Electronic Arts is expanding its long-running Accessibility First Patent Pledge once again, making eight additional patents freely available to any developer or publisher looking to build more accessible games. The new batch includes technologies ranging from grapple assist systems to advanced speech generation tools, as well as key improvements to EA’s text-size and contrast solution, Fonttik.
The headline addition is “Intent-based Models for Use in Selecting Actions in Video Games” — better known internally as “Grapple Assist.” Already used in the company’s UFC series, the tool streamlines complex grappling inputs by automatically determining the optimal transition from a single player command. EA says the system is designed to reduce both cognitive load and fine-motor demands, opening the door for more players to enjoy games with intricate control schemes (per GamesIndustry).
Several of the new patents focus on speech, audio generation, and communication. These include “Expressive Speech Audio Generation”, “Robust Speech Audio Generation”, and “Speech Prosody Prediction.” According to EA, the technologies help players with speech disorders — or those who simply prefer audio assistance — communicate more effectively. They also allow developers to add voice to experiences that may not otherwise include narration, making feedback and in-game guidance easier to understand.
EA is also expanding its open-source text-accessibility toolkit. New updates to Fonttik introduce color-blindness simulation filters and further refinements for evaluating readability, text size, and contrast, all of which can be applied across genres and platforms.
Here is EA SVP Kerry Hopkins’ official statement on the new technologies, per GamesIndustry’s original report:
For players with speech disorders or who prefer or need assistance with verbally expressing themselves, these technologies provide more control and creativity over the way they communicate, including through speech that is clearer and more authentic.
These technologies also increase game accessibility by making it possible to add speech to experiences that would otherwise have no voice at all, creating narration and feedback that is more personalized, engaging, and easier for players to understand.
First launched in 2021, the Accessibility First Patent Pledge began with five patents and has grown steadily every year. EA added six more in 2022, four in early 2024, and a massive drop of 23 additional patents that December. With today’s announcement, EA has now opened 46 patents for free use across the games industry.
