Steam has added new accessibility features that could make finding games to play easier for those who need them. As the leading PC gaming digital distribution platform, Steam regularly makes tweaks and adjustments to its program in order to make the experience better for players, developers, or both.
One example of this earlier in 2025 was when Steam split installation and downloads into two separate progress bars, allowing gamers to more easily see how a game update was progressing. This update, however, has more to do with finding a game to purchase and install in the first place.
Steam has introduced two new features that help players to find games that support their needs. Accessibility in gaming, when it comes to the software side of things, can include everything from adjustable text sizes to color blindness-friendly palettes to extra audio features that can make a game playable for those with vision impairment. Steam now has an added feature that shows what accessibility options are available while looking at a game store listing, as well as one that lets players sift through its massive game catalog depending on the accessibility feature that they need. Players can filter their searches to ensure that only games that meet their needs are shown.
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Steam Accessibility Feature Will Need Developer Participation for Full Benefits
At this time, Steam has added accessibility feature tags for:
- Gameplay
- Adjustable Difficulty
- Save Anytime
- Visual
- Adjustable Text Size
- Subtitle Options
- Color Alternatives
- Camera Comfort
- Audio
- Custom Volume Controls
- Stereo Sound
- Surround Sound
- Narrated Game Menus
- Playable without Timed Input
- Input
- Keyboard Only Option
- Mouse Only Option
- Touch Only Option
- Chat Speech-to-Text
- Chat Text-to-Speech
So far, Steam says that over 5,000 applications have added details regarding their accessibility support, but considering that Steam added over 14,000 new games in 2023 alone, there’s clearly a long way to go before every game or program with accessibility features is accounted for. Steam has explained that while developers aren’t required to add the accessibility tags, it’s recommended by the platform, and can be done retroactively, if needed, following a game’s release.
In theory, adding accessibility tags and features should only make the gaming experience better for everyone. Gamers come in all shapes, sizes, and capabilities, and in the past, even blind gamers have been able to find a way to play certain titles. By adding accessibility tags, games may see a boost in players as those who might need those features but didn’t know the title had them prior to this addition. With some luck, this new option will be embraced by developers and publishers, and more people will be able to enjoy the medium.
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