🎮 Microsoft USA vs UK: Accessibility for Deaf Gamers – Time for Equal Support 🎮
- Tim Scannell
- May 16
- 2 min read
Microsoft has made great efforts to help Deaf and hard-of-hearing gamers. However, there is a difference between how Microsoft USA and Microsoft UK support Deaf players, especially regarding sign language.
USA: ASL and Accessibility (Since 2016)
In the USA, many Deaf players use American Sign Language (ASL).
Microsoft USA follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures that Deaf players can get help through ASL support services. Since 2016, Microsoft has provided ASL support, including video chat with ASL interpreters for customer service.
The Xbox and Microsoft games have many accessibility features, like subtitles, visual cues, and vibration to help Deaf players enjoy the games without missing important sounds.
UK: No BSL Support Yet
In the UK, many Deaf players use British Sign Language (BSL). However, Microsoft UK does not offer BSL interpreters or support services for Deaf players in the UK.
While Microsoft UK offers some accessibility features, like subtitles and visual cues, there is no BSL support for customer service or in-game help.
Deaf-Friendly Video Games:
Here are some Deaf-friendly video games that already have features to help Deaf players:
🎮 The Last of Us Part II – Subtitles, visual cues, and vibration for key sounds.
🎮 Red Dead Redemption 2 – Detailed subtitles, customizable settings, and sound visualizations.
🎮 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – Subtitles and on-screen sound indicators.
🎮 Celeste – Subtitles and visual cues for danger.
🎮 Minecraft – Subtitles for all sounds and customizable cues.
🎮 Fortnite – Subtitles and visual indicators for in-game sounds.
🎮 Tomb Raider (Reboot Series) – Adjustable subtitles and visual sound cues.
🎮 Hades – Subtitles and visual highlights for sound events.
🎮 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Customizable subtitles and visual sound indicators.
🎮 Overwatch – Subtitles and visual cues for enemy attacks.
🎮 Spider-Man (PS4/PS5) – Subtitles and visual cues for sound-based actions.
🎮 Dead Space (Remake) – Visual indicators for sounds and subtitle support.
The Opportunity:
Microsoft has a chance to lead in global accessibility. By adding BSL support in the UK, Deaf players could have the same great experience as Deaf players in the USA.
This would make Microsoft even more inclusive, helping all Deaf gamers feel heard and seen.
Let’s Push for More Inclusion:
It’s time for Microsoft to improve accessibility for Deaf players in the UK by adding BSL support for customer service and games.
Let’s make gaming inclusive for Deaf players everywhere!
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