Steam Enhances Accessibility With Screen Reader Support
▼ Summary
– Valve is adding accessibility features to Steam Big Picture Mode and SteamOS, including UI modifications and a screen reader for SteamOS.
– New features include text size scaling, high-contrast mode, and a “reduce motion” toggle for both Big Picture Mode and SteamOS.
– SteamOS devices also get a screen reader with adjustable settings and color filters like grayscale or inverted display colors.
– Valve recently introduced game filtering by accessibility support and encourages user feedback for more features.
– The accessibility features are available in a new settings tab, with some options exclusive to SteamOS.
Valve has rolled out significant accessibility upgrades in its latest Steam beta, making gaming more inclusive for players with disabilities. The new features, available in Steam Big Picture Mode and SteamOS, introduce tools like high-contrast displays, text scaling, and a built-in screen reader, marking a major step forward in platform accessibility.
The update focuses on customization, allowing users to tailor their experience based on individual needs. For Big Picture Mode and SteamOS, players can now adjust text size with a scaling slider, switch to a high-contrast mode for better visibility, and reduce motion effects to minimize distractions. These changes aim to create a more comfortable interface for those with visual or cognitive impairments.
SteamOS devices, including the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S, gain additional functionality. A screen reader with adjustable pitch, volume, and speed can be activated via settings or a quick two-button shortcut. There’s also a color filter option that applies system-wide, offering grayscale, inverted brightness, or inverted color modes, useful for players with color blindness or light sensitivity.
Valve emphasizes this is just the beginning, with plans to expand accessibility further. Earlier this month, the platform introduced game filters to help users identify titles with features like adjustable difficulty, text-to-speech, or speech-to-text support. The company is actively seeking feedback through a community discussion thread, where players have already requested additions like a mono audio toggle.
For those uninterested in accessibility settings, the update still brings subtle improvements. While not yet tested, some speculate it might include a streamlined visual mode reminiscent of classic cinema aesthetics, though Valve hasn’t confirmed this.
The new options are housed under a dedicated Accessibility tab in settings, ensuring easy navigation. While Big Picture Mode lacks the screen reader and color filters, the changes reflect Valve’s commitment to making gaming more welcoming for everyone.
As the beta progresses, expect further refinements based on user input. For now, these features provide a solid foundation, addressing long-standing barriers in digital entertainment.
(Source: The Verge)
