7-128 Software - Top 25 Sites for Gamers who are Blind - 2016
May, 2016
http://www.7128.com/top25/topsitesblind.html#skipnavTarget
*1
AudioGames
www.audiogames.net
AudioGames.net is, in their words, "a community portal for all things to do
with audiogames".
It offers current news, articles, a community forum, and an up-to-date
database, of 539 FREE and Commercial blind-accessible games with
descriptions of
each game.
It has links to immediately download the files from the developer's own site
on each game's entry page.
Information on the site is mainly provided by Dark, who is knowledgeable as
well as entertaining.
It also offers 45 student audio games from 2001 - 2008, available through
their Experimental Audio Games section, as well as MOD downloads that make a
number of games blind-accessible.
In addition, it offers links to audio reviews, many annotated links to game
sites, developer tools, newsgroups, and similar resources.
There are tips, cheats, walkthroughs and mods to audiogames.
It offers back issues of Audyssey Magazine.
It is active on Facebook and Twitter.
Has an extremely active forum of independent game developers and players,
with 15,445 users, over a thousand more than last year. The latest entries
were
on the day of our review.
The site is easily navigated.
Founded in 2002. Dark makes updates to the database on an ongoing basis.
Alexa: 797,705.
508 Compliance: several image elements lack an alt attribute. Input element
without a label.
Categories: Games, Community, Information, Reviews, Help.
Why should I go there? To be the first to hear about the latest new
blind-accessible games. Also for a lot of FREE games. And to be enormously
entertained.
*2
PCSGames
www.pcs-games.net
This site has a large collection of blind-accessible games updated to March
2016.
It connects you to 153 websites that have links to FREE and commercial
computer games.
It offers the only independent price list of Commercial blind-accessible
computer games.
It offers a listing of 14 online games.
It offers a list of 83 accessible iPhone and iPad games, almost double the
number from last year, updated in March, 2016.
It offers a list of accessible Twitter games played by many people at the
same time.
It offers a list of accessible Mac games and where to find them.
Each entry in these lists include game descriptions or instructions, and
links to the websites where they can be found.
It offers reviews of the PCS games, but not the other games it lists.
From this Web site you can download PCSGames' own FREE or Commercial games,
including: Sarah and the Castle of Witchcraft and Wizardry, PacMan Talks,
SuperDog's
Bone Hunt, and Ten Pin Alley.
Home of a weekly game chat: Games People Play, as well as links to an
on-line Dungeons and Dragons live role playing adventure Game site:
audiotips.com.
Also includes online and interactive fiction resources.
To navigate this site, use the menu links at the top of the games home page.
Founded in 2000 and the most recent desktop game list update is March 2016.
Alexa: Not enough data to rank.
508 Compliance: PERFECT.
Categories: Games, Information, Community.
In their own words: "My list is primarily designed to search for a type of
game or the name of a game and to easily go to the web site where you can
download
it... We make audio amusements that tickle your ears!"
Why should I go there? For in-depth information about most of the popular
blind-accessible games. Also for PCS's own excellent blind-accessible games,
especially the popular Sarah.
*3
Kitchens Inc.
www.kitchensinc.net
With deep sorrow, we note the passing of Jim Kitchen, the creator of over 40
FREE, blind accessible games.
His sister is keeping the website up in memory of Jim and so you can still
download 43 of his games, titles like: "Homer on a Harley, "Awsome Homer"
and
"Puppy 1".
It also offers trivia, racing, arcade, sports, word, and puzzle games.
Several of the available games are adult windows SAPI text to speech games.
Navigating this site is easy; just march down the links.
Founded in 2001, the site was modified last in August 2015, after Jim passed
away. He is missed.
Alexa: Global Rank 10,841,260.
508 Compliance: Text present not able to be read by a screen reader.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "Where you can find Jim Kitchen's FREE blind accessible
speech friendly PC, DOS, and windows games"
Why should I go there? For popular audio games, all for FREE.
*4
Audyssey
www.audyssey.org
http://audyssey.org/mailman/ listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org
This website is the home of one of the most active discussion lists where
you can go to talk with independent developers of blind-accessible games, as
well
as a core of knowledgeable gamers.
