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.

EVE Online - 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 its fleets, classes, and resources more accessible:

Classes & 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.
Accessible Wiki – The UniWiki is written with clarity in mind and uses structured headings, concise explanations, and alt-text on key images where possible.
Fleet Accessibility – Uni fleets often use clear verbal communication and written commands in Fleet chat to support those who may have difficulty following Mumble voice comms. Fleet Commanders are encouraged to repeat key instructions and avoid jargon-heavy shorthand.
Accommodations in Learning – Players who need extra time to set up, configure UI, or ask clarifying questions are supported in both fleets and classes.
Community Support – EVE University’s ethos emphasizes patience and inclusivity. Members are encouraged to support one another with setups, fittings, or gameplay approaches that may aid accessibility.

By combining EVE Online’s built-in features with EVE University’s culture of patience and inclusion, the University strives to make New Eden more welcoming to every capsuleer.

External Resources

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

Launch of EVE Anywhere – play in a browser without heavy hardware requirements.
ESI Dev Blog: The Future of EVE’s API – how third-party tools can extend accessibility.
Forum: EVE Online Accessibility Support – community requests for visual-impairment features.
Forum: EVE Online for Everyone – proposals for voice alerts & spatial audio.
Forum: Accessibility for People with Disabilities – community proposal for extended API access.
Forum: Playing EVE While Totally Blind – discussion of experiences and advice for blind players.
CCP FAQ & Support – official support page for contacting CCP, including to provide accessibility feedback.