As of 2020, AARP reports over 50 million gamers aged 50 and older in the U.S., with projections estimating that this number will double by 2045. The CDC indicates that 1 in 4 U.S. adults has at least one disability, a statistic that rises to nearly 40% among adults aged 65 and older.

The Smart Age-Friendly Games Enhancer (SAGE) is a novel HCI initiative aimed at creating accessible, transparent, and ethical AI in gaming for older adults. This player-centered tool seeks to empower developers by seamlessly integrating adaptive, age-friendly features, enabling older players to easily identify personalized accommodations that enhance their gaming experience.

Through this NSF collaborative planning grant, we aim to foster industry connections and incorporate insights from a11y developers, advocates, and older players to reduce barriers and promote games that support physical health, cognitive well-being, and social engagement. We believe the accessibility community will help us explore the ethical implications of AI in game development while deepening our understanding of older adults’ needs.

Visit Games For Life for more information.