The gamers discussion list is an excellent resource for quick technical help
and game hints.
Game developers solicit suggestions for improving their games and seek help
in game testing and audio recordings for their games. Gamers can get any
help
they need in downloading, and playing audio games. There are animated
discussions among developers and gamers about a wide range of topics.
Navigating this site is standard listserv easy.
The website's list of accessible games is still under revision and has been
since March 2014.
Founded in 2006, audyssey.org was last updated in March of 2014. The
listserv Gamers discussion has constant posts with the latest entries on the
day of
the review.
Alexa: Not enough information to be rated.
508 Compliance: Imput elements fail to contain lable.
Categories: Help, Information, Community.
In their own words: "The main purpose for us is to provide a place where
anyone can learn about games which are specifically for blind people, or
just
happen to be usable by blind people."
Why should I go there? For help directly from the people who make the most
popular blind-accessible games, and the folks who play them. Also to get the
latest information about what games are hot and being played right now.
And definitely for the engaging discussions.
*5
The Zone BBS
www.zonebbs.com
This great site currently has registered over seven thousand nine-hundred
blind or visually impaired participants, with a record of 199 people logged
in
at one time.
They are an "active and vibrant community with people logged in at almost
any time during the day or night", .
Offers blogs, Zone BBS by Phone, Voice Chat, Private eMail, Graffiti chat,
Person Watch, Quicknotes, and Boards (forums).
Also offers sixteen online games.
Navigating this site is easy. They have a site search link.
Founded in 2003. Very active. Latest update is April 2016.
Alexa: 5,178,836.
508 Compliance: Script element used without NOSCRIPT.
Categories: Community, Help, Information, online games.
In their own words: "The Zone BBS is an online community where you can meet
new people, play games, and get away from the more stressful parts of life."
Why should I go there? To meet lots of interesting people, many of whom
share your interest in games.
*6
Spoonbill Software
www.spoonbillsoftware.com.au/ blindgamers.htm
Independent developer of 38 FREE blind-accessible puzzle and card games, two
released after our 2015 review and one released in 2016.
Games have very high quality visual interfaces as well as audio interfaces,
developed by "...a happily retired computer programmer who writes games as
a hobby, for fun and not for profit."
Navigating this site is easy. Start at the links on the Blind Gamers page.
Founded in 2005. Released a new blind accessible game in April 2016, "Blind
Gamers Golf Solitaire".
Alexa: 16,803,331.
508 Compliance: Image element contains no ALT.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "I thought it would be a good idea to share (my games)
with other people too. That's when I created my website, Spoonbill
Software."
Why should I go there? For FREE commercial quality card and puzzle games
that are both sighted and blind-accessible.
*7
7-128 Software
www.7128.com
BlindComputerGames.com
www.blindcomputergames.com
Independent developer of 28 Commercial and 5 FREE games that are accessible
to blind gamers.
There was one new internationalized (English, Spanish, French, Mandarin
Chinese) version of a previously released game, "Here Comes the Duck,
International"
released in 2015.
A number of games offer accessibility for a variety of special needs. All
games are rated as to their accessibility.
Games include: word games, puzzle games, the Inspector Cyndi in Newport
mysteries, and educational games for young children.
Home of the Top 25 Websites for gamers who are blind, deaf and motion
impaired.
There is information about how to use accessible games in an academic
setting through the ALERT program. There are also serialized stories, online
trivia,
and poetry.
The sibling Web site is
www.blindcomputergames.com,
where you can find Guidelines for Building Blind-Accessible Computer Games.
Useful for providing information to developers to help them make that game
you can almost play accessible to you.
The Web site was inspired by Dark, who kept asking "What would it take?"
Navigating both sites is easy. Each has a site map.
Founded in 2007. Updated regularly. Most recent update, April 2016.
Alexa: 6,339,047.
508 Compliance: Specifies background color but not foreground color to
assure adequate contrast.
Categories: Games, Information.
In their own words: "Our games entertain you with stories, puzzles, and word
challenges that are fun for and accessible to every casual gamer."
