Corey McNamara
Accessibility Gets Gory
Gaming accessibility has become an essential consideration in the industry, with developers increasingly working to ensure that everyone can enjoy their games, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. Mortal Kombat 1, the latest installment in the popular fighting game series, is no exception to this trend. Developer NetherRealm Studios has made commendable efforts to include accessibility features, and one of the standout additions is the audio description for fatalities.
In Mortal Kombat 1, characters perform brutal and graphic finishing moves called “fatalities.” These moves are infamous for their excessive gore and violence. With the audio description option enabled, a narrator provides detailed commentary on the actions taking place on-screen. This includes describing the gruesome act of ripping open an opponent’s stomach and removing their intestines, as seen in the case of Li Mei’s fatality.
“Also HOLY SHIT #MortalKombat1 has a descriptive audio option for Fatalities and it is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE.”
– Edmond Tran (@EdmondTran)
The inclusion of audio descriptions for fatalities in Mortal Kombat 1 is a significant step towards making the game accessible to a wider audience. It allows visually impaired players to have a more immersive experience by providing them with a vivid and descriptive understanding of the violent actions happening on-screen.
While the primary purpose of these audio descriptions is to make the game more accessible, they also add an unexpected comical element. Hearing the franchise’s notoriously over-the-top gore being described in intense and intricate detail can be quite amusing. Some players may even choose to keep the narration on for the sheer entertainment value it brings.
Accessibility options like audio descriptions not only make games more inclusive but also highlight the advancements in technology that enable such features. It’s encouraging to see developers taking the initiative to ensure that their games are welcoming to all players, regardless of their abilities.
[Source: twitter.com, via eurogamer.net]
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