Draw Something 2 - Colors: Color Blind Support - A Review

Tags: #MobileGames #DrawSomething2 #ColorBlindSupport #Accessibility #GamingReview

Introduction

Draw Something 2 is a popular mobile drawing and guessing game developed by Zynga. The game builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering enhanced features, including a broader color palette and improved social gameplay. One of the most notable additions in Draw Something 2 is its Color Blind Support feature, which makes the game more accessible to players with color vision deficiencies (CVD).

In this review, we will explore how Draw Something 2 implements color-blind-friendly features, its impact on gameplay, and whether it successfully addresses the needs of color-blind players.

Understanding Color Blindness in Gaming

Color blindness affects approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women worldwide, making it a significant consideration for game developers. The most common types of color blindness are:

• Protanopia (Red-Green Blindness) – Difficulty distinguishing red and green hues.
• Deuteranopia (Green-Weakness) – Similar to protanopia but with different sensitivity.
• Tritanopia (Blue-Yellow Blindness) – Rare; difficulty distinguishing blue and yellow.

Many games rely on color differentiation for gameplay mechanics, which can create barriers for color-blind players. Draw Something 2 attempts to mitigate this issue by introducing color-blind-friendly palettes and labeling.

How Draw Something 2 Supports Color Blind Players

1. Color Palette Adjustments

The original Draw Something allowed players to choose from a variety of colors, but some shades were difficult to distinguish for color-blind users. Draw Something 2 improves this by:

• Offering high-contrast color options
• Labeling colors with text (e.g., "Red," "Green")
• Providing alternative color schemes for different types of color blindness

These changes make it easier for players to select the correct colors when drawing or guessing.

2. Clearer UI and Visual Cues

Beyond the drawing tools, Draw Something 2 also enhances its user interface (UI) by:

• Using symbols alongside colors (e.g., a leaf for green, a flame for red)
• Avoiding color-dependent instructions (e.g., "Tap the red button" is replaced with "Tap the 'X' button")
• Implementing pattern overlays for better distinction

These adjustments ensure that color-blind players can navigate menus and gameplay without confusion.

3. Customizable Settings

Players can enable Color Blind Mode in the settings, which adjusts the game’s visuals to better suit their needs. This includes:

• Changing the default color scheme
• Increasing contrast for better visibility
• Simplifying color choices in the drawing menu

This flexibility allows players to tailor the experience to their specific type of color blindness.

Does It Work? Evaluating the Effectiveness

Pros:

✅ Improved Accessibility – The labeled colors and high-contrast options make the game more inclusive.
✅ Simple Activation – The Color Blind Mode is easy to enable in settings.
✅ Better Gameplay Experience – Color-blind players report fewer frustrations when guessing drawings.

Cons:

❌ Limited Awareness – Some players may not know the feature exists unless they explore settings.
❌ Not Perfect for All Types – While helpful for red-green blindness, some tritanopia users may still struggle.
❌ Dependent on Player Input – Since drawings are user-generated, some may still use indistinguishable colors.

Comparison with Other Games

Many modern games now include color-blind modes, such as:

• Overwatch (Color Blind Filters)
• Fortnite (Customizable UI Colors)
• Call of Duty (High-Contrast Mode)

Draw Something 2 stands out because its core gameplay revolves around color selection, making accessibility even more crucial. While it doesn’t offer as many customization options as some AAA titles, it does a commendable job for a casual mobile game.

Final Verdict: Should You Play It?

Draw Something 2 makes a strong effort to accommodate color-blind players, and its accessibility features are a step in the right direction. While not flawless, the improvements significantly enhance the experience for those with color vision deficiencies.

Rating: 4/5 ★★★★☆
Recommendation: If you enjoy social drawing games and need color-blind support, Draw Something 2 is a great choice.

Conclusion

Accessibility in gaming is becoming increasingly important, and Draw Something 2 sets a positive example by integrating Color Blind Support. While there’s always room for improvement, the game’s adjustments make it more enjoyable for a wider audience.

Have you tried Draw Something 2 with Color Blind Mode? Share your experience in the comments!

#GamingForAll #InclusiveGaming #DrawSomething2Review

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