Disability and EVE Online

Accessibility in EVE Online

EVE Online is a complex MMO with a steep learning curve, and it attracts a wide range of players, including those with various disabilities. EVE Online has built-in accessibility options to help more players participate fully in New Eden and players have also identified solutions that work for their unique access needs. In addition, EVE University staff and members also work to ensure that our fleets, classes, and resources are as accessible as possible for players of all abilities; we might not always get it right, but we're always looking to continuously improve.

Built in accessibility features

There are a variety of accessibility tools and features within EVE Online to support diverse player needs. The new Photon UI offers higher contrast, streamlined layouts, and better spacing for clarity. Some of the additional built-in accessibility features include:

Color Blind Mode – Default options for green colorblindness (Deuteranopia), blue colorblindness (Tritanopia), and custom options to allow for th eincludin / exclusion of: Red / Yellow / Green / Cyan / Blue / Magenta. These settings adjust the UI and overview colors for increased visibility. These are accessible via the ESC menu (ESC >> User Interface >> Color Blind Mode)

• UI Scaling – Adjustable scaling (from 90% 150%) allows players to resize text, icons, and menus for improved readability. These are accessible via the ESC menu (ESC >> Display & Graphics >> UI Scaling)
• Chat Font Size – Chat windows support independent font size changes for improved legibility. You can also set defaults in the ESC menu (ESC >> Gameplay >> Font Size)
• Window backgrounds - Windows can be set individually to have light or dark backgrounds (click on the 3 vertical dots at the top right of a window and (de)select 'Enable Light Background'. You can also set defaults in the ESC menu (ESC >> User Interface >> Window Appearance)
• Customizable Overview – Players can customize overview settings, colors, and icon visibility to reduce clutter and highlight key information.
• Audio Settings – Master, music, speech, and UI sounds can be adjusted separately. Audio cues can help players who rely more on sound, while customizable levels allow sound-sensitive players to mute distracting inputs. These are accessible via the ESC menu (ESC >> Audio)
• Input devices – Mouse and keyboard controls can be remapped, and keybinds customized to suit ergonomic needs. in-game elements are accessible via the ESC menu (ESC >> Shortcuts). Mapping external devices to commands should probably be cleared with CCP via a Support Ticket to ensure there are no EULA issues (in game F12 >> Get Help >> Submit a Request)

These features mean that many aspects of EVE Online’s interface can be tailored to an individual player's needs.

Accessible hardware, tools, and player adaptations

In addition to in-game features, players can make use of hardware, software, and external tools to make EVE more accessible. Please note that tools and links identified here are gioven in good-faith and with no guarantee of efficacy, please speak to an accessibility specialist first.

• Adaptive controllers / input devices – Devices such as Adaptive Controller, foot pedals, or specialized mice / keyboards can allow alternative input methods alongside (or instead of) tradtional keyboard / mouse inputs.
• Voice Control Software – Programs like VoiceAttack or VoiceBot can map custom voice commands to in-game actions such as keyboard presses and mouse clicks for things like activating modules, targeting enemies, firing etc.
• Screen magnifiers and overlays – Tools such as Windows Magnifier, Zoomit, or overlays like ColorVeil can assist with visual accessibility, Dyslexia, eye strain etc.
• Text-to-Speech (TTS) & Speech-to-Text (STT) – External software can read out in-game text or transcribe speech from voice comms, aiding players with hearing or vision challenges.
• Third-Party Apps – Some third-party tools and websites (fitting tools, market apps, killboards etc) offer simplified or accessible interfaces compared to the in-game equivalents.
• Multiboxing / Input Broadcasting Tools – Where appropriate and compliant with CCP’s rules, software-assisted window management can help reduce repetitive strain. as mentioned elsewhere, such tools should be cleared with CCP via a Support Ticket to ensure there are no issues (in game F12 >> Get Help >> Submit a Request).
• Assitive software - Eye-tracking and head-movement technology such as EyeMine 2 can allow disabled gsamers to control game inputs via a range of atypical methods.

Players often combine in-game options with these adaptations to create a playstyle that works best for them. There's lots of useful advice and guidance online, especially on sites such as: Able Gamers

Accessibility in EVE University

EVE University is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment and actively works to make our fleets, classes, and resources more accessible:

• Classes (and recordings) – Many Uni classes are recorded and uploaded to allow students to learn asynchronously if they cannot attend live sessions. Written class notes are often provided for those who prefer text-based learning and students can aski for sldie packs prior to or after classes to review them at their own pace and we will do our best to provide these.
• Youtube classes - Our intent os to have full subtitles on our youtube videos. We appreicate that sometimes the autogenerated text is innacurate, and we're slowly working through these manaully hwere we can to update them.
• Wiki – The Uni Wiki is written with clarity in mind and uses structured headings, concise explanations, and alt-text on key images where possible. If you identify any areas of the wiki where we could improve our accessibility, please let us know.
• Fleets – Uni fleets often use clear verbal communication and the in-game broadcast fleet settings. wE can't always promise ot have a full set of commands posted into chat, but if you need this we will do our best to provide it. Fleet Commanders are also encouraged to speak clearly and calmly, to repeat key fleet instructions, and to avoid jargon-heavy language. If in doubt, please aks for clarifications.
• Learning – We appreciate that some players need extra time to prepare, reflect on information, process their thoughts, and ask questions. We'll always try to provide this extra time in our content.
• Community Support – Our ethos emphasizes kindness and inclusivity. Members are encouraged to support each other, and to be helpful. Again, we come from a range of cultures and backgrounds, and we don't always get things right the first time, but we'll keep trying to be better and to maximise our inclusivity and accessibility.

By combining EVE Online’s built-in features with EVE University’s culture of patience and inclusion, we strive to make EVE Online welcoming to every capsuleer.

External Resources

The following external resources provide additional information and community perspectives on accessibility in EVE Online:

• ESI Dev Blog: The Future of EVE’s API – how third-party tools can extend accessibility [27 Feb 2025].
• Council for Stellar Management – Official support page for contacting the CSM, who are the player-elected council representing the views of the players to CCP.