Today, Ubisoft revealed Chroma, a “colorblind simulation tool” for game developers designed to help create accessibility features.
The tool, which is open-source and accessible via GitHub, helps replicate the experience of various kinds of colourblindness (rotanopia, Deuteranopia and Tritanopia) so that developers can more easily design and test their games.
Development has been going on since 2021 at Ubisoft’s quality control team in India, and it has already been used effectively on games created under the publisher’s umbrella
It offers the following features included in Ubisoft Chroma:
- Color Simulation on single monitor. This solution works on top of game and can be maximized as per requirement.
- Work on all games. No dependency on any specific game or engine.
- High performance. Able to simulation live gameplay upto 60 FPS.
- Accurate results.
- Simulation of all type of color blind forms.
- Only available solution which capture screen live gameplay screen and simulate.
- Easy screenshot to log error.
- Easy and configurable UI.
Below, you can see some screenshots of the filters in action, including the setup with dual monitors that helps with comparisons.
The press release accompanying the announcement came with a comment from Ubisoft’s Director of Quality Control, Ritu Chowdhary:
“At Ubisoft, open-sourcing Chroma is our pledge to the future—where accessibility isn’t a feature, but a mindset, and inclusive design elevates the experience for every player. Proud of our Quality Control team based in India for leading with purpose, confidence, and heart.”
We also hear from Jawad Shakil, Ubisoft Quality Control Project Manager, who provided more color about the tool and its purposes.
“Chroma was created with a clear purpose—making color blindness accessibility a natural part of the creative and testing process. The team faced and overcame significant challenges while building it, such as real-time performance issues and finding the right algorithm to power Chroma.
By collaborating closely with accessibility experts and refining the tool based on feedback, the team created a solution that eliminated lag and inaccuracies, making accessibility testing efficient and smooth. Chroma is a testament of the team’s innovation and dedication; their work already making a difference in how we design games with accessibility in mind. Open-sourcing Chroma is a proud step forward, allowing everyone to benefit from this innovation.”
Ubisoft also mentions that it has made the tool accessible to everyone as open-source to invite developers, quality control specialists, artists, and accessibility advocates from around the world to utilize it, help improve it, and build on it further.
If you’re interested in more Ubisoft news, you can check out the recent announcement of a strategic partnership with Tencent and the latest financial results.
