Facebook-owned Oculus has introduced new virtual reality checks (VRCs) focused on making games more accessible.
In a blog post – as spotted by GI.biz – the company rolled out a new slew of recommendations that are designed to specifically address accessibility issues for its Rift and Quest headsets. In the normal run of things, VRCs are requirements for games; the ones Oculus has just introduced are recommendations.
These VRCs cover a range of disabilities, saying that games should not be designed for "solely for the average user." Text needs to be designed to be accessible, meaning that studios need to run tests with audio disabled or a monochromatic filter to remove colour, presumably for those with visual and audio impairments.
"Oculus is committed to publishing diverse and inclusive applications that make virtual reality accessible to everyone, and we will continue to share additional resources to help developers implement accessible designs." the company wrote.
Facebook revealed a new Oculus quest headset in September.
Accessibility has become a real focus in video games in recent years. In 2018, Microsoft revealed its Adaptive Controller, which was designed to be customisable to the needs of differently-abled players.
Speaking to PCGamesInsider.biz at Develop:Brighton 2018, Mixer program manager, and gaming and disability community lead at the Big M Tara Voekler said that making games more accessibile is not only the right thing to do; it's also good for business. You can read our full interview with Voekler right here.
Her remarks were echoed at the same event the following year by Nopia's Felicia Prehn, who said that catering for disabled people is a good business move.