Removing Barriers
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has launched the first-ever accessibility-friendly online casino game, Red Panda Tails of Wealth. It is the first ever slot to feature support for players with disabilities.
In a press release, the OLG acknowledged that people with disabilities often face barriers that prevent them from participating in online casino games. The organisation has decided to remove those barriers with the launch of its new game, with the aim of providing accessible, fun, and exciting gameplay for all players.
On the face of it, the game is a standard online slot game. It features bright colours, an engaging soundtrack, and some good winning potential. However, it also features some key accessibility features. These include compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers, a high-contrast colour palette for advanced visibility, and an accessible heads-up display engineered to integrate seamlessly into future games.
OLG did not work alone in the creation of the game; Pixiu Gaming and Light & Wonder Spark both contributed. They also partnered with Fable, a Toronto-based company that helps connect organisations with people with disabilities to gain insights.
These insights, all collected by remote user testing sessions, were pivotal in helping OLG develop the game.
Putting Accessibility First
Dave Pridmore, OLG's Chief Gaming Officer, spoke with great excitement about the launch of the game. He said that he was excited to reveal the product, saying it was the result of a long, focused effort to put accessibility at the forefront of the design process.
Pridmore finished by saying, "The game is a proof of concept that shows how removing barriers to play can move us towards a more inclusive future in the gaming industry."
Currently, 28% of Ontario residents identify as having a disability. OLG believes that the launch of Red Panda Tails of Wealth will help break down barriers and provide gaming options for an often overlooked audience.
