The new beta version of the Steam game client has a new batch of features to improve accessibility. The platform adds a sliding scale to adjust the size of the interface, a high contrast mode to make text and buttons more visible against the background, and a motion reduction setting to disable selected animations and page transitions. These three features are available for devices running SteamOS, as well as Big Picture Mode, which displays a full-screen user interface for easier reading.
In addition, devices running SteamOS get support for a screen reader app. This feature has settings for audio output volume, speed, and pitch. The new beta also offers color filters for SteamOS devices, allowing the user to select grayscale modes, invert brightness, or invert colors. This change in visual output with colors applies to both the Steam client and games. Currently, only the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S are running Valve’s gaming operating system, but the company apparently plans to add more devices in the future.
“These new tweaks are just the first of the accessibility features we’re working on, and we’re excited to put even more tools in the hands of our players,” the company said in a blog post announcing the new updates.
