Top 5 video games you can play colour blind.

Introduction: These days, more and more developers are mindful of accessibility. Colour blindness is one of those accessibility issues that, thanks to the internet, has become increasingly more important to developers and gamers alike, and there’s a lot to be learned from the criticisms of titles which have made it difficult for colour blind gamers to enjoy a title without having to sacrifice anything in the process. Now for context, for those of you not colour blind, here’s what that looks like to people who are. There are three different kinds of colour blindness, which prevents those inflicted by it from seeing colours like green, red or blue, meaning colour coded mechanics in games can be a pain in you know what to differentiate from background colours, which can become muted, blending in with other tones. As you can see, a lot is lost. Today, we’re counting down the top 10 video games you can play colour blind. These are the games that have gone out of their way to provide colour blind settings and modes that go beyond a ‘colour-blind colour correct’; the developers behind them have either considered how to make their title more accessible by using less colour signifying icons and mechanics, or they’ve included plenty of settings that allow for all three kinds of colour blind to better see, play and ultimately enjoy their games. So with that in mind, let’s get to it!

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 Rockstar really did take the hint from its past experiences with inaccessible colour mechanics, because one of the developers most recent titles, the rooting tooting gun slinging and shooting red dead redemption 2 is one of the most accessible titles for colour blind players in their roster of games yet. The title offers three different colour blind mode options for players, which makes it much easier to navigate the heavy foliage terrain of this western hit. And these modes were available right off the bat, rather than as an afterthought released as part of game updates. While some fans did criticize the choice of colours used in these modes (particularly, one of the modes pink menus) others were just happy that they weren’t missing out on completing missions.

4. Splatoon

Splatoon The 2015 Nintendo third-person shooter Splatoon is one of the gaming giants more recent popular franchises. It features a setting called colour lock. This gives players the option to change team colours to light orange and dark blue. As described by the game itself, the setting allows you to, I quote, “lock the ink colours to specific combinations, for the benefit of players who have difficulty distinguishing certain colours.”

3. Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Super Smash Bros Ultimate When it first came out, the Nintendo Switch was criticized by some for lacking in the accessibility department, particularly when it came to colour blind folks. Since, though, the gaming giant has released a handful of titles seemingly more aware of this, like Super smash bros ultimate. Rated as a favourable barrier-free title for many different kinds of disabilities, the latest in the Smash bros franchise includes a very large settings menu that allows players to get really specific. For example, you can change the rule-sets to adjust the difficulty, remove items that are more difficult to see, choose specific stages that are easier to see, etc. In addition to that, it doesn’t use sound or colour to indicate anything important, and players have the option to change the colours of their chosen fighter with an array of different skins. If you want to play in teams, you can choose which colour the team indicators will be (there’s a solid variation, too). Compared to its predecessors, it is by far the most accessible Smash game ever made.

2. Battlefield 4

Battlefield 4 has long been a title praised for its colourblind accessibility. It changes the colours of essential visual indicators, making it easier for colour blind gamers to see. And it doesn’t just slap a filter over the entire game. It adjusts details like the UI elements related to your squad, enemies and team. And because many players might not know exactly what kind of colour blind they are, it provides general and easy to understand instructions for how to approach their settings. I quote, “If colourblind, choose the team colours that differentiate the most among each other.”

1. The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds The recent release Outer Worlds lands in our top spot because it was actually designed and developed with colour blindness in mind. This is because one of the game’s directors, Tim Cain, has near monochromacy colour blindness. The game doesn’t have a colour blind mode because it was designed to be playable without colour information, using other kinds of indicators. The Outer Worlds is not only a fantastic game (it’s so well written, and from its companions to its combat to its dialogue, it’s overall a shining example of what open-world RPGs should be striving for), but there are a lot of developers can take away from it in terms of learning how to be more accessible. Not only for those who are colourblind, but in other inclusive ways as well (that we won’t mention, because they’re storey spoilers). Trust me; this is a title you’ll want to check out. I’m personally obsessed.

Final Words: Alright, there we have it, friends! If you’re colour blind, what other games have you found to be more inclusive with their colour blind modes? What games have totally dropped the ball? And for those of you who aren’t colour blind, were you shocked to find out how different article games can look to those who are? Give us a shout in those comments below and share your thoughts with us. We’ve got a playlist floating around somewhere on your screen with more article that might tickle your fancy. In the meantime, though, thanks for watching friends! I’ll catch you all in the next article!