Valve has rolled out a major update to Steam’s game discovery system, focusing on accessibility support and inclusivity.
This latest move brings new tagging and filtering options to the storefront, allowing players with different needs to easily locate games that offer features suited to them.
Steam, known as the leading digital distribution platform for PC gaming, frequently updates its interface and systems to improve user experience. Earlier in 2025, Valve made headlines by separating installation and download progress bars. Now, they’re shifting attention to accessibility in a way that could transform how millions of users discover games.
What’s New?
Two new key features have been added:
- Accessibility Tag Display on Store Pages – Store listings now show which accessibility features a game supports, allowing users to quickly verify whether a title aligns with their needs.
- Accessibility Filter in Search – Players can now filter games in the Steam catalog based on specific accessibility options, ensuring only relevant games appear in their search results.
Categories of Accessibility Tags
Steam has grouped accessibility features into four main categories:
Gameplay:
- Adjustable Difficulty
- Save Anytime
Visual:
- Adjustable Text Size
- Subtitle Options
- Color Alternatives
- Camera Comfort
Audio:
- Custom Volume Controls
- Stereo Sound
- Surround Sound
- Narrated Game Menus
- Playable without Timed Input
Input:
- Keyboard Only Option
- Mouse Only Option
- Touch Only Option
- Chat Speech-to-Text
- Chat Text-to-Speech
Developer Participation Is Key
According to Valve, over 5,000 applications have already adopted the new accessibility tags. However, this represents only a fraction of the platform’s library. With more than 14,000 new games added in 2023 alone, Steam still has a long way to go before these tools reach their full potential.
While developers are not required to add these tags, Valve strongly encourages it—and developers can update their games retroactively to include them.
A Step Toward an Inclusive Future
The new accessibility tagging system aims to ensure players of all abilities have a better chance of finding games that they can enjoy. From blind gamers to those with motor or auditory impairments, the ability to filter by features like narrated menus or one-input controls is a major leap forward.
If embraced by more developers, this initiative could lead to broader awareness and more inclusive design across the industry. Not only does this benefit players, but it can also help games reach new audiences who may have previously overlooked them.
