Writing Your TTRPG Adventure With Accessibility in Mind
As a TTRPG adventure writer, you have the power to shape the gaming experiences of countless players. Creating inclusive adventures that accommodate a wide range of abilities and needs is essential to ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the game to its fullest. In this article, we will explore the concept of TTRPG accessibility and provide guidance on how to design adventures with accessibility in mind.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- TTRPG accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive gaming experiences.
- Adventure writers have the power to shape their adventures to accommodate all abilities and needs.
- This article provides guidance on creating accessible layouts, artwork, map layouts, trigger warnings, and content for screen readers.
Understanding TTRPG Accessibility
When writing your TTRPG adventure, it is important to consider accessibility. TTRPG accessibility refers to designing adventures and related materials that can be easily accessed and enjoyed by all players, including those with disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, and visual impairments.
Accessibility is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a way to enhance the gaming experience for all players. By incorporating accessibility practices into your adventure writing, you can ensure that everyone can participate and enjoy the game to the fullest.
Designing Accessible Layouts and Artwork
When designing your TTRPG adventure, it’s crucial to keep accessibility in mind. This means ensuring that all players, regardless of ability, can engage with the content. In this section, we’ll focus on the visual aspect of your adventure, including layout and artwork, and provide guidance on how to make them accessible.
Alt Text
First, let’s talk about alt image descriptions. Alt text is a short textual description that can be read by assistive technology, such as screen readers, to describe an image. For accessibility purposes, it’s important to include alt text for all images in your adventure.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
|
Use clear and concise language to describe the image. |
Write lengthy descriptions that may be overwhelming for assistive technology users. |
|
Include important details that may not be immediately obvious in the image. |
Use vague or generic descriptions that don't provide enough detail. |
|
Use specific language and avoid using overly complex terms. |
Use slang or jargon that may be confusing or unfamiliar to some readers. |
Layout Design
In addition to alt text, it’s important to consider the layout and design of your adventure. Here are some tips to make your adventure layout more accessible:
- Use clear and legible fonts, such as sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica.
- Avoid using small font sizes or low contrast colors that may be difficult to read.
- Use headings and subheadings to break up text into digestible chunks and improve navigation.
- Consider using bulleted or numbered lists to organize information.
Create Engaging Adventure Map Layouts
Clear and accessible adventure map layouts are essential for creating an inclusive TTRPG experience. When designing adventure maps, keep in mind that players with visual impairments may have difficulty navigating complex layouts. Here are some basic descriptions of different map layouts:
| Layout Type | Description |
|---|---|
|
Grid-based Layout |
This layout uses a grid system to define movement and positions within the adventure map. It is simple and easy to understand, making it a good choice for beginner players and those with visual impairments. |
|
Point-to-Point Layout |
This layout features a series of points that represent key locations within the adventure map. Players move from point to point, exploring each location in detail. |
|
Hexagonal Layout |
This layout uses hexagons to define movement and positions within the adventure map. It allows for more complex movement patterns and is often used in more advanced TTRPGs. |
When designing your adventure maps, be sure to use clear and concise language to describe locations and actions. Avoid using visually descriptive language such as “to the left of the large oak tree” and instead use simple directional language such as “north” or “southwest”. This will ensure that players with visual impairments can easily understand and navigate the adventure map.
Content and Trigger Warnings
When creating your TTRPG adventure, consider the potential impact of your content on players. Many players have trauma or sensitivities that can be triggered by certain topics or themes. Therefore, including content and trigger warnings in your adventure can help ensure that all players feel safe.
Content warnings should be included for any potentially triggering themes such as violence, sexual content, or substance abuse. Trigger warnings should be included for specific scenarios within the adventure that may be particularly distressing or triggering for players. It is important to note that content and trigger warnings should not be used as a substitute for proper handling of sensitive or triggering topics within the adventure.
When including content and trigger warnings, it is important to be clear and concise in your language. Use simple and straightforward terms to describe the potentially triggering content, and be specific about what players can expect within the adventure. Additionally, it is important to place these warnings in a prominent location at the beginning of the adventure or in the table of contents.
Make Adventures Accessible for Screen Readers
If you want to make your TTRPG adventures accessible for players using screen readers, there are a few things you can do to ensure your content is easily navigable and understandable. Here are some tips to get started:
Use clear and concise language.
Avoid using complex sentence structures or specialized jargon that may be difficult to understand.
Headings and Subheadings
Include clear headings and subheadings that break up the content and make navigating with a screen reader easier.
Descriptions For Visual Elements
Provide descriptions for all visual elements, such as maps, artwork, and diagrams, using alt text. This description should be detailed and provide all the relevant information, including any actions or emotions depicted.
Tables
When using tables, provide clear header rows and use the “scope” attribute to identify column and row headers.
Use Plain Text
Avoid using images of text, as screen readers cannot read text within images. Instead, use plain text for all content.
Formatting
Use proper formatting for different types of content. For example, use bold or italics to indicate important information, such as item names, spells, or character actions.
Sound Effects
Provide clear descriptions of sound effects and other audio elements that are important for gameplay. This can help players with hearing impairments to fully engage with the game.
Testing
Test your content with a screen reader to ensure it is easily navigable and understandable. This can help identify any issues that need to be addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: TTRPG accessibility is important because it ensures that tabletop gaming experiences are inclusive and enjoyable for all players, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
A: TTRPG accessibility refers to designing and creating TTRPG adventures that are accessible to a wide range of players, taking into consideration factors such as visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, and more.
A: To design accessible layouts and artwork, it is important to provide alt image descriptions for adventure artwork in layout design. These descriptions should accurately describe the content of the image for individuals who are unable to see it. It is also important to follow best practices for writing alt text to ensure accessibility.
A: When creating adventure map layouts, it is important to consider clarity and accessibility. Use clear labeling, appropriate symbols, and colors that can be easily distinguished by all players. Different map layouts can enhance the gaming experience for all players, so consider using a variety of layouts in your adventure.
A: To incorporate content and trigger warnings, clearly communicate any potentially sensitive or triggering content in your adventure. This allows players to make informed decisions about their participation. Be thoughtful and considerate in your descriptions.
A: To make your TTRPG adventure accessible for screen readers, ensure that all text content is properly structured and formatted. Use headings, lists, and other HTML tags to make your content easily navigable by screen reader users. Avoid using images as the sole means of conveying important information.
A: It is important to summarize the key points discussed in the article and emphasize the significance of designing TTRPG adventures with accessibility in mind. Encourage readers to consider accessibility practices in their own adventure writing.
