Mattel is working to make games like UNO, Blokus, and Skip-Bo accessible for colorblind individuals.
Mattel has announced a plan to ensure that nearly all of their tabletop games are accessible for colorblind individuals by the end of 2024. In a recent announcement, Mattel stated that 80% of its board game collection will be made colorblind accessible by the end of this year, with popular games such as UNO, Dos, Blokus, Phase 10, Skip-Bo, and Ker Plunk receiving updates. Additionally, Mattel aims to have 90% of their game lineup colorblind accessible by the end of 2025.
This initiative does not necessarily mean that the colors of game components will be changed; rather, many game pieces will have additional features to help differentiate them if color was previously the only distinguishing factor. For example, UNO cards will now have small symbols to indicate color, while Blokus pieces will feature unique patterns in addition to their colors.
Mobile versions of these games will also receive updates through Mattel’s collaboration with NetEase, known as Mattel163. These updates will be provided free of charge to all players. Furthermore, Mattel plans to donate colorblind accessible versions of their games to summer camps through a donation to the YMCA, valued at $30,000.
“At Mattel, we take pride in the fact that our games bring people together from different backgrounds and cultures. This initiative to offer more colorblind accessible games is another step forward in our journey towards inclusivity,” stated Ray Adler, Vice President and Global Head of Games at Mattel, in a press release. “We are committed to raising awareness for the colorblind community and making our products accessible to a wider audience so that all fans can enjoy these games together.”
According to a report from the Cleveland Clinic referenced by Mattel, approximately 300 million people worldwide have some form of colorblindness, with 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women being affected.