How emerging tech is making Esports more inclusive

Authored by Saurabh Meena, founder of WEARE1 ACADEMY

In the past, gaming was marketed towards a particular audience. Gaming and esports are not known to be a particularly inclusive industry. However, a paradigm shift is underway. In recent times, the sector has been moving away from a homogenous form of audience to adopt a more inclusive and diverse stance.

For example, Fete 1 and Fete 2, a Smash Bros tournament hosted at Staffordshire University featured pride activities, including an LGBTQ meetup. And this is not an isolated event, more and more gaming events are becoming more inclusive and catering to less-represented groups.

Enhancement of Inclusivity in Gaming

Gaming is a space where people adopt an anonymous persona and be true to their identities. Individuals from many communities and ethnic groups are now involved in gaming activities.

Many genderqueer, gay, and non-binary people use the anonymity of online games to express their gender identity and connect with like-minded people.

Organizers of gaming tournaments are increasingly promoting inclusivity to reach wider audiences, breaking social stereotypes, and engaging participants beyond traditional demographics.

Technological Advancements in the Gaming Industry is Driving Participation

Technological advancements in AI, cloud gaming, and virtual reality have played a significant role in enhancing accessibility and promoting diversity in competitive gaming.

Artificial Intelligence

AI accessibility features like adaptive controllers, voice commands, and virtual assistance tools help gamers with disabilities participate in esports. While these technologies are still in their initial stages, ongoing advancements are sure to enhance inclusivity and create a more diverse competitive gaming scene.

AI-driven tutorials and training programs have also lowered the barrier to entry for newcomers, helping players of all skill levels to improve their gameplay and pursue their dream of standing on an international tournament stage.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming was a revolutionary step in the advancement of the gaming industry. It allows players to access games via streaming on various devices, including low-end machines, eliminating the need for expensive gaming hardware. This makes gaming more accessible to a broader audience.

Inclusivity Initiatives

Technologies like artificial intelligence can aid in creating more inclusive gaming environments by designing characters and storylines that depict different backgrounds. This fosters a sense of representation among the groups from various cultural and social backgrounds.

 Moreover, with AI-driven chat moderation, games can maintain a positive gaming environment while reducing toxicity among players.

Emerging Technologies Are Eliminating Barriers to Entry

While more and more people are drawn towards gaming every year, there are still specific barriers that need to be addressed. However, with advancements in technology, these barriers can be overcome and provide more opportunities to gamers.

Hardware

As of now, the cost of hardware is one of the biggest barriers that hinder increased participation in gaming. The latest AAA game titles require expensive gaming rigs that cost several hundred thousand dollars. Not many people can afford such a hefty investment. But thanks to cloud gaming, players can stream video games on lower-spec devices, reducing the need for expensive hardware.

Skill Level

Skill level is another barrier that intimidates new players and gamers. Professional esports players have years of experience and training and operate on a whole other level. An average player witnessing their skill easily gets intimidated and discouraged. However, with technologies like AI, we can create a tailored curriculum to help newcomers polish their skills and compete with the big guns at their level.

Inclusivity of Under-represented Groups

A lack of representation and inclusivity of in-game characters, storylines, and narratives can discourage individuals from under-represented groups from participating in gaming. With technologies like AI design and development, we can overcome this challenge and create a more inclusive and welcoming gaming environment that resonates with a broader audience.

Language and Cultural Barriers

People from various backgrounds and cultures come together in global esports tournaments. Cultural intricacies and language barriers can be obstacles to effective communication and participation in global tournaments. AI-powered translation tools can facilitate communication across different languages, helping players to bypass the language barrier and communicate properly.

Future Trends That Will Drive the Gaming Industry

Gaming is one of the fastest-growing industries powered by constant innovation and advancements in technology. Technological trends like AI and ML are driving the industry and enhancing several accessibility features. 49% of developers say they use AI tools for game development. On the other hand, technologies like AR and VR are improving immersion and providing new ways to interact with games.

AI accessibility features like virtual controllers and voice commands have even allowed disabled people to take part in gaming, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere. Moreover, with cloud gaming eliminating the hardware barrier, more and more people are now able to access esports and competitive gaming.

Future gaming trends like AI, ML, AR/VR, cloud gaming, and more will guide the gaming industry forward where technological advancements will not only eliminate barriers but also create a more diverse and inclusive gaming landscape.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.