An overview of the user experience in online video game players with colour vision deficiency

Abstract

This paper aims to give an overview of the user experience in online video game players with colour vision deficiency by exploring the different methods of daltonization tools given within four popular online multiplayer video games. The paper also considers the different options for improving the user experience of players with colour vision deficiency based on the noticed shortcomings of analysed games. The analysis of the potential colour confusing scenes was done for the four popular online multiplayer games: Rust published by the Facepunch studio, Valorant and League of Legends both published by Riot Games and Overwatch, published by Blizzard. The conducted research has shown that Rust has no accessibility settings, Valorant and League of Legends use partial daltonization, while Overwatch is characterised by full daltonization. Detailed analyses of the pros and cons of each daltonization level for each video game were presented along with suggestions for improvement, including the implementation of the proto-patterns method suggested by Molina-López and Medina-Medina (2019). As the result, it was shown that colour, although an essential part of video game design, can and should be a secondary element in video game graphics over which shapes, outlines and text should lead in the clear presentation of the information and reduction of mistakes due to colour vision impairments.