Sign language support is now available in Forza Horizon 5.
As reported last year, the feature has been in development for some time. From today, American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) support for in-game cinematics is added in a free update.
Sign language has been added to 150 in-game cinematics shown in between driving across Mexico.
Sign Language Support Comes to Forza Horizon 5 Watch on YouTube
Accessibility has been a key feature for studio Playground Games since the start of development, committing to gaining feedback from deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Tara Voelker, who leads accessibility for Xbox Game Studios, led an inclusive workshop at Playground Games, which “set the tone for the entire product going forward,” she said.
The developers learned from people within the disability community about their experience in games.
“We got to talk to them and understand what it is that they struggled with in-game,” said Tarnya Smith, a producer at Playground Games for Forza Horizon 5. “For me it was quite an eye opener. We learned that although we think subtitles are great and help everyone, they actually aren’t that helpful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing who rely on signing. It was a big wake up call for us.”