Why should I go there? For Commercial and FREE games that are both sighted
and blind accessible, especially word, puzzle, detective, and childrens'
games.
If you are an educator or caregiver, you will also find FREE help using
accessible computer games in your efforts. For information about how to make
games
blind-accessible. For organized, current, and complete information on Web
sites for gamers with multiple accessibility needs.
*8
Kaldobsky.com
kaldobsky.com/audiogames
Independent developer of 10 FREE blind-accessible games.
This site has a diverse set of games including a strategy game, a word
association game, a simulation game, a math game, a first person shooter
game, puzzle
games, and a tower defense game.
In addition there is a game book creator program to allow you to create game
books similar to those found on
arborell.com.
With these FREE games, Jeremy Kaldobsky aka Aprone, has shown great
versatility and skill in developing audio games.
His games include mouse use, not commonly found in audio games.
The games support SAPI, JAWS, Window Eyes, and NVDA.
In addition he offers 10 FREE tool programs.
Several of Aprone's games can, in addition to individual play, be played
online with other people for an annual subscription fee.
Navigating this site is easy. It's all on one page.
Founded in 2010. There is no indication as to the latest update although a
beta version of Castaways 2 was released in March 2016.
Alexa: 24,206,338
508 Compliance: PERFECT
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "All of the software here is of my own design. Each
title is available for FREE, and I hope you will find them both useful and
entertaining."
Why should I go there? For a diverse assortment of FREE blind-accessible
games and helpful tools.
*9
VIP GamesZone
www.vipgameszone.com
Independent developer of 6 Commercial and 8 FREE blind-accessible games.
Offers:
list of 5 items
. 3 Android games; VGZ Mortal Maze, VGZ Smart Tennis, and VGZ Sea Battle.
. 4 Commercial sports games; Super tennis, Super football, Beach volleyball
and Funny bowling.
. 2 Commercial Multiplayer strategy games; Lords of the Galaxy and Galaxy
Ranger.
. 5 FREE games: Puzzle, maze, strategy, keyboard trainer, and sports.
. 3 FREE special educational applications for kids who are blind or visually
impaired.
list end
This site has best score lists for 5 games. They also have a mailing list to
discuss their games.
Navigating this site is easy. Use the links on the home page.
Founded 2003. Updated occasionally. The Copyright has been updated to 2016,
but no changes noted since our last review.
Alexa: Not enough information to rank.
508 Compliance: PERFECT.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "We want to specialize in the developing of accessible
software for blind and visually impaired kids. Our main goal is to let
children
to get useful software that will allow them to develop their thinking,
memory and imagination. Our motto is: easy setup, easy to use, excellent
quality
and fun!"
Why should I go there? For Commercial and FREE blind-accessible games,
especially the sports games.
*10
Braillesoft
www.braillesoft.net
Independent developer of 10 FREE windows blind-accessible audio games.
Offers 18 FREE Windows Mobile Smart Phone Games.
Navigating this site is easy. Use the links at the top of the home page.
Founded in 2006. Latest date is the copyright 2012. No change to the website
has been noted since our last review.
Alexa: 21,372,664.
508 Compliance: PERFECT.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "BrailleSoft software will no longer be just Freedom
Scientific PAC mate Omni specific. We will move to an interface that is more
generalized
to work specifically with almost any screen reader running Windows Mobile."
Why should I go there? For FREE blind-accessible games.
*11
USA Games
usagamesinteractive.com
We are sorry to announce that the USA Games developer and active member of
the blind gamer community, Thomas Ward, passed away this year. His website
is
remaining up to serve the blind gamer community. He is sorely missed.
USA Games offers 11 games, including Final Conflict and USA Blackjack, and
technical information for developers. They also offer 9 other games
including
games from Spoonbill Software, and games formerly offered by DanZ games and
PB-Games .
Offers game developer tutorials for developers programming audio games in
BGT, C#, C++, Visual Basic, and Python.
Offers a software developers list for discussion of development of
accessible games.
Hosts access to the AudioGames.net forum.
Provide technical information about software development tools.
While navigating this site is easy, a couple of the links are not active.
Founded in 2004. Updated June 2012.
Alexa: 20,716,575.
