Skip to main content

EA opens all of its accessibility patents, including Apex Legends’ ping system

EA announced a new Patents Pledge program, which will give competitors and developers free access to its accessibility-related patents and technology. The company is hoping to push other studios to incorporate accessibility features into their games and make them more inclusive for players everywhere.

This is a huge industry-first and a milestone for the video game industry at large. The technology being shared spans aa multitude of games and disabilities.

Apex Legends "Ping System" being used to alert players of Heavy Ammo.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The open patents include Apex Legends‘ “Ping System,” which gives players with speaking, hearing, and cognitive disabilities help with communicating with in-game allies. This is done through simple and mappable control inputs that allow these players to alert their partners of danger and various items found throughout the game.

Recommended Videos

The program includes settings widely used in games including Madden and FIFA, including features that detect and modify colors, brightness, and contrast in a game. This can improve the visibility for players with visual disabilities, such as deuteranopia.

A personalized sound technology that helps players with auditory issues is also being shared. This tech modifies and/or creates music based on their preferences.

“We hope developers will make the most of these patents and encourage those who have the resources, innovation, and creativity to do as we have by making their own pledges that put accessibility first.” said Chris Bruzzo, EA’s executive vice president of Positive Play, Commercial and Marketing. “We welcome collaboration with others on how we move the industry forward together.”

Technology innovation like this and hardware like the popular Xbox Adaptive Controller will hopefully push the industry forward, making the gaming market more inclusive than ever.

DeAngelo Epps
Former Digital Trends Contributor
De'Angelo Epps is a gaming writer passionate about the culture, communities, and industry surrounding gaming. His work ranges…
3 PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (July 11-13)
V rides a motorcycle while shooting at a mech in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.

After last week hit us with an amazing lineup of PlayStation Plus Essential games, we have a small but agonizing wait to see what the next batch of Extra and Premium games will be for July. However, I know you haven't played every game in the catalogue yet, and I was able to hand-pick three games that seem like surefire hits for this weekend. One is an easy, major release that was just added this week as a surprise bonus game, but the other two are hidden gems that you might be craving right about now. Let's dive into the games so you have a good excuse to stay inside this weekend.

A Hat in Time

Read more
3 new Game Pass games to play this weekend (July 11-13)
tony-hawks-pro-skater-3-4-rio-nora-zion

We're officially in the throes of summer and, depending on where you live, suffering through the incredible heat. While I always think it's good to get out and enjoy the summer, there's a limit on how much sun we can take and need to head inside to relax with some cool Game Pass games. I'm especially excited for this weekend because there's one game here that not only screams summer, but also tickles that nostalgic part of my brain. I think even newcomers will love that pick, but I always throw in two other options just in case you're looking for something a bit different. Make sure you check out my last pick because I know you've never heard of it, and it might just be your weekend obsession.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4

Read more
The best budget gaming headset is even more affordable for Prime Day — hurry!
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 sitting on a countertop.

If you need a new gaming headset for Prime Day but you've already spent a lot on gaming PC deals or gaming laptop deals, the good news is that the budget-friendly HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is on sale for an even lower price for the shopping event. From $50 originally, it's down to just $37 following a 26% discount. We're not sure if the $13 in savings will hold until the final minutes of Prime Day, but if you want to make sure that you're able to take advantage of this bargain, you should proceed with the purchase right now.

$37 at Amazon

Read more