Most Accessible Video and Board Games for Visually Impaired

Author: Lenstore
Published: 13 Mar 2021 - Updated: 4 Nov 2026
Publication Type: Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information presents a 2021 analysis by Lenstore, an online contact lens retailer, ranking the highest-rated video games for visual accessibility features such as color deficiency filters, adjustable font size, HUD scaling and contrast settings, along with traditional board games that can be adapted for people with low vision. Main findings show The Last of Us Part II leading with 60 accessibility options and native text-to-speech, while only two of the ten most popular games of 2020 offered support for color deficient players. It matters because more than 3 billion people play video games, and design choices like small text and color-coded cues can shut out players with visual impairments. The rankings are useful for blind and low vision gamers, older players whose eyesight is changing, and families choosing games to enjoy together.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Chess and Cribbage top the list of adaptable board games.
• 2 - World of Warcraft, released in 2004, ranked as the second most accessible game.
• 3 - Cyberpunk 2077 includes color filters and text sizing, but not all controls can be remapped.
• 4 - The Last of Us Part II offers presets for vision, hearing and motor needs, plus options to skip puzzles and avoid falling.

Topic Definition

Video Game Accessibility

Video game accessibility is the practice of designing games so that people with disabilities can play them, through features such as adjustable text size, color blindness filters, high contrast modes, text-to-speech, subtitles, remappable controls and difficulty or assist options. For players with visual impairments, these settings can replace or supplement visual cues with audio and haptic feedback, making it possible to navigate menus, follow the story and compete on more equal terms with other players.

Overview

Lenstore has taken an in-depth look at the top rated and most accessible video games and board games to reveal how well the industry supports visually-impaired gamers.

The variety of features available like adjustable font, color deficiency filters and text-to-speech make The Last of Us 2 one of the most accessible video games of all time. 2020's most popular games rank poorly for their support for visually-impaired players with only 2 out of 10 offering support for color deficient players. Chess, Cribbage and Liar's Dice are some of the best board games for those that have visual-impairments.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has meant that many of us have spent an unprecedented amount of time indoors and at home with not much to do - other than baking banana bread and binge-watching TV - numerous people are turning to playing games.

Lenstore has taken an in-depth look at the top-rated games of all time that offer a color deficient mode, to determine the most accessible game for those with visual-impairment. The most popular games of 2020 were also analyzed to find out how equipped they are for disabled players and to highlight the lack of accessibility for those with disabilities in the gaming industry.

A study by DFC found that as of August 2020 over 3 billion people around the world were playing video games and with the next gaming generation such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X finally here, this number is set to grow.

However, most video games and board games available these days are designed for those with perfect vision in mind. The small text, flashing images and colors that don't support those with color deficiency are often overlooked in the gaming community.

Analyzing the best rated accessible games, it's no surprise that 2020's The Last of Us Part II proved the best for people with a visual impairment: the publisher, Naughty Dog, set out to create a game accessible for as many players as possible and they accomplished this by providing 60 accessibility settings.

The game has accessibility presets which include recommended settings for vision, hearing and motor, however players are able to modify these so that it fits their individual needs. The game is also one of very few in the industry with native support for Text-to-Speech and offers a number of specific gameplay features - skip puzzles, avoid falling, and hide from enemies - that are designed to meet the needs of those that are visually-impaired.

The color deficiency support includes filters for Protanopia, Deuteranopia, and Tritanopia, as well as customizable HUD coloration. The Last of Us Part II was first released only on PlayStation 4, with a remastered version following on PlayStation 5 in 2024 and on PC in 2025. The next most accessible game, World of Warcraft, is only for PC players, but is one of the longest-standing games on the list, having been released in 2004.

Accessibility in Recent Games

While it is important to celebrate the specific video games that are successfully accessible to all, there is still more work to be done to adopt this across all mainstream games. The following games were rated as the best in 2020 and have been ranked by how they stack up when it comes to supporting those with visual-impairments:

It's clear that mainstream games are falling short in providing support for those with color deficiency.

