Space Arcade Games

Accessibility Statement

Last updated By the Space Arcade Games Editorial Team

We want as many people as possible to be able to browse Space Arcade Games, read the guides and play the games. We use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at level AA as our target for the site's pages. We have not had the site formally audited or certified, and this statement describes our own work honestly, including where it falls short.

What is implemented on site pages

  • Semantic HTML: pages use proper headings in order, lists, tables with header cells, landmarks for header, navigation, main content and footer, and real buttons and links rather than clickable boxes.
  • Skip link: the first item you reach with the Tab key is a "skip to content" link that jumps past the navigation.
  • Keyboard navigation: every link, button and control on the site can be reached and used with the keyboard alone.
  • Visible focus: the element that has keyboard focus is clearly outlined, in both light and dark mode.
  • ARIA labels: icon-style controls, such as the sound toggle, favorite and theme buttons, have text labels available to screen readers, and status messages, such as the confirmation after clearing saved data, are announced.
  • Light and dark mode: you can switch themes, and your choice is remembered in your browser. Both themes are designed for readable text contrast.
  • System fonts: text uses your device's fonts and respects browser zoom and text-size settings.

What is implemented in the games

  • Full keyboard play: every game can be played with the keyboard, using arrow keys or WASD plus Space for the main action, depending on the game.
  • Pause at any time: press P or use the on-screen pause control to stop the action whenever you need to. Nothing continues in the background while paused.
  • Labeled HUD values: the heads-up display shows text labels such as "Score," "Lives," "Fuel" or "Hull" with their values, so information is never conveyed by color alone. In Rocket Landing, for example, speed readouts show the words OK or TOO FAST rather than relying on green and red.
  • Large touch controls: on touch devices, a control pad with large buttons appears below the game instead of over it, so your fingers do not hide the action.
  • Reduced motion: if your operating system or browser is set to reduce motion, the site respects the prefers-reduced-motion setting by reducing decorative animation where possible. Gameplay movement itself cannot be removed without changing the game.
  • Sound is optional: sound effects are short generated tones, and no game requires hearing them to play. The sound toggle turns them off and the choice is remembered.
  • Range of difficulty: games are marked Easy, Medium or Hard. Easy games such as Star Collector and Asteroid Dodge are more forgiving, and Cosmic Runner and Planet Hopper need only one button.

Known limitations

Some barriers remain, and some are inherent in the type of game we make:

  1. Fast-paced reflex games. Many games depend on quick reactions and precise timing, and they get faster as you play. This can make them difficult or impossible for some players, including people with some motor, visual or cognitive disabilities. There is no slow-mode or difficulty setting inside individual games yet.
  2. Canvas content and screen readers. The games are drawn on an HTML canvas. The page around a game, its instructions, controls list and buttons are accessible, but the moving action inside the canvas is not fully available to screen readers. We do not currently offer a non-visual way to play.
  3. No remappable keys. Controls are fixed. You cannot yet change which keys perform which actions, which may be a problem for some keyboard layouts or alternative input devices.
  4. Flashing and rapid movement. Explosions, warning markers and fast objects involve changing visuals. If you are sensitive to motion or flashing, take care and use pause and reduced-motion settings.
  5. Color within the play area. While HUD values are labeled with text, some objects inside games, such as hot rocks in Space Miner, are distinguished partly by color and glow.

Tips for a more comfortable experience

  • Start with the Easy games and read the controls section of each game page before pressing Start.
  • Use P freely; there is no penalty for pausing.
  • Our guides to keyboard controls and mobile controls explain the input options in detail.
  • Turn on your system's reduced-motion setting if animation is uncomfortable.

Report an accessibility problem

If something on the site is hard for you to use, please email YOUR_EMAIL_HERE. It helps to include:

  • the page or game where you had the problem;
  • what you were trying to do and what got in the way;
  • your browser and device, and any assistive technology or settings you use, such as a screen reader, magnification, switch access or reduced motion.

Accessibility reports are treated as a priority in our review process. We aim to respond when we can, and we use reports to decide what to improve next.

Ongoing work

Accessibility is checked when games and pages are tested, including keyboard-only use of every page. Improvements we are considering include remappable controls and more options for players who need a slower pace. We will update this statement as features change.