• Madden NFL 17 - Accessibility Improvements

    Madden NFL 17 continues to innovate by becoming more accessible to those with vision issues with options to enlarge graphics, colorblind support, and brightness/contrast controls. Similar options have become common in major titles, but sports franchises have been slow to adjust until now.

    Continue on to read the full blog from designer Karen Stevens and learn how to suggest additional accessibility features for the future of the franchise.


    Madden NFL 17 Accessibility Improvements


    I once asked a friend if he was looking forward to the next Madden NFL, as he is a huge Raiders fan. He told me he can’t play Madden due to vision problems; he couldn’t see anything that moved quickly and was small – like the pass icons. I decided that if I ever had the chance, I would try to improve the game so a wider audience could play Madden.

    A couple years ago, Tiburon had an internal game jam to brainstorm new ideas. I took my accessibility research and put together a concept list. Madden NFL Game Accessibility won as the best new feature set.

    Here’s what made it into Madden NFL 17 on Xbox One and PlayStation*®*4.

    Optional Settings

    All accessibility settings in Madden NFL 17 are available on the “Visual Feedback” screen, via the “Settings” menu. These new options are all at the bottom of the list; you’ll go directly to them if you hit “up” once. All settings are optional, and your online opponent will not see whatever settings you have chosen.


    When any accessibility settings are turned on, a small watermark will appear at the bottom left corner of the screen. If you ever feel that the game looks a bit off, check for the watermark.


    Enlarge On-Field Graphics

    First up is enlarging on field graphics. Any in-world icon that is prompting user interaction (pass, catch, tackle battle, etc.) will be about twice as big. Augmented UI banners will gracefully enlarge, but will still be prevented from filling too much of the screen. The kick meter is larger and it pins itself to the screen, instead of being placed in the world. These changes have been tested by internal Madden NFL developers that also have vision issues, such as macular degeneration.

    Here’s what the pass icons look like with default settings.


    This is what pass icons look like with enlarge turned on.


    Here's what a default catch icon looks like.


    This is what a catch icon looks like with enlarge enabled.


    The standard kick meter is on the field, aligned with the ball. It changes size depending on how close it is to the camera.


    When enlarge is turned on, the kick meter moves off the field and into the UI, so it is always the same size.


    Enlarged graphics are popular internally as it’s easier to play the game from a couch. However, if you feel the enlarged graphics are too big, keep the setting off for a classic Madden NFL experience.

    Colorblind Support

    We estimate that over half a million current Madden NFL users are colorblind*. Bright primary colors are used all over Madden NFL, so there were issues with many menus and on-field art. Filters seemed to be a great way to go, as they cover the entire game, including all menus. Red, green, and blue weak colorblindness are all supported and tested, with great results.

    Here’s what the play call looks like with default visual settings and normal color vision.


    This is what someone with Protanopia (red-weak colorblindness) would see. Red text and arrows become more difficult to make out. Dark red arrows practically vanish.


    Here’s what someone with Protanopia would see with colorblind filters turned on. Red is much brighter and the arrows are all clearly visible.


    This is what Protanopia’s filter looks like to someone with normal color vision, across the entire game. It’s possible for players with and without colorblindness to play on the same console together, with the feature turned on.


    Brightness and Contrast Controls

    Many games already support brightness and contrast controls, and it’s time Madden NFL upped its game.

    There are 5 levels of brightness. This image created from merged screen captures.


    There are also 5 levels of contrast. Here’s another screen capture merge.


    Choose whatever settings are the most comfortable for you.

    The Future

    The future of Madden NFL Accessibility depends on our audience. To contribute, send feedback to ea_accessible on twitter. All feedback will be taken into account when we decide what to tackle next.

    *Colblindor as of June 3, 2016
    This article was originally published in forum thread: Madden NFL 17 - Accessibility Improvements started by cdj View original post
    Comments 5 Comments
    1. steelerfan's Avatar
      steelerfan -
      I'm fortunate to not have any such issues but these are good adds for those that do.

      Hopefully, one day, they'll add some type of filter that helps me see Formation Subs.
    1. cdj's Avatar
      cdj -
      I think I'll change the icon size to enlarged; that larger kick meter looks better & easier to use IMO. It's nice to see the colorblind options added for those who need it.

      Quote Originally Posted by steelerfan View Post
      Hopefully, one day, they'll add some type of filter that helps me see Formation Subs.
      Well done.
    1. Rudy's Avatar
      Rudy -
      Quote Originally Posted by steelerfan View Post
      I'm fortunate to not have any such issues but these are good adds for those that do.

      Hopefully, one day, they'll add some type of filter that helps me see Formation Subs.
      Lol. Maybe one with zoom options for the cameras they have. I'd love a Tecmo camera angle. That was arguably the most popular football game of all time 25 years ago. Don't see why it couldn't be added or give me a zoom option on broadcast to zoom out.
    1. JBHuskers's Avatar
      JBHuskers -
      Quote Originally Posted by steelerfan View Post

      Hopefully, one day, they'll add some type of filter that helps me see Formation Subs.
    1. steelerfan's Avatar
      steelerfan -
      I have an acquaintance who is about 60 years old. He's a fellow Steelers fan which is really why I even know him.

      Anyway, he told me a few months back that he plays Madden and I know he has had some issues with cataracts recently. He's had some surgery that has improved things for him but I know he was kinda bummed about 6 months ago because he couldn't play Madden (that's how I found out that he plays to begin with). When I read this blog, I immediately thought of guys like him. Hopefully, this gets some people back into the game they love.