While games that appeared in the most accessible games list, like The Last of Us Part II and Microsoft Flight Simulator, offer distinct modes to support visually-impaired users, other popular games like Ori and The Will of the Wisps offer little to no aid at all.

Although it didn't make it into the top-rated games, driven down by recurring bugs and underdeveloped systems, Cyberpunk 2077 was the biggest digital game launch of all time. It incorporates multiple aim assist options, as well as the option to remove weapon sway and adjust text size. Filters for protanopia, deuteranopia and tritanopia (color deficiency) are all available. While it almost matches The Last of Us Part II for options, users might be surprised to find that in Cyberpunk 2077 not all controls can be changed, even on the PC version.

Board games that are accessible to the most visually-impaired

Board games are a great activity for friends and families spending time together, and with only minimal adjustments for those with visual-impairments, they can provide some tremendous fun with the people close to you. These are the top five board games (based on rankings from Board Game Geek (BGG)) which are either suitable for all or can be adapted for play by anyone with visual-impairments:

Roshni Patel from Lenstore comments:

"This study highlights a need for more accessibility in the gaming industry, as well as emphasizing the importance of including features that can support players with a disability, to make this popular hobby inclusive for all."

"It is great to see that certain games are giving consideration to those with visual-impairments, however, there is more that can be done to help support the millions of players who are currently missing out. We hope that with this study we can bring to light the need to set a standard for how games should be adapted in order to be welcoming for all types of gamers."

Study Methodology

We collected data from the highest rated games on Metacritic in 2020 as well as those that offered support for color deficient players (please see all metrics below). Each metric was awarded a score and these were combined and indexed to determine the most and least accessible video games.

To determine the best board games, a seedlist of traditional board games that can be adapted for visual-impaired people was used. For each, a "BGG Average Score" and rank was found on BoardGameGeek, which was then used to rank them. The "BGG Average Score" is based on the average of all the ratings from registered BGG users which has been calculated by adding up the individual ratings and dividing by the number of ratings.

Game Metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

What is a color deficiency filter in a video game?

A color deficiency filter adjusts the colors on screen so that players with protanopia, deuteranopia or tritanopia can tell important elements apart. Games often let players pick the filter that matches their type of color blindness.

Can blind players enjoy mainstream video games?

Some blind players complete mainstream games using audio cues, screen readers and navigation assists, especially in titles designed with these features. Audio games built specifically around sound are another popular option.

How can I make board games easier to play with low vision?

Large print cards, high contrast boards, tactile markers and Braille labels can make many board games easier to play. Good lighting and keeping pieces in fixed positions also help.

Do game consoles have built-in accessibility settings?

Current consoles include system settings such as text resizing, zoom, color adjustments and, on some systems, screen readers. These settings apply across menus and can be combined with in-game options.

What is HUD scaling?

HUD scaling lets players resize the heads-up display, which shows information such as health, maps and objectives on screen. Larger elements are easier to see for players with low vision.

Are there controllers designed for players with disabilities?

Yes, adaptive controllers such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller and the PlayStation Access controller let players customize buttons and connect switches. They can help players who combine visual impairments with limited hand mobility.

Where can I find accessibility reviews of new games?

Organizations that focus on disability and gaming, such as Can I Play That and AbleGamers, publish reviews and guides on accessibility features. Many game publishers also post accessibility details before release.

Is text-to-speech common in video games?

Text-to-speech is still less common than subtitles or color options, but more games now read menus and on-screen text aloud. Some consoles also offer system-wide screen readers that work in menus.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Accessibility in gaming has moved quickly since this ranking, with more studios publishing dedicated accessibility menus, screen reader support and high contrast modes as standard features rather than optional extras. The Last of Us Part II, the clear leader here, is now also available on PlayStation 5 and PC, widening access for players who use different platforms and assistive setups. The bigger picture is that small design decisions, such as letting players resize text, change colors or slow down gameplay, often decide whether someone with low vision can play at all. Players can check accessibility reviews from groups such as Can I Play That and AbleGamers before buying, and adapted board games with tactile pieces remain a reliable option for shared play at home.*

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by Lenstore and published on 13 Mar 2021. Last updated on 4 Nov 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.