508 Compliance: PERFECT.
Categories: Games, Information.
In their own words: "USA Games Interactive is dedicated to delivering the
most advanced, top of the line, high quality accessible games for blind and
low
vision gamers."
Why should I go there? For their FREE blind-accessible games, and excellent
technical information.
*12
GMA Games
www.gmagames.com
Independent developer of 5 commercial accessible games and 5 FREE accessible
games.
These include Time of Conflict, which had a new version released in 2014.
There are mail lists to discuss GMA games and one for the VIP MUD client.
Navigating the site is easy.
Founded in 2001. The most recent update is in 2015.
Alexa: 9,270,743.
508 Compliance: PERFECT.
Categories: Games, Community.
In their own words: "Games designed to be fully accessible to blind and
visually impaired individuals. GMA concentrates its efforts on developing
sophisticated
Windows-based games, while keeping its prices affordable."
Why should I go there? For Commercial and FREE blind-accessible games, and
especially Time of Conflict, Tank Commander and Lone Wolf.
*13
Draconis Entertainment
draconisentertainment.com
Independent developer of 9 blind-accessible commercial Windows games and 2
mac games.
Navigating this site is easy.
Founded in 2005. Most recent date noted is September 2015 when they released
updates to the mac games, "Change Reaction" and "Silver Dollar".
Alexa rank: 17,838,233
508 Compliance: Image element contains empty alt attribute. Element
specifies background color but not foreground text color.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "The array of accessible computer games offered by
Draconis Entertainment ranges widely, from sports, to puzzle-oriented, to
arcade-style,
to exciting first-person adventure games."
Why should I go there? For great Commercial blind-accessible games.
*14
Azabat Games
www.azabat.co.uk
Independent developer of 35 Commercial audio and audio-video blind and
visually-impaired accessible card, puzzle, and crossword games in 7 volumes
playable
off of a CD.
Includes 4 Commercial word games for children ages 5 -- 11.
Also offers Commercial blind-accessible word processing, email, and typing
tutor programs.
Navigating this site is straightforward.
Founded in 2005. No update noted. No new games or apparent website change
from last year's review.
The games listed are certified only up to Windows XP which is no longer
supported by Microsoft, not Windows 7, 8, or 10. Therefore, these games may
not
be playable on modern Windows computers.
Alexa: Not enough information to rank.
508 Compliance: Image elements have no alts
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "Then one day my blind friend, expressing his
frustration at not being able to use his newly acquired computer to do all
the things
he thought he'd be able to do with it, said to me, 'I only bought the
computer to have some fun'. So, with this in mind, I set about creating some
computer
games, which had the voices built-in and could be run off the CD, so he
wouldn't need to install anything."
Why should I go there? For Commercial games that are both sighted and blind
accessible, especially card, word and puzzle games.
*15
DragonApps
www.dragonapps.org
Independent developer of 8 FREE games. These games include a first person
shooter, "Road to Rage".
There are two Android games, "Crazy Bat" and "Droid Flip". They are working
on a zombie shooter game, a demo of which was released in 2016.
In addition, there are three software tools available for download.
Navigating the site is straightforward. The menu tabs lead to the games.
The site started in 2010. There was no dated post, but the copyright is
listed as 2016.
Alexa: Not enough information to rank this site.
508 Compliance: Specified background color but not foreground (text) color
to assure adequate contrast.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: : "Audiogames are basically video games, but without the
video. Instead, you put on your headphones, and imagine the graphics
yourself.
I guess you could see it like you tried to imagine the pictures to an audio
drama."
Why should I go there: To get a very exciting first person shooter, "Road to
Rage".
*16
Shard Workshop
www.shardworkshop.com
Independent developer of 3 Commercial audio games, and 1 videogame.
Navigating the site is straightforward. Use the Audiogames tab.
Founded in 2011. Latest update, No date was found on the website.
Alexa: Not enough information to rank.
508 Compliance: Image alternative text is missing.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: This site's "main goal is to take the gaming experience
for blind and visually impaired people to the next level."
Why should I go there? For an excellent flight simulator and a unique music
puzzle game.
