The Reality of Accessibility in the Esports Industry w/ Jack 'Xtinct' Hanna

Whilst esports has developed into a powerhouse industry over the last few years, how accessible is it for individuals with disabilities? We spoke to current esports student Jack ‘Xtinct’ Hanna about his experiences in the scene, as well as what it is really like to navigate esports as someone with cerebral palsy.

Jack 'Xtinct' Hanna (Left) posing with CommanderX (Right)

Gaming became an intrinsic part of Jack’s life from a young age, with games like Wii Bowling and Mario Kart being the first memorable titles that stuck with him. This captivation was the turning point that led him down a road towards esports, and what would become one of the most important aspects of his life.

“My first introduction to esports came in two forms - when I was younger, myself and my cousin Luke ran a YouTube channel together. We did ‘Lets Play’ videos, with the channel getting 500 subscribers with one video amassing 10,000 views. However, like many people I've met, my official introduction to the esports world came from The Fortnite World Cup in 2019.”Now at just 19 years old, Jack has fully embraced this passion - having completed the level 3 Esports BTEC qualification at Queen Mary’s College, currently doing a degree in esports coaching, as well as competing in Overwatch at a high level.

But, despite his progression within the industry being highly commended, the reality of having a disability in this space is incredibly challenging. 

“My experience in the industry so far? Honestly it could be a lot better. The amount of crap I get from various different people in the community and organisations themselves has genuinely made me want to leave the industry,” Jack explains. 

The Overwatch competitive scene is generally regarded as being one of the most toxic esports environments to be involved in, and regardless of his rank or skillset, Jack’s disability always seems to disregard his actual ability. 

“I have had a couple of instances where teams or organisations dropped me from rosters because I’m disabled. I’ve had players on teams try to get rid of me because they do not like playing with someone who is ‘special’.”

“I have had people tell me to kill myself, and just in general, experienced a tonne of ableism at events. I do well in the majority of trials I go to, but they do not want a player who is a ‘freak of nature’ on the main roster.” 

Jack uses a controller to be able to play games due to a traditional keyboard and mouse setup not being suitable for his needs. But, this in itself is an area of contention within competitive play. Adapted or modified equipment is commonly banned in tournament settings in order to maintain fairness, however this then immediately puts a barrier up for those who require these modifications to even play the game. 

Jack explained: “I am public about my disability and what I use to play. People hate getting me on their team, not because I am bad, but because I am disabled. They apparently do not want a player who cannot physically use their hands, even though I can, and tell me that I do not belong in gaming.”

“How can gaming be used as an escape tool when all I get is abuse for playing a game.”

What was once a safe space for Jack has gradually become hostile, leading him to have to step back and realign himself with the current state of inclusivity in the industry. “I’m at the point in my esports career now where I've pretty much stopped competing all together and am trying to limit how often I am in a public space, because some organisations have had to let me go due to how people view me. 

“A lot of people accuse me of trying to do the right thing but for the wrong reasons, but what else is there for me to do but attempt to follow my passion,” Jack also noted. 

Furthermore, one of the most prominent aspects of esports are the large-scale live events that bring the community together. These are more recently being held at music venues that are already accessible, yet there are countless events that do not cater or even consider accessibility. From lifts being used as storage spaces to steps in the way of even getting on a stage to compete, there is a distinct lack of awareness from both venues and organisers. 

Jack explained: “Travelling to and being at esports events is kind of exhausting for me, but I do it because I love being in that environment despite my disability. If I did not attend, I wouldn't do anything. However, I very recently travelled to Sweden for the OWCS World Finals in Stockholm, and genuinely had the time of my life. I met and reconnected with some amazing people and have memories I'll never forget.

“That is the reason why I stick around in esports, having weekends like that make me realise maybe life isn't so bad after all,” he added.

As the esports and gaming industries are on a steady upwards trajectory, it is hard to predict what the future may look like for accessibility. However, any change needs to start with the players, and Jack is one of the many voices speaking up for true change in the space. “I think the disabled community is severely underrepresented in esports, and it is a small community screaming into an endless void. More awareness and support for those with disabilities is needed, and avenues for all to compete or get involved with esports is the next step.”