Tekken 8, the highly anticipated installment in the iconic fighting game series, is now caught in a controversy over its newly introduced colorblind filter.

The feature, which was intended to improve accessibility for disabled gamers, has instead received widespread criticism, with reports of users experiencing nausea and migraines (via IGN).

Tekken 8's Colorblind Features Causes Nausea, Migraines

The revelation came to light when Twitter user SJS | Gatterall shared a 38-second clip showcasing the colorblind filter in action.

The video, which has amassed over 9 million views, depicts a match with an uncolored background and distinctive black lines representing the fighters.

While the intention was to aid colorblind players in distinguishing characters, the implementation has proven problematic, leading to adverse health effects for some.

New Colorblind Filter Sparks Accessibility Concerns

Members of the disabled community swiftly took to social media platforms to voice their concerns.

EA's Game Accessibility Lead, Morgan Baker, expressed her discomfort, stating, "Please stop tagging me in the Tekken 8 'colorblind' stripe filters."

"It's already induced an aura migraine for me, and I can't afford to get another one right now, or worse. Appreciate y'all," Baker added.

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The criticism extended to other prominent figures in the gaming accessibility field.

Ian Hamilton, a gaming accessibility consultant and advocate, urged users to refrain from sharing the video, highlighting the potential harm it could cause to photosensitive viewers.

Hamilton further delved into the inefficacy of colorblind filters, emphasizing that they fail to address various color sensitivities.

Users echoed these concerns, with reports of migraines and vertigo emerging from brief exposure to the gameplay video. Accessibility and DEI consultant Tarja Porkka-Kontturi shared her experience: "Striped filter gave me instant vertigo just from a 2-3 second clip that I accidentally saw. It's hazardous."

Gaming Director Eases Concerns

Attempting to quell the growing controversy, Katsuhiro Harada, the Game Director of the Tekken series, defended the team's decision in a comprehensive Twitter post (via GameRant).

Harada clarified that the colorblind mode had been in development since Tekken 7 and emphasized the team's consultation with research institutes and communities.

He noted that the striped pattern was just one of several accessibility filters available, insisting that positive feedback had been received from demo players.

Tekken 8's demo release in December allowed players to experience the new features firsthand, including the controversial colorblind filters.

While these features aim to provide a more inclusive gaming experience, the current backlash suggests that the implementation may need further refinement to truly meet the diverse needs of disabled gamers.

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