PRISMA Checklist from "Neurodivergent-Focused Game Accessibility: a Systematic Literature Review"
Abstract
This is a supplementary material to a systematic literature review which abstract is below. -- Accessible digital games represent an emerging frontier for inclusion, offering both challenges and opportunities to advance the cultural participation of neurodivergent people. This study presents a systematic literature review of empirical research on game accessibility for neurodivergent players, including autistic individuals and persons with intellectual disabilities. Forty-eight studies published between 2014 and 2025 were analysed to examine how accessibility is defined, implemented, and evaluated in game design. Results reveal that accessibility is often framed as a functional or therapeutic adjustment rather than as a social or cultural right. Although growing attention has been paid to sensory and cognitive barriers, few studies adopt neurodiversity-affirming or participatory frameworks. Most remain confined to educational or rehabilitation contexts, with limited involvement of neurodivergent co-designers. The findings call for a redefinition of accessibility as a creative, ethical, and political principle central to inclusive digital culture and the neurodiversity movement.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Tactile and Sensory Interactions
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Technology Use by Older Adults
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Figshare
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026