*17
L-Works
www.l-works.net
Independent developer of 5 FREE audio games, 1 commercial game, and a
Freeware game, Super Liam.
One of their previously commercial games, Judgement Day, is no longer
available for purchase.
Super Egg Hunt plus is still listed for purchase, although there is a note
that it will soon be a FREE game.
There is an LWorks Scoreboard listed for 8 Games. Three links resulted in
404, Link not found; two had no scores posted; and 3 were active with recent
postings.
There is a mailing list. The latest post was about 45 days prior to our
review.
Navigating this site is easy.
Site was founded in 2002. The latest date was on the LWorks Scoreboard for
Super Egg Hunt which was April 2016.
Alexa: 26,274.265.
508 Compliance: Script element used without NOSCRIPT.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "LWorks produces affordable computer games for those
with visual impairments."
Why should I go there? For a couple of popular games including the Super
Liam side scroller, and Super Egg Hunt plus, as well as their other FREE
games.
*18
Niels Bauer Games
www.nielsbauergames.com
Independent commercial game developer offers 3 Commercial games that are
blind-accessible: Smugglers 4 and Smugglers 5: Secession, and the newer
Smugglers
5: Invasion.
They have achieved getting Smugglers V: Secession released on Steam.
A new game was released during 2015, "Dead but Alive: Southern England".
Navigating the site is easy, it has a good tab order accessible to screen
readers.
Founded in 2004. Updated 2015.
Alexa; 9,237,920.
508 Compliance: A number of images have alternative text missing. Four other
items not in compliance.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "Niels Bauer Games is an independent game developer from
Freiburg in Germany. Since 1998 we are creating addictive casual games for
PC-Windows. I am planning on support for blind accessibility for all my
future games."
Why should I go there? For highly recommended Commercial blind-accessible
games, and to support a game developer who responds to requests for
accessibility.
*19
Blast Bay Studios
www.blastbay.com
Independent developer of 1 Shareware blind-accessible game, the Q9 Action
Game; and 2 FREEware games, Kringle Crash and Palace Punch-Up.
Blast Bay Studios no longer sells any products directly from their website,
but there are links to download their games and other software.
The Blastbay Game Toolkit(BGT), a game development toolkit to help
developers produce their own audiogames, is, as of May 2014, a FREEware
product.
In addition, they offer Blastbay Oggdec - a simple Ogg Vorbis decoder to
help developers with audio files.
There is an active forum with 147 topics, 1,069 posts, and a forum
specifically on the BGT toolkit with 550 topics and 3,980 posts, the most
recent of
which was 8 days prior to our review.
Navigating the site is easy.
Founded in 2008. Most recent news, May 2014.
Alexa: 11,996,145.
508 Compliance: Image does not have an Alt. Rows and column headers not
identified for data tables.
Categories: Games, Community.
In their own words: "Here you'll find audio games for the blind and visually
impaired, useful software applications for audio enthusiasts as well as
handy
components/resources for programmers, and high quality royalty FREE music.."
Why should I go there? For blind-accessible games, especially the the Q9
action game.
*20
Ticon Blu
www.ticonblu.it
Ticon Blu is an Italian company that produces audio games.
They have a total of 9 games including: 3 Nicholas Emerich, Inquisitor
games, an adventure series which is available on PC/Mac/iOS and Android
platforms.
Their other games are a spy game, a racing game, a science fiction game
"Space Encounter", and a puzzle game.
Their games are available in several languages including English, Italian,
French and German.
They have a series of podcasts and demos to help with game play.
Navigating the site is easy if you set the language to English and tab
through the site.
Founded in 2003. Their first audiogame was released in 2012. The most recent
release is September 2015.
Alexa: 6,423,029.
508 Compliance: Images don't contain either ALT or Long Descriptions.
Specified foreground (text) color but not background color to assure
adequate contrast.
Documents shall be readable without requiring an associated style sheet.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "This is the first videogame digital store for
audiogames, dedicated to unsighted & visually impaired gamers!"
Why should I go there: To get high quality games, especially the Nicholas
Emerich, Inquisitor series.
