Game changers

Sometimes, when you're fit and healthy, it's easy to forget just how difficult life can be for others. We take things for granted every day, and for this author, that includes playing video games. It's seems like such a simple thing, but not everyone is able to operate a DualShock 4 confidently enough to enjoy the PlayStation 4, and that breaks everyone at Push Square Towers' heart. Fortunately, it seems like Sony's taking some forward thinking measures to open gaming up to a few more.

While features like Suspend/Resume are certainly the highlights in the format's forthcoming firmware update v2.50, the new accessibility settings could quite literally change the game for many. Features available as part of the new system software's beta include text-to-speech, zoom, colour inversion, text enlargement, and more. Of course, we already know about the controller remapping options, too.

It's this latter inclusion, according to Steven Spohn of TheAbleGamers Foundation, which could end up being crucial for many. "We're talking millions of people who are suddenly going to have an easier time playing games," he told Huffington Post, noting that people with muscular diseases or disorders would theoretically be able to concoct control schemes that work around their ailments, potentially opening the door for them to play.

Still, while this is a step forward, Spohn was eager to point out that the solution is not yet perfect. Sony, for example, doesn't currently support third-party controllers on the PS4, which rules out custom button layouts tailored to a specific user's needs. That's a shame, and hopefully it's something that it'll rectify in the future. For now, though, these accessibility options – should they make it out of beta – seem like a solid first step.

Update: Just as we went to press, Sony confirmed that PS4 firmware update v2.50 will include the various accessibility options outlined above when it launches in the near future.

[source huffingtonpost.com, via twitter.com]