This is something that tends to get glossed over (if it's mentioned at all) in a lot of game projects. My brother is colorblind, and I even forget to take this into consideration. Any time a game uses only colors to denote things like item value or damage, he's pretty much lost and quits playing. I'm hoping the developers (namely Nicolas) will keep this in mind while developing the UI. Something you can do to get a feel of how friendly it is for colorblind folk is to get a screenshot or mockup of the interface, and convert it to grey scale. If you have trouble identifying any information, seeing the reticle, etc, then someone who is colorblind will too. I know it takes extra time and resources, but it does help those with disabilities enjoy the game as well.
Yes - We are already taking this into consideration. First, even though there are different types of color-blindness, we try to choose the best colors (hue/saturation) so people can clearly identify them compared to each others. Then, it is all about using different shapes and sizes to support each colored elements.
the simpliest way do do that is to give every player ability to customize all colors of their interface and change icons on the hud. so for color blind of any type (some color blindess are 3 colors but 2 of them are very close and in this area such people have better color determining then normal people have, usually in green) you could download a specific icons that are more different or even draw themselves. for deaf you could do some additional color effects on screen and text mesages for voices.
Great idea - I will try having adjustable colors for some of the critical UI elements (map/objective icons for sure). If you have more ideas or example of games that handle colorblindness in an awesome way please let me know!
I too have issues with colors, being red / green, red / brown, and blue / purple color blind. In games that you could even alter the colors of the hud, I found even that would be difficult because of whatever the hud is in front of in the distance can be hard to see based on the color of whatever that is. Colorblindness works differently for different people, so just being able to alter the colors may not be enough. Some people can see colors just fine by themselves, the trouble comes when they are put next to or among others. I would love to see options for changing the shapes or sizes or something like that to make them easier to see. In my many years of playing games, it is very frustrating when the hud turns red or green based on whether the target is friend or foe. Red green issues make it hard for quick action and even more so when all the targets at a distance look the same. Maybe even adding a difference in tones when a friend or foe is targeted would help. However, thank you to your hole team for at least acknowledging this issue and listening to suggestions.
Take heart brother. Nicholas is working to include all forms of colorblindness so you'll be just as capable as anyone else. It's refreshing to see that they have begun designing the UI from the ground up to accommodate this!
The only problems colorblind gamers could have here is with the minimap. I am pretty sure that you should be able to distinguish SM from Chaos SM, Eldar, Tyranids and Orkz. That being said, The small indicators above their heads could be different. (This relies on the idea that after you "mark" an enemy he remains marked for a short time and friendlies show have a friendly symbol from a distance and names show when you are closer to them) The minimap should probably only have friendly infantry and enemy infantry showing (and vehicles). There should be some visual differences to help the colorblind, of course. The only other things on the UI will be ammo-count, health bar and maybe shield/armor bar. You will know which one is which. PlanetSide2 lets you pick between [Friendly/Enemy] (2 colors total) or [Faction] (1 color for each). You get to customize each of those colors. I think this and different shapes/sizes of objects will suffice.