*21
Pontes Games
www.pontes.ro
Pontes is an association of visually impaired Romanians who have developed 8
accessible games plus eight tools. Two of their games have been ported to
Android.
In addition they have two puzzles and an English-Romanian dictionary.
Their Pontes backgammon game is considered one of the best available.
There is an on-line shooter and casino simulator, an adventure Game, and
"Pontes Pong" which can be played in both audio and video mode .
There is an active forum in Romanian with a post on the day of our review.
Navigating the site is easy if you set the language to English. Go to Quick
Menu, then Programs and Games.
Founded in 2006. The most recent news is September 2013.
Alexa: 2,252,398.
508 Compliance: Specified foreground (text) color but not background color
to assure adequate contrast. Input element lacked a label.
Categories: Games, Community.
In their own words: We "wanted to make a difference in society, in the lives
of both visually impaired and sighted people"
Why should I go there: To get the accessible backgammon game or their other
games. Also for the forum, especially if you speak Romanian.
*22
Oriol gaming zone
http://oriolgomez.com/en_index.php
Developer of the Mush-Z client that is used in the online MUD AlterAeon to
make it into an audiogame using the common screen readers.
He also has twelve FREE short arcade style audiogames including Beatstar
Pro, a Boppit like game that has customizable sounds and hundreds of
sound-packs
people have created.
There are scoreboards for his games.
There is a mailing list to receive information about new games or to discuss
ideas of games you would like to see.
Navigating the site is very easy by tabbing through the site.
Updated as of March, 2016.
Alexa: 7,497,732.
508 Compliance: PERFECT.
Categories: Game.
In their own words: "These modern games should have what you expect an audio
game to have: scoreboards, proper voices, and innovative or interesting
gameplay."
Why should I go there? For the FREE games, and to meet an interesting
developer from Spain.
*23
Pawlosoft, now called Breakerbox Studios
www.breakerboxgames.webs.com
Independent developer of 3 commercial games: Super Airik the Cleric, a
recent update of Airik the Cleric, Kurtwolf,a 3D adventure game, and
"Griff", a new
fantasy platformer.
The Airik game is located in the world of Aunegauve, the Airik the Cleric
world.
Two other games are under development with demos available.
Navigating the site is easy, simply tab through the site to find what you
are looking for.
Founded in 2007. The most recent news is 1/1/13.
Alexa: Not enough information to rank.
508 Compliance: Image alternative text is missing.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "Airik the Cleric is an all new fantasy adventure RPG
game."
Why should I go there: To get one of the few RPG's available in an audio
game.
*24
Driftwood Audio Entertainment
www.blind-games.com
Offers 1 blind-enabled game, Entombed.
"Entombed is FREE to play. Optionally, you can upgrade to the full version
from inside the game after purchasing it"
The FREE version has over 20 hours of entertainment. In the full version
there are 25 dungeon levels and many more hours of fun.
There is a very active discussion group with posts a week before our review
date.
There is an online Leaderboard.
There is no indicator as to the most recent update of the site.
Navigating the site is very easy, simply tab to each section of the site.
Founded in 2009.
Alexa: 24,458,406.
508 Compliance: Specified background but not foreground (text) color to
assure adequate contrast. Interface elements lack ability for text to be
read by
assistive technology.
Categories: Game, Community.
In their own words: "Driftwood Audio Entertainment is a company specializing
in games for the blind and visually impaired."
Why should I go there: To get one of the few RPG's available in an audio
game.
*25
SoundRTS
http://jlpo.FREE.fr/soundrts
Independent developer of 1 FREE blind-accessible game, the popular SoundRTS,
a real-time strategy game.
This game is available in 9 languages.
There is a chat page with the most recent post in February 2016 when our
review was May, 2016.
Navigating the site is very easy.
Founded in 2007. Latest site entry was August 2014.
Alexa: Not enough information to rank.
508 Compliance: PERFECT.
Categories: Game, Community.
In their own words: "SoundRTS is a real-time strategy audio game. I tried to
put in an audio game the fun from Warcraft."
Why should I go there? For the FREE Warcraft type audio game.
* Online and Mobile Sites
Although we do not feel competent to rank online or mobile sites, these