Turn 10 Studios, the developer behind Forza Motorsport, has unveiled a preview of the game’s accessibility features. In a bid to make the racing simulator more enjoyable for blind and low-vision players, the studio has introduced Blind Driving Assists, an innovative feature that offers supplemental audio cues to help players navigate. These cues provide audible information on a range of factors, including track position and orientation, progress during turns, and the deceleration level required for the car.
Turn 10 spent two years developing Blind Driving Assists with the help of accessibility consultant Brandon Cole, who is blind, and other blind and low-vision players. The feature enables the steering guide option to pan engine noise and tire sounds to the left or right, depending on the direction players should turn, and beeping sounds to alert them when they are nearing the edge of the track. Cole tested the feature and was able to win a race against a group of AI-driven cars, highlighting the potential benefits of these cues for visually impaired gamers.
Blind and low-vision players can preview the audio cues in the accessibility menu, with in-depth descriptions of each cue included thanks to the inclusion of a customizable screen narrator. Players can individually switch each set of cues on and off and adjust the pitch and volume to suit their preferences. The feature is expected to be a game-changer for players who want to play Forza Motorsport but face challenges due to their visual impairments.
The game’s accessibility features don’t stop there, as Turn 10 has also included One Touch Driving, a feature that enables players to customize braking, steering, and throttle assists to minimize the number of simultaneous inputs required. This feature was created in collaboration with players who have mobility and stamina disabilities, offering greater accessibility to those who may find it difficult to hold down buttons or press several buttons at the same time.
Forza Motorsport is expected to launch later this year and will be available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam. Alongside Blind Driving Assists and One Touch Driving, players can also expect other accessibility features such as full controller remapping, colorblindness filters, and customizable subtitles.
