Exploring the Accessibility Features in Epic Games Store

27 June 2025

When it comes to gaming, accessibility is no longer just "nice to have"—it's absolutely essential. We’re living in an era where every gamer, no matter their physical or cognitive abilities, deserves a seat at the table. And guess what? The Epic Games Store is finally stepping up to meet this challenge.

So, what’s Epic Games doing to open the door wider for everyone? Let’s take a deep dive into the accessibility features that are shaping the Epic Games Store as a more inclusive digital space for gamers across the globe.

Why Accessibility in Gaming Even Matters

Before we go fully nerd mode on the features, let’s address the big question:

Why should anyone care about accessibility in games or the platforms they're on?

Simple—it’s about equality and experience. Gaming is pure joy, and no one should be locked out of it due to bad design or lack of features. Whether it’s someone with limited mobility, visual impairments, or a cognitive disorder, accessibility bridges the gap between exclusion and inclusion.

And let’s be real, even abled gamers benefit from well-thought-out accessibility tools. Ever tried playing a game with one hand while eating pizza? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

A Bit of Context: The Epic Games Store Journey

Launched in 2018, the Epic Games Store entered the scene as the scrappy underdog. Competing with giants like Steam, it had one job: attract gamers and developers with better revenue splits and exclusive goodies.

But while Epic threw money at devs and handed out free games like candy on Halloween, accessibility wasn’t really front and center—at least not in the early years.

Fast forward to now, and the tide is turning. Whether due to community feedback, industry pressure, or just sheer decency, Epic has started investing in real, tangible accessibility improvements.

UX Design That Doesn't Fight Back

Ever tried navigating a store that feels like it was designed by aliens? Yeah, it's the worst. Thankfully, the Epic Games Store has made some much-needed updates to its user interface (UI) and overall user experience (UX).

High-Contrast Mode and Readability

First off, the store has amped up its focus on visual clarity. High-contrast elements and legible font choices mean users with vision impairments don’t have to squint or use third-party tools just to find a game.

Imagine trying to read light gray text on a white background. Painful, right? Epic's design tweaks don’t just look good—they make the store more usable for folks with different visual needs.

Scalable Fonts and UI

Size matters—especially when it comes to text. Being able to scale the font or UI size means users can adjust things to what’s comfortable for them. No more pressing your face against your screen just to see if that was "Buy" or "Bye."

Keyboard Navigation and Screen Reader Support

Accessibility isn't just about what you can see—it's also about how you interact with the platform.

Solid Keyboard Navigation

For gamers who can’t use a mouse (or simply prefer not to), keyboard-friendly navigation is a game-changer. Epic has enabled better tabbing and shortcut options to help users cruise through menus with ease.

Ever tried navigating a site with just your keyboard and found yourself stuck in an endless loop? That used to be a thing. Now? Much improved.

Screen Reader Compatibility

Screen readers are vital for visually impaired users, and the Epic Games Store has taken steps to make its interface more compatible. By integrating proper labeling and semantic HTML, users relying on screen readers can more easily understand what's on the page, where they're going, and what they're clicking.

No more mystery buttons or unlabeled links, thank you very much.

A Search System That Matters

You’d think searching for a game by features or accessibility options would be obvious—but nope, it hasn’t always been.

Filter by Accessibility Tags

One of the coolest—and most essential—updates is the ability to filter and search for games based on their accessibility features. Whether you need subtitles, remappable controls, or colorblind modes, Epic now allows users to find games that work for them.

This isn't just convenient. It's empowering.

Because let’s be honest—no one wants to spend fifteen minutes digging through settings only to realize a game isn’t even playable for them. This new tagging system saves time, energy, and disappointment.

Game Developers: Onboard and Supported

Great features in the store itself are a solid start, but game-level accessibility? That’s where things really get interesting.

Developer Guidelines and Support

Epic has begun encouraging developers to integrate accessibility best practices from the get-go. They’re providing resources, documents, and even collaboration tools to ensure games launched on the platform cater to diverse player needs.

And it’s not just lip service—developers are given real incentive to make accessibility a priority.

Feature-Rich Game Pages

Each game now includes detailed feature breakdowns. Want to know if a game supports closed captions or has a colorblind-friendly palette? It's listed right on the page. No more guesswork.

It’s like going grocery shopping with labels clearly showing what’s gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-friendly. You make better choices quicker—and that’s the point.

Community Feedback: The Secret Sauce

No platform gets it right straight out the gate. But Epic has one ace up its sleeve: it listens.

User Reports and Feature Requests

Gamers can now submit feedback on accessibility directly. Whether it’s something broken or a totally new idea, Epic has created a feedback loop that involves the community instead of ignoring it.

And real talk? That’s how you build trust.

Accessibility-Focused Forums and Support

The forum section of Epic’s site now has dedicated threads for accessibility questions and conversations. People can share tips, troubleshoot issues, or simply connect with other gamers facing similar challenges.

It’s more than features—it’s building a culture of inclusion.

Where Epic Still Needs to Improve

Let’s not sugarcoat it—Epic isn’t perfect. While they’ve made some impressive strides, they still have a road ahead.

Gamepad Remapping

Although many games offer remapping, it’s not always a platform-standard. Some games still lack the ability to customize controls fully, which can be incredibly limiting for players who rely on specific input configurations.

Here's hoping Epic makes this a non-negotiable requirement for future titles.

Voice Navigation & Assistive Tech Integration

Voice control and broader support for third-party assistive tech like eye trackers or adaptive controllers aren’t fully baked in yet. These features are critical for many gamers, and their absence sticks out like a sore thumb.

Adding these would push Epic from “trying” to “trailblazing.”

What’s on the Horizon?

Epic has hinted at even more accessibility features rolling out in future updates. From deeper integration with Unreal Engine’s accessibility tools to global settings synchronization, there’s potential to make the store smarter and more adaptive.

Imagine logging into any device and having your preferred settings follow you like a loyal sidekick. That’s where we’re headed.

Accessibility Isn’t a Checkbox—It’s a Mindset

At the end of the day, building an accessible game store isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating an environment where every gamer feels welcome. Whether you're a competitive player or a cozy casual, the Epic Games Store is making moves to ensure you’re not just included—you’re prioritized.

Sure, there’s work to be done. But seeing Epic commit to this change is encouraging. It’s not about being the first—it’s about doing it right.

Final Thoughts

So if you’ve ever wondered whether accessibility in gaming platforms really matters, let this be your answer: Yes. Absolutely. 1000% yes.

And if you're a developer, consider this your gentle nudge: bake accessibility in from Day One. It’s not just beneficial—it’s the right thing to do.

The Epic Games Store may not be perfect yet, but it’s definitely headed in the right direction. And that’s good news for everyone who loves games—especially those who've had to break down more digital barriers than most just to play them.