Steam to Filter Games by Accessibility Features

04/25/2025 Gaming

Valve is gearing up to roll out a new feature on Steam that will allow users to filter games based on their accessibility features. This update, expected later this year, aims to make it easier for players with specific needs to find games that cater to them.

What to Expect

The new filters will appear in the usual sidebar on the Steam store, where users can already filter by genre and other criteria. The update will introduce a range of accessibility-focused options, including: * Adjustable Text Size * Alternative Color Options * Adjustable Difficulty * Menu Narration * Subtitle Options * Camera Comfort * Mouse Only Option These features will also be listed on individual game store pages, in the same area that displays information like single-player support or controller compatibility.

Developer Involvement

For this system to work effectively, developers will need to self-report the accessibility features included in their games. Valve has created a questionnaire within Steamworks to streamline this process. While not mandatory, developers are strongly encouraged to participate to help players with accessibility needs discover their games. Valve has provided definitions for each accessibility option to help standardize the process. However, some argue that adopting definitions from organizations like the Accessible Game Initiative would further enhance consistency across different gaming platforms. While the new tags will be helpful, users may still need to delve into a game's specific options to understand the full extent of its accessibility features. The definitions are broad, and it will be up to developers to provide detailed descriptions of their implementations. The exact release date for these new filter options remains unclear, as Valve is waiting for developers to have enough time to implement the new system. Once available, this update promises to be a significant step forward in making gaming more inclusive and accessible for all players.