Bethesda’s highly anticipated space RPG, Starfield, is set to prioritise accessibility with the introduction of a large font mode, as revealed by Todd Howard, the head of Bethesda. In an interview with Kinda Funny Games, Howard discussed the studio’s commitment to providing an inclusive gaming experience for all players, acknowledging the strides made by Xbox in terms of accessibility features and controller design, he said “I think Xbox has done an incredible job there with everything they’ve done with accessibility and their controller in particular.”
The implementation of a large font mode in Starfield is aimed at improving readability, particularly in an RPG where extensive text is involved. The decision to include this feature not only addresses the needs of players with visual impairments but also accommodates varying screen sizes. Howard emphasised the importance of a large font mode, stating that it is not only crucial for accessibility but also beneficial for players using different monitor sizes.
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The announcement of the large font mode in Starfield comes in response to criticism from accessibility advocates who voiced concerns about the small font size in the game’s UI. Bethesda aims to rectify this issue and ensure that individuals with visual impairments can fully enjoy the game without any hindrances.
Moreover, Howard mentioned that the large font mode will prove useful for players on handheld devices, “There’s a lot more handheld devices coming out where you can stream these games or sometimes even play them natively, and it really helps us there as well so that’s one in particular that we’re leaning in on”. With the increasing availability of game streaming options and the rise of handheld gaming platforms, the inclusion of a large font mode will enhance the gameplay experience for players who prefer gaming on smaller screens.
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In addition to the focus on accessibility, Howard also shared exciting news for modding enthusiasts. Describing Starfield as a “modder’s paradise,” he expressed appreciation for the creativity and passion of Bethesda’s fanbase. This recognition highlights the studio’s ongoing support for the modding community, which has been an integral part of enhancing and extending the longevity of Bethesda’s single-player games, most notably Skyrim.
Starfield is scheduled for an exclusive release on Xbox Series X/S and PC on September 6, 2023. With its commitment to accessibility and the promise of extensive modding capabilities, Starfield aims to deliver an immersive and inclusive gaming experience that caters to a wide range of players. As the release date draws closer, fans eagerly await the opportunity to embark on a thrilling space adventure in a game that values accessibility and player creativity.