Technology1 min read

Football Manager series shines a light on video game representation

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The franchise's update responds directly to a 2023 survey by disability charity Scope where gamers prioritized more frequent and accurate disability representation. Developer Sports Interactive treated the integration thoroughly by rebuilding pitch-side behaviors, altering camera angles, and adding ramps to in-game trophy plinths. Accessibility site Can I Play That? commended the release for combining these structural visual shifts with interface refinements that cut down menu clicks. Sports figures, including Worthing FC owner George Dowell MBE, believe this digital milestone will motivate more wheelchair users to engage in real-world football.

Key points

  • The update incorporates user-interface accessibility improvements, including customizable…: The update incorporates user-interface accessibility improvements, including customizable information displays and fewer menu clicks.
  • Disabled athletes and team executives believe video game representation will inspire whee…: Disabled athletes and team executives believe video game representation will inspire wheelchair users to pursue real-world football careers.
  • Industry advocates praised the studio for executing genuine structural game inclusion rat…: Industry advocates praised the studio for executing genuine structural game inclusion rather than offering superficial visual adjustments.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- Published

Video games have come a long way when it comes to accessibility and providing ways for players with disabilities to enjoy new releases.

But when it comes to seeing themselves represented on screen it's a different story.

One big series that's hoping to help change that is Football Manager - the popular simulation that puts players in charge of their own team.

The latest edition of the annual franchise allows people to use the game's custom character designer to create a manager who uses a wheelchair.

Developer Sports Interactive tells BBC Newsbeat it's part of wider efforts to make the game "as inclusive as possible".

In a 2023 survey, external of gamers with disabilities by charity Scope, respondents said their top priorities included more accurate and more frequent representation in games.

Will Rees, a gamer and powerchair football player for Wrexham, says it's "amazing" to see the new feature in Football Manager.

"I probably might play it more even though I'm not good at it," says, Will, 16.

"More wheelchair users will feel more included."

Notable video game…

Technology