Accessibility Concerns Regarding Visual Impairments in FC 25
Dear EA Sports,
Myself and my client are writing to raise concern as he has been a dedicated player of FC 25 and also lives with cataracts, which significantly impairs my visual abilities. We would like to address some concerns regarding accessibility within the game, particularly around certain visual elements that are currently hindering their ability to fully enjoy the experience. My client has been a dedicated customer since the original games release in 1993 on the Sega.
My client has noted specific challenges in the following areas:
Stadium Lighting: In various gameplay modes, such as seasons mode, matches are played in stadiums where lighting conditions vary drastically—some areas of the pitch are in bright sunlight, while others are heavily shaded. This makes it extremely difficult for individuals with visual impairments, such as cataracts, to distinguish player movements and follow the ball, given the inconsistent contrast. To address this, we suggest the option to select night-only games, where lighting is consistent and uniform, thus improving visibility and fairness for players with visual challenges.
Jersey Color Contrasts: In many matches, the game features team jerseys that are very close in color, such as orange and yellow, or red and orange. For those with visual impairments, especially color sensitivity issues, this makes it almost impossible to differentiate between teams. We recommend offering an option that ensures higher contrast between jerseys, such as dark vs. light combinations (e.g., black vs. white). This simple change would greatly improve the accessibility of the game and ensure that no one is disadvantaged due to their vision.
These requests are not only vital for enhancing the user experience for players like my client, but they also carry legal implications under accessibility and disability laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. or equivalent laws in other jurisdictions. These regulations mandate that reasonable accommodations be made to ensure that individuals with disabilities have fair and equal access to digital platforms, including video games.
My client believes that EA Sports, as a leader in the gaming industry, is in a prime position to champion these accessibility measures by introducing customizable options, allowing all players, regardless of ability, to enjoy FC 25 on an even playing field.
We trust that EA Sports is committed to inclusivity, and we look forward to your response on how you plan to address these concerns.
