation system and a personalized trainer.
In addition, the US publisher provides a tool for analyzing light sensitivity as an open source solution: The so-called IRIS technology enables game developers to identify and eliminate possible risks and side effects for epilepsy patients from the outset. The system has already been installed EA Sports FC 24 and other EA innovations.
Further information is available on one dedicated website.
Report from August 24, 2021: When Microsoft hosts the Xbox Gamescom stream tonight, there will also be a dedicated channel in German sign language. And in the Sony action game The Last of Us 2 There are more than 60 settings and accessibility options so that players with physical limitations are not excluded.
There's no question: accessibility is high on the priority list of game manufacturers. Today Electronic Arts published a remarkable decision: The US company (Fifa, The Sims, Battlefield) releases five patents and technologies that may be used in the future by other game developers, including direct competitors.
The aim is to support as many players as possible who are challenged by visual, speech, hearing or perception limitations. This includes, among other things, the so-called “ping system”, which was only waved through by the US Patent and Trademark Office today. The technology is out Apex Legends known and ensures that communication can be carried out with visual and acoustic commands and announcements – even without a headset and microphone. This is intended to reduce negative behavior in the game and generally make the product more accessible.
The same applies to three other patents that particularly support people with visual impairments: The technologies can detect and adjust colors, brightness and contrast – making objects with similar light levels stand out better from each other. The fifth patent is about personalized sound technology: depending on your hearing preferences, music can be adapted to any hearing limitations.
“We hope that other developers can benefit greatly from these patents”says Chris Bruzzo, Executive Vice President of Positive Play, Commercial and Marketing at EA. “We encourage those with the resources, innovation and creativity to make their own commitments so that accessibility in video games can be a priority.”