Accessibility Technologies in Esports and Their Impact on Quality of Life in People with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

This study addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with physical disabilities, encompassing health, economic, and social aspects. The sustainable development of societies hinges on the collective contributions of both disabled and healthy individuals. Esports has recently emerged as a promising avenue for the integration of individuals with physical disabilities into societal life, primarily due to its capacity to transcend physical and demographic constraints. This research therefore aimed to explore the impact of accessibility technologies employed in esports on the quality of life for individuals living with physical disabilities. For this purpose, a literature review was conducted to examine the effect of accessibility technologies currently used in esports on the quality of life of physically disabled individuals. A comprehensive review of the literature suggests that esports, coupled with diverse software and hardware technologies designed to enhance the accessibility of individuals with physical disabilities to esports, yields positive outcomes, which encompass improved socialization, enhanced career opportunities within esports, heightened cognitive and intellectual skills, ultimately leading to an elevated quality of life. As a result, it can be said that these technologies, in addition to widening accessibility to esports, hold the potential to facilitate the organization of tailored esports tournaments and events for disabled individuals, thereby encouraging greater participation in the esports realm.