Exploring Accessibility Features in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Closer Look

Get Ready for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Mark your calendars, gamers! Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to drop on March 20, and it’s bringing a fresh take on the beloved franchise. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, you can dive into this exciting world on PS5, XBOX Series X|S, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon via the Mac App Store, and Windows PC through platforms like the Ubisoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store.

This time, you’ll navigate the tumultuous late Sengoku era in Japan, stepping into the shoes of two compelling characters: the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the fierce samurai Yasuke. But what’s really exciting is how the development team is prioritizing accessibility to make sure everyone can enjoy the game. To get the scoop on their approach, we chatted with UX Director Jonathan Bedard.

Rebuilding for Accessibility

So, what’s different about this game? Well, as Bedard explains, the team has essentially rebuilt many core elements of the game from the ground up. This allowed them to rethink their approach to accessibility. “We had to redo many things, and it allowed us to revisit some elements that weren’t working as well as we’d hoped,” he shares.

One standout feature is the input remapping. Players can not only customize button functions but also decide whether an action requires a hold or a simple press. This flexibility is a huge win for gamers looking for a personalized experience.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Collaboration was key in this project, especially with the development team at Ubisoft Quebec. Bedard notes that interest in accessibility has grown significantly within the team. “The audio team was really invested and proposed ways to innovate and push the boundaries of what we do in accessibility,” he says.

Thanks to the dedicated accessibility teams, including those in Ukraine, the game will feature elements like audio descriptions for in-game cinematics. This is a rarity in the gaming world and speaks volumes about the commitment to inclusivity.

Proud Moments and Community Requests

When asked about features that stand out, Bedard beams about the audio descriptions for cinematics. “It was not supposed to be enabled for that meeting, but we ended up really impressed by how many emotions and actions were transposed through it,” he recalls. This feature is a game-changer, helping to convey the story’s nuances and emotions in a way that can resonate with all players.

It’s clear that the team’s passion for accessibility is making waves, and Bedard is proud to see this evolution. “I am proud to see this evolution, awareness, and care spreading and making our games more accessible every time,” he adds.

A Look at Accessibility Features

Curious about what accessibility features you can expect? Here’s a quick rundown:

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Visual Enhancements

: Colorblind options, screen narration for menu items and HUD elements, and comprehensive HUD customization.
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Audio Innovations

: Enhanced subtitles, gameplay captions, and audio descriptions for cinematics. Plus, a new audio glossary for non-visual navigation.
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Gameplay Assistance

: A first-time user experience flow, guided mode for streamlined gameplay, and tutorials available anytime.
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Control Customization

: Remap inputs and actions, use various input devices, and toggle lock-on camera features.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not just about epic battles and stealthy missions; it’s also about making gaming more accessible for everyone.

Pre-Order Now!

Ready to jump into this immersive experience? Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available for pre-order now and officially launches on March 20 across multiple platforms, including a later release for iPad. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a revolutionary chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga!

Background Information

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About Apple:

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About Epic Games:

Epic Games is a well-known American video game and software developer, established in 1991 and headquartered in Cary, North Carolina. The company has made significant contributions to the gaming industry, most notably through its Unreal Engine, a widely used game development platform. Beyond game engines, Epic Games is for its popular titles like Fortnite, which has achieved global cultural prominence.

  

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About Ubisoft:

Ubisoft is a important video game company that was founded in 1986 in France by the Guillemot brothers: Christian, Claude, Gérard, Michel, and Yves. The company is known for developing and publishing a wide range of popular video game franchises, including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, and Watch Dogs. Ubisoft is recognized for its commitment to delivering immersive and engaging gaming experiences across multiple platforms, from consoles and PCs to mobile devices.

  

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