Xbox & Special Olympics Host 'Gaming for Inclusion' Esports Event

The Growing Movement Towards Accessibility in Esports

The gaming landscape is progressively embracing accessibility, yet this trend hasn't fully extended to the realm of esports. Esports, mirroring traditional sports, inherently possesses a competitive nature that can be somewhat exclusive. Currently, Xbox and the Special Olympics are collaborating on a novel event designed to merge competition with inclusivity, and the event is underway.

Special Olympics Gaming Tournament

This week marks a period of competition for Special Olympics athletes in tournaments featuring Rocket League, Madden NFL 22, and Forza Motorsport 7. Beyond the prestige and personal satisfaction, the prize includes the opportunity to play alongside prominent celebrity supporters. These include NBA star Jayson Tatum, NFL veteran Jamaal Charles, WNBA standout Jewell Loyd, and WWE Superstars Dominik Mysterio and Ember Moon – a truly impressive lineup!

Jenn Panattoni, head of Xbox Social Impact, emphasized the significance of this tournament. She stated that it represents a crucial step towards broadening access to esports and empowers Special Olympics athletes with a new avenue for competition. Xbox has consistently invested in accessibility features and products, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller, alongside functionalities like copilot and speech-to-text. The overarching aim of this ongoing effort is to foster a welcoming environment where all players feel a sense of belonging on the Xbox platform.

Broadcast Details and Viewing Information

The tournaments are currently being recorded and will be broadcast throughout the week. A “celebrity showcase” is scheduled for Saturday, featuring recaps of the events. Viewers can find a detailed schedule at the bottom of this article. Regular updates and broadcasts will be available on the Xbox Twitch channel and the Special Olympics YouTube channel.

Highlighting the Importance of Accessibility

It’s important to showcase events like these, as accessibility has historically been a secondary consideration within the gaming world. Now, however, we are witnessing substantial progress from developers, publishers, and partners dedicated to improving inclusivity. Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller serves as a prime example, alongside the comprehensive range of visual, audio, and difficulty options found in the latest Ratchet & Clank game. Esports, in particular, requires increased diversity, and the participating players expressed their enthusiasm for taking part.

Insights were gathered from Special Olympics athletes Jose Moreno and Colton Rice regarding their perspectives on the matter.

Athlete Perspectives on Competitive Gaming Accessibility

Do you believe competitive gaming is becoming more accessible?

Rice: Undoubtedly, competitive gaming is becoming more accessible. Not only are the games themselves becoming more inclusive, but accessibility features empower individuals with disabilities to become more competitive players. Athletes with intellectual disabilities are consistently striving to perform at their best. We aspire to participate alongside everyone else, and sometimes simply require a little assistance to achieve that.

Moreno: I concur that competitive gaming is growing in accessibility, largely due to Microsoft’s introduction of accessible video game controllers designed for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities – truly accessible to all. As a lifelong gamer, I can attest that accessibility in esports has been transformative. Accessible gaming was unavailable during my childhood; today, it’s significantly more enjoyable to play with friends of all abilities, fostering universal participation.

Special Olympics athletes Colton Rice, left, and Jose Moreno. Image Credits: Special Olympics

How are you personally experiencing this shift?

Moreno: In my view, the more the video game industry embraces individuals with intellectual disabilities, the more the gaming community will recognize our genuine passion for video games, mirroring that of everyone else. Events like Gaming for Inclusion not only allow me to compete but also ensure I am included as a valued member of a welcoming gaming community.

Rice: Individuals with intellectual disabilities possess unique skills and a keen attention to detail. When we are committed to a goal, we dedicate ourselves to practice until we reach our full potential, especially when we genuinely enjoy the activity – and that certainly includes gaming. People with disabilities may require additional time to learn, but unwavering dedication to a passion will ultimately lead to success.

Future Improvements and Industry Involvement

What improvements would you like to see from developers and publishers?

Moreno: I would like to see greater inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities within the video game workforce. People with intellectual disabilities can fulfill a variety of roles and offer unique perspectives on enhancing the gaming experience. Publishers and developers could benefit from diverse viewpoints from individuals with disabilities, whether through representation in storylines or inclusion within the games themselves. We are eager to contribute to this process, and many passionate gamers with intellectual disabilities would welcome opportunities to participate in focus groups or as creators within the industry.

Rice: Game companies strive to create high-quality, enjoyable games for everyone. However, there is still considerable room for improvement in accessibility. For example, it can be frustrating when gamers with intellectual disabilities encounter complex instructions when learning a new game. Mastering a new version of a familiar game can take hours. This doesn’t imply a lack of capability; it simply highlights the need for better accessibility tools to facilitate learning.

If gaming companies aim to create accessible and inclusive games, they could greatly benefit from involving gamers with intellectual disabilities in the creative process. This could involve developing or testing “easy read” instructions, or simplifying navigation within games. Gaming has the power to build communities and connect individuals who may feel excluded. Accessibility ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy the experience.

This competition, along with other online gaming events, has been instrumental in maintaining connection and engagement within the Special Olympics community during recent challenging times.

“Special Olympics has a long-established partnership with Microsoft that has proven invaluable to the athletes and families within the Special Olympics movement,” stated Prianka Nandy, the organization’s chief information and technology officer. “The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a primary focus on the safety and well-being of our athletes, who are among the most vulnerable to severe outcomes from the virus. This resulted in the cancellation and postponement of thousands of annual in-person events and competitions, depriving our athletes of opportunities for connection and the joy of camaraderie. Currently, our goals are to raise awareness of the Special Olympics movement, celebrate the accomplishments and aspirations of our incredible athletes, and foster positive attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disabilities within the gaming community, all while reinforcing the idea that gaming can be fun and inclusive for all.”