Mattel has announced that 90% of its games will soon be colorblind-friendly, including popular titles such as Uno, Phase 10, Dos, Blokus, and its mobile versions.
This initiative is set to roll out in stages, with 80% of the games being colorblind accessible by the end of the year and reaching the 90% mark by 2025.
Mattel Expanding Accessibility by Making Games Colorblind-friendly
Mattel's recent move aims to add inclusivity to its most beloved games, which include Uno, Phase 10, Dos, Blokus, and Tumblin' Monkeys. The initiative ensures that classic colors are not the only way to differentiate cards or components.
This change is crucial for the approximately 300 million people worldwide who experience some form of colorblindness, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
"At Mattel, we are proud that our portfolio of games continues to bring people together - transcending languages and cultures - and this initiative to offer more colorblind accessible games is another proof point on our inclusivity journey," said Ray Adler, Vice President and Global Head of Games at Mattel.
Mobile Versions Get an Upgrade
The inclusivity effort extends beyond physical games. Mobile versions of popular card games such as Uno, Phase 10, and Skip-Bo will also feature colorblind identification.
Mattel is adding new 'Beyond Color' card decks featuring new symbols, including squares and triangles, to help colorblind players distinguish between cards. Mattel163, Mattel's joint mobile game developer and publisher venture with NetEase, is responsible for these updates.
The company explains that 'Beyond Colors' mobile decks are a part of this initiative, offering unique and unified symbols to ensure easy identification. This update will be free to all players and can be enabled through personal account settings.
This inclusivity drive in mobile gaming began with the launch of UNO! Mobile in 2019, which over 300 million users have since enjoyed.
Mattel's commitment to inclusivity is not new. In 2017, Mattel partnered with ColorADD, a global leader in colorblind accessibility and education, to create the UNO ColorADD deck.
ColorADD developed a color identification system that helps colorblind individuals by providing a universal and inclusive code.
Additionally, in 2019, Mattel launched Uno Braille, a game version designed for the visually impaired.
Mattel Gives Back to the Community
To celebrate this milestone, Mattel will donate colorblind, accessible games to local YMCA summer camps across the United States. This donation empowers children to reach their full potential through inclusive play.
The initiative coincides with Mattel Play It Forward Global Volunteer Week, held from June 24 to 28. This week, Mattel's global offices host opportunities for employees to volunteer and support local nonprofits serving children and their families.
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