Electronic Arts (EA) has added eight new patents to its Accessibility First Patent Pledge, furthering the company’s commitment to making video games more inclusive. These patents include a variety of technologies aimed at improving gameplay for people with different needs, ranging from grapple assist features to speech and audio generation tools.
One notable addition is the patent for "Intent-based Models for Use in Selecting Actions in Video Games," which powers the Grapple Assist feature in EA Sports UFC. This system helps simplify grappling transitions and controls by automatically identifying the best move from a single player input. According to EA, this technology makes the game more accessible by reducing cognitive and motor demands, making it easier for players to engage with complex mechanics.
In addition to the grapple assist, EA introduced several advancements in speech and audio generation. The new patents include Expressive Speech Audio Generation, Robust Speech Audio Generation, and Speech Prosody Prediction. These technologies aim to assist players with speech disorders or those who need help expressing themselves verbally in-game. EA explained that the tools help players communicate in a way that feels more authentic and clear, providing greater control and creativity over their in-game voices. They also enhance the accessibility of games by enabling voice features in experiences that might otherwise have none.
Electronic Arts also made updates to its text size and contrast tool, Fonttik, which was already designed to help players with visual impairments. The latest version includes new features like colorblindness simulation filters, which can help developers create more inclusive games by accommodating players with various types of color blindness.
Kerry Hopkins, EA's Senior Vice President of Global Affairs, shared the company's mission: “Our aim over the past five years has been to create more accessible gameplay experiences for everyone, no matter how or where they play, and open up video games to as wide an audience as possible.” Hopkins continued, “By making these patents and technologies available to the wider industry, we hope to collectively reach more players, covering areas like photosensitivity analysis and color blindness adjustments.”
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