With the highly anticipated launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 just around the corner on Oct. 20, 2023, Sony Group Corp’s SONY Insomniac Games, the developer behind the hit franchise, is taking strides to ensure that players of all abilities can enjoy the web-slinging adventure.
In a recent announcement, the studio detailed a range of accessibility features designed to make the game more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
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Michele Zorrilla, advanced senior UX researcher at Insomniac Games, introduced some of the key accessibility features available at launch.
Challenge Level Modifiers And Gameplay Assists
To cater to players of varying skill levels, Insomniac Games is introducing Challenge Level Modifiers. These modifiers allow players to customize aspects of the gameplay, including Enemy Health, Enemy Damage and Stealth Awareness, to suit their preferences or needs.
Additionally, the studio is bringing back helpful gameplay features such as Chase Assist, Quick Time Event (QTE) Autocomplete, changing Repeated Button Presses from Taps to Holds and Web-Shooter Burst. These features aim to reduce motor fatigue and provide players with more time to react to in-game scenarios.
Shortcuts And Game Speed
Insomniac Games is also incorporating Shortcuts into Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, allowing players to assign various options to the Left or Right D-pad buttons. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with pressing multiple buttons simultaneously or wish to access specific gameplay options with ease.
Furthermore, the studio is implementing Game Speeds of 70%, 50% and 30% of real-time rate, accessible through Shortcut buttons. These Game Speeds enable players to slow down the action, giving them more time to react to challenging gameplay situations.
Audio Frequency Controls
To enhance the gaming experience for those with specific audio preferences, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will feature Audio Frequency Controls. Players can disable uncomfortable sounds using High Frequency Cutoff, Low Frequency Cutoff or a custom setting with the Notch Frequency Filter. This allows players to enjoy the game’s audio while tailoring it to their needs.
Post Launch Accessibility
After the game’s launch in October 2023, the studio plans to introduce additional features to enhance the experience further:
- Audio Descriptions: These will provide visual context and narration-style voice-overs for cinematics and Quick Time Events (QTEs) in multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for players who use Audio Descriptions.
- Screen Reader: The Screen Reader will assist players in navigating onscreen items, including in-game menus and the map. Customizable options will ensure a tailored experience for all players.
- Captions: Captions will be available for cinematics and key audio moments in gameplay, with extensive customization options.
These additional accessibility features will be delivered to players via a free update in December 2023.
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Photo: Courtesy of PlayStation.
