Video games are for everyone. Furthermore, accessibility for as many players as possible is a goal every developer should be aiming for. In light of this Double Fine are including an invincibility option in their upcoming game Psychonauts 2.
Psychonauts 2’s Optional Invincibility
While it had been previously mentioned, Double Fine reaffirmed the inclusion of an invincibility toggle in a response to Xbox on Twitter. This entirely optional setting will allow more gamers to play, enjoy, and complete Psychonauts 2 than previously possible.
If you beat Psychonauts 2 with the invincibility toggle on, you still beat P2. https://t.co/OinBv1nuNr
— Double Fine (@DoubleFine) July 9, 2021
Although a positive move, the feature has received backlash from some people who believe the optional setting takes away from the challenge of the game. However, challenge is not what defines a video game. Rather, it is the interaction between the player and the game. Psychonauts 2‘s invincibility mode will enable gamers of all backgrounds and impairments to fully interact with the game on their terms without having any impact on other players’ experiences.
Double Fine reiterated their stance on accessibility with a further tweet highlighting that gaming should be enjoyed by everyone and how accessibility is an ongoing challenge that the games industry needs to collectively meet.
All people should be able to enjoy games. All ages, all possible needs. It's an ongoing and important process for our industry and a challenge we need to met.
End of the day? We want you to have fun, to laugh, to experience a story that affects you. On whatever terms you want.
— Double Fine (@DoubleFine) July 9, 2021
More Accessibility Within Psychonauts 2
As well as invincibility, Double Fine are also including a range of other accessibility options for Psychonauts 2. A video released in May saw Senior Producer Kevin Johnson detail a few more features that will allow more gamers to tailor the experience to their needs. These options include the previously mentioned invincibility mode, increased font legibility, and localised navigation sign UI.
To get a full rundown of how Psychonauts 2’s accessibility features work you can check out the video below.
Psychonauts 2 launches August 25 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play the game day-and-date on the service.
Will Psychonauts 2‘s accessibility features improve your gaming experience? Are there any other accessibility options you would like to see in games? Let us know in the comments below!
