There’s been a growing conversation surrounding the long-anticipated Starfield, primarily driven by accessibility concerns from the disabled community. With years in the making, many expected a more inclusive experience. However, the final product leaves much to be desired from an accessibility perspective.

The Good, The Bad, and The Inaccessible

The complex nature of Starfield’s accessibility conundrum is evident. On one hand, the game boasts features like auto-movement and auto-sprinting, invaluable for traversing expansive terrains. On the other, the design fails to accommodate players with specific accessibility needs. Issues arise from conflicting button assignments and limited keybinding options.

Further complicating matters are certain accessibility features locked behind game progression. Vital features like High Contrast Vision, essential for players with visual disabilities, become accessible only after completing specific missions. This approach is counterintuitive. If these features are meant to aid players with disabilities, why are they tucked away, making them harder to access?

A Personal Journey with Bethesda

Reminiscing about Bethesda titles like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, Fallout 3, and Skyrim brings a mix of emotions. These titles provided countless hours of immersive gameplay, but the landscape drastically changed with Fallout 4.

By 2015, the progression of my neuromuscular disability rendered the use of dual control sticks challenging. Encounters in Fallout 4 highlighted the pressing need for accessibility features, with unmodifiable controls further limiting the gaming experience. Seeing similar accessibility issues resurface in Starfield underscores Bethesda’s lack of progress in this crucial area.

The Xbox Factor: Can it Really Save the Day?

The acquisition of gaming studios has become commonplace, with Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard being a prime example. While acquisitions bring potential for change, it’s essential to understand that accessibility largely remains at the discretion of the individual development team.

Starfield serves as a stark reminder that even with a parent company like Xbox, known for its accessibility endeavors, accessibility practices can’t be enforced if the studio is resistant to them.

Closing Thoughts

In a time when the gaming industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of accessibility, Starfield’s shortcomings are jarringly evident. While the game continues to receive accolades, its outdated accessibility practices overshadow what could have been a more inclusive gaming experience.

For many, Starfield represents a classic Bethesda adventure. But for disabled players, it’s a poignant reminder that the journey toward universal accessibility in gaming is still a long and challenging one.

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