Call of Duty is becoming more accessible!

Summary

In this engaging video, Steve Saylor discusses the accessibility improvements in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, a project he contributed to after a Twitch stream led to a collaboration with the developers. He highlights new features such as Asymmetrical Hearing Compensation for deaf players, enhanced High Contrast Mode for low-vision players, and various motor disability settings. Saylor emphasizes the importance of these advancements in making gaming more inclusive, while acknowledging that not all desired features are present yet. He expresses gratitude to the development teams and encourages viewers to try the game, showcasing the ongoing commitment to accessibility in gaming.

Takeaways

• 😀 Steve Saylor, a blind gamer, collaborated with the Call of Duty team to improve accessibility in gaming.
• 🎮 The upcoming game, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, will feature significant accessibility enhancements.
• 🔊 A new feature called Asymmetrical Hearing Compensation allows players to adjust the volume of specific frequencies per ear.
• 👁️ High Contrast Mode has been expanded to include both campaign and Zombies mode, improving visibility for players with low vision.
• 🏃‍♂️ Intelligent Movement assists players with motor disabilities by enabling actions like sprinting and crouching with fewer inputs.
• 🖥️ Players can customize the HUD layout and color options to reduce visual clutter, enhancing gameplay experience.
• 🐜 An arachnophobia setting in Zombies mode allows players to avoid encounters with spiders, catering to those with specific phobias.
• ⏸️ Players can pause and save their progress in Zombies mode, reducing cognitive load and allowing for breaks during gameplay.
• ♿ Both Xbox Adaptive Controller and PlayStation Access Controller will be supported, enhancing accessibility for motor-disabled players.
• 🌟 Saylor emphasizes that while Black Ops 6 may not have every desired feature, it represents a significant step toward making gaming more inclusive.

Q & A

What prompted Steve Saylor to start collaborating with the *Call of Duty* development team?

Steve criticized the *Call of Duty* franchise for being the least accessible in video game history during a stream. A developer in the chat reached out to him afterward, leading to his collaboration to improve accessibility.

What is Asymmetrical Hearing Compensation, and how does it benefit players?

Asymmetrical Hearing Compensation allows deaf and hard-of-hearing players to adjust the volume of individual sound frequencies per ear, helping those who may hear some frequencies better than others to customize their audio experience.

How has the High Contrast Mode improved in *Black Ops 6* compared to previous games?

The High Contrast Mode in *Black Ops 6* has been expanded to include both the campaign and Zombies mode, with enhanced settings that allow players to adjust colors and backgrounds for better visibility.

What features are included in the Intelligent Movement option for players with motor disabilities?

Intelligent Movement includes features like sprint assist, crouch assist, and corner slice, allowing players to perform these movements without needing additional inputs, thereby improving accessibility.

What customization options are available for the HUD in *Black Ops 6*?

Players can choose from several HUD presets, adjusting the layout and color of elements like the minimap, enhancing clarity and reducing visual clutter according to individual needs.

What unique feature does Zombies mode introduce to accommodate new players?

Zombies mode now includes a pausing feature that allows players to pause and save their progress, making it easier for players to take breaks and manage gameplay without pressure.

How do adaptive controllers work with *Black Ops 6*?

Both the Xbox Adaptive Controller and the PlayStation Access Controller will work out of the box with *Black Ops 6*, along with a variety of motor disability accessibility settings.

What percentage of *Call of Duty* players are utilizing the accessibility menu?

Nearly 45% of all *Call of Duty* players have accessed the accessibility menu, which underscores the importance and relevance of these features for a significant portion of the player base.

What overall progress does Saylor see in the *Call of Duty* franchise regarding accessibility?

Saylor notes that while not all desired features are present in *Black Ops 6*, the game represents a significant first step toward making the *Call of Duty* franchise more accessible, with ongoing efforts expected in future titles.

How does Steve Saylor feel about the collaboration and the features implemented in *Black Ops 6*?

Saylor expresses pride in his work with the team and enthusiasm for the accessibility features being implemented, although he wishes for more comprehensive options. He appreciates the developers' dedication to improving accessibility in gaming.