Electronic Arts Continues to Move Inclusive Gaming Forward

In a recent move to continue pushing forward inclusivity and accessibility in gaming, we recently announced the open-sourcing of IRIS, a user-friendly photosensitivity analysis tool, and the pledging of four additional accessibility-related video game patents, aiming to eliminate in-game barriers for players.

The photosensitivity analysis tool, IRIS, was developed by EA as part of its ongoing commitment to positive play, and automatically analyzes and identifies frames within videos that could potentially impact players who experience photosensitivity. According to the Epilepsy Society in the UK and the Epilepsy Foundation in the US, at least 5% of the 50 million¹ people worldwide with epilepsy are photosensitive, in addition to many other people who experience symptoms triggered by exposure to certain kinds of flashing lights.

Designed with accessibility in mind, IRIS offers a quick-to-understand analysis for developers creating visual digital content. The tool simplifies the process of checking for flashing lights or rapidly changing spatial patterns, allowing developers to identify potential photosensitivity issues early in the development pipeline. IRIS has already been put to use in select content within popular EA SPORTS™ games like EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 24, EA SPORTS™ FC 24, and EA SPORTS™ WRC, with plans to expand its use across additional visual content in the future. The code for the software can be found here.

In addition to open-sourcing IRIS, EA is also making technology from four additional patents available for royalty-free use, expanding on its industry-first accessibility patent pledge launched in August 2021. This pledge provides competitors and developers with free access to accessibility-related patented technology, aligning with EA's goal to reduce or eliminate as many accessibility barriers as possible in video games.

The four patents cover:

• Automated Player Control Takeover: A system that detects when a player disengages from the game and converts their player-controlled character to a system-driven character, resembling the player's gameplay style. This technology aids people with disabilities who may experience moments where they cannot immediately interact with the game.
• Adaptive Gaming Tutorial System: An intelligent and adaptive system that provides players with tailored guidance on in-game commands and techniques based on their skill or play style. This technology assists players with disabilities by offering custom guidance to reduce specific barriers while playing the game.
• Route Navigation System: Initially used in Mirror's Edge Catalyst, this patent covers a system that generates navigation routes and displays aiding lines to direct players through large and complex game environments. It benefits cognitive and visual accessibility, helping players who find it challenging to navigate through game worlds.
• Animated and Personalized Coach for Video Games: A system that provides an animated and personalized coach offering in-game and out-of-game insights to improve players' performances. The animated coach makes it easier for players to digest and implement insights, enhancing their overall gaming experience.

Kerry Hopkins, SVP of Global Affairs at EA, expressed, "Our patent pledge was created on the principle that everyone, no matter their background, should be able to enjoy video games." She added, "We want to enable developers across the community to break down barriers to participation, create safer, more inclusive, more accessible, and ultimately more fun experiences for players worldwide."

This move by EA builds on its previous accessibility initiatives, including the launch of the Electronic Arts accessibility portal, where players can learn about accessibility features, voice concerns, and suggest improvements. Last year, EA pledged six accessibility patents, and in 2021, it open-sourced Fonttik, a tool that identifies text in visual content, ensuring it meets specified size and contrast ratio criteria for readability by players with varying vision conditions. The gaming community has welcomed these initiatives, with the patented 'Ping System' used in Apex Legends being particularly well-received by players.