Xbox is making it easier to find accessible games in its stores

Xbox is making it easier to find accessibility information for games, according to an announcement from the company at its Accessibility Showcase. Games in the Microsoft store will have accessibility feature tags, so players with disabilities can make sure games have the features they need before buying or downloading them. 

The tags are appearing in the store for members of the Xbox Accessibility Insiders League (XAIL) starting today and will eventually roll out to all Xbox users.

The tags address a major complaint among challenged players: they frequently have to conduct their own research to determine which games they may play. Certain features are listed in the store to simplify information that can be difficult to find, especially if it isn't available on developer websites or in reviews. 

Publishers will also be able to use the store to link to further information. While the tag system is currently only available in the Microsoft Store, Xbox claims it will soon be available on Xbox.com, the Xbox app for PC, and Xbox Game Pass apps.

Before expanding the availability of the tags, Xbox said it will seek input from XAIL members over the next month. Part of the fine-tuning for the tags include determining specific sets of criteria that games must fulfill in order to be labeled with each feature – a game with non-resizeable subtitles, for example, would fail to meet the subtitle choices tag's bar. There are already 20 tags on the list, including narrated game menus, input remapping, and single stick gaming, with more to come based on player feedback.