Video games have shaped our culture for many decades. Many remember classic games like Pong (1972), Space Invaders (1978), and Pac-Man (1980). In the years since, video gamers have been a growing part of our culture. The gaming world is vast and includes everything from games played using consoles to smartphone games like Candy Crush.
Gaming has become a way for people to connect socially in a virtual environment. Gaming has the potential to help people with disabilities experiencing social isolation connect with others. However, gaming devices may not always be accessible to people with disabilities, especially those with physical disabilities.
Fortunately, a number of devices and adaptations can make gaming accessible to many people with disabilities.
For example, a wide variety of accessible joysticks can make it easier for people with physical disabilities to play video games. Xbox has created an adaptive controller for their console. The Minnesota-based company QuadStick has created a control device for quadriplegics that combines a mouth-actuated joystick with sip and puff switches, allowing users to play complex games on modern systems like Switch, Xbox One, and PS4. Sony Entertainment itself also released its own “PlayStation Access” controller with a variety of buttons that can be moved and adapted to fit various needs. Additionally, over the years, they have expanded upon the accessibility features that are built into their PlayStation consoles at no additional cost to the consumer. These features include, but are not limited to, screen reader settings that, as of 2025, support 15 different languages, detailed audio settings that allow you to increase vocal audio and decrease background noise, among other things, and remappable controls to increase ease of use.
The gamer “Rocky No Hands,” who uses a QuadStick, has developed a following for his skills and has made it into the Guinness World Records.
With these innovations, people with disabilities can play video games and connect with others virtually.