Tekken 8 director Katsuhiro Harada faces criticism from fans and accessibility advocates regarding the game’s colorblind options, as concerns about potential health risks have emerged.
The game, set to release next month, included alternative modes intended to aid colorblind players. However, these modes have reportedly caused severe reactions like vertigo and migraines in some users.
The Controversial Accessibility Modes
A video demonstrating the game’s accessibility features has been flagged as potentially harmful, especially for those with epilepsy, due to fears of inducing Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
Accessibility specialist Ian Hamilton has strongly advised the removal of one specific filter, comparing its potential harm to an infamous episode of Pokémon that triggered seizures in viewers.
The approach with the filters in general would benefit from rework, they generally don't help. The intent was good and the technology is good, but the focus should be on players with low vision, not colourblindness, filters aren't a fix for colourblindness.
— Ian Hamilton (@ianhamilton_) December 27, 2023
Hamilton argues that the intent to assist players with color vision issues is commendable, but the implementation via filters falls short. He suggests that the focus should be more on players with low vision rather than solely on colorblindness.
Director Harada’s Response
A few people, albeit very few, have either misunderstood the accessibility options we are trying, or have only seen the video without actually trying them out in the demo play.
We have "multiple types of color vision options" for players with different color vision, not just… https://t.co/cEdcUTI8n3
— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) December 28, 2023
In response to the criticism, Director Harada expressed his belief that some individuals may have misunderstood the accessibility options or based their opinions solely on the video without experiencing the demo play.
Harada clarified that Tekken 8 offers multiple color vision options, brightness adjustments for effects, and overall brightness control, providing a range of adjustments for players with different color vision needs.
it's an apt example of our current society where actual colorblind people all know colorblind options are bad, but this legit might be one of the worst implementations ever
then you have non-colorblind people giving applause for how inclusive and amazing this is for everyone https://t.co/sXK2v8SnjE
— Larry DeVito (@jkinoa) December 27, 2023
He acknowledged that while the options do not cover all players’ color vision requirements, they have received positive feedback from many demo participants. Harada also highlighted their ongoing research and intention to expand these features in future updates.
Community Feedback
I have not "misunderstood the accessibility options we are trying, or have only seen the video without actually trying them out in the demo play". I understand very well, and have tried them in demo play. I'm trying to help you avoid harming players and provide a good experience.
— Ian Hamilton (@ianhamilton_) December 28, 2023
The response from the colorblind community has been mixed, with players like Tiaygo and AlevityXiaku expressing dissatisfaction with the current options, stating that they are ineffective and unhelpful.
Accessibility specialist Hamilton reiterated his understanding of the features and their implementation, emphasizing the need to prevent harm to players.
At 100% it can literally kill people. That's not up for debate, people with photosensitive epilepsy have confirmed the seizure risk, every seizure risk comes with a % chance of death (Google SUDEP), and the way you find out you're seizure-prove is by having one.
— Ian Hamilton (@ianhamilton_) December 30, 2023
He expressed hope for improvement but pointed out the seriousness of the potential risks, including life-threatening seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy.
