In a newly published blog post, Crystal Dynamics discussed its ongoing efforts to increase representation and accessibility awareness in its projects. Specifically, Crystal Dynamics discussed ongoing efforts related toMarvel’s Avengers. Transparency, it claims, is a priority for the team and so this kind of communication is part of its efforts. In terms of reveals forMarvel’s Avengers, Crystal Dynamics confirmed the inclusion of Cerise, a member of the Inhumans who also uses a wheelchair.
According to Meagan Marie, Crystal Dynamics senior community and social media mangers, a “rogue” group of passionate developers began to advocate for further accessibility efforts as far back as 2013, when Crystal Dynamics was working on theTomb Raiderreboot. Since then, Crystal Dynamics has created a formalized team, including its own fulltime producer, dedicated to raising awareness regarding accessibility.
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Efforts forMarvel’s Avengersinclude bringing in accessibility specialist Cherry Thompson to provide early feedback. Thompson’s talk “You Can Take an Arrow to the Knee and Still Be an Adventurer” apparently helpedCrystal Dynamicsmove forward regarding representing disability in-game. Meagan says, “Our goal is to normalize representation within our game world by reflecting the diversity of the real world.” Players should experience that through the NPCs ofMarvel’s Avengers, whether it’s in crowds are the superheroes themselves.
Thompson even went on to providemotion capturein their wheelchair forMarvel’s Avengers. The tracking will assuredly be used for Cerise. Thompson and Cerise are just one example of Crystal Dynamics' growing efforts to represent disability in-game.
Cerise is a brand new character made specifically forMarvel’s Avengers. The Inhumans are a race of superpowered individuals who grow up with standard human lives only to have their powers awakened by exposure to the mutagenic Terrigen Mist. Oddly, Inhumans have largely been written out ofMarvel’s current storylinesand have been for years. Perhaps Crystal Dynamics saw an opportunity to revisit them inMarvel’s Avengers.
Crystal Dynamics has many more ideas to improve accessibility forMarvel’s Avengersthat goes well beyond inclusion. Whether it’s wheelchair accessibility to the studio’sE3 2019booth or other material efforts, Crystal Dynamics wants to be leading the way with regards to accessibility.
Marvel’s Avengersreleases September 4 on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
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