At Gamescom 2026, the Gaming Without Borders Award was presented for the fourth time. Mobile provider Congstar, in collaboration with the Gaming Without Borders initiative, uses this award to recognize particularly accessible and inclusive games.
Who Won the Gaming Without Borders Award 2026?
Two games received awards: The German bookstore simulation Tiny Bookshop won primarily due to its particularly simple, accessible controls. For Forza Horizon 6, the jury praised, among other things, the AutoDrive autopilot, an integrated screen reader, and additional visual customization options. Furthermore, the Personality Award went to Marlene Beilharz, who has advocated for greater accessibility in games for years through her blog and podcast.
What's New in This Year's Award Edition?
In 2026, three new categories were added: the Get-Together Award, an award for the best feature, and a prize for the most inclusive mobile game. This means the award has steadily grown since its first presentation and now covers significantly more facets of accessibility than just control options – from social gaming experiences to mobile titles.
From our perspective, the award for Forza Horizon 6 clearly demonstrates that accessibility has long since arrived in major AAA productions and is no longer just a niche topic for smaller indie studios. At the same time, Tiny Bookshop's victory highlights that even small, slower-paced games with thoughtful design can achieve a great deal for accessibility.
How Can Players Try Out the Accessibility Features Themselves?
Those interested in the awarded accessibility features won't have to search far: Forza Horizon 6's AutoDrive autopilot and screen reader can be activated directly in the game's accessibility settings, without any separate DLC or additional costs. Tiny Bookshop, on the other hand, starts with a simplified control scheme from the outset, making the game accessible even for beginners and people with motor impairments without complicated settings. Anyone who wishes to provide feedback on accessibility in games can find contact options and further information on upcoming calls for submissions via the Gaming Without Borders initiative's website.
Source: GameStar
Are you familiar with Tiny Bookshop, or have you already tried out the accessibility options in Forza Horizon 6? Tell us in the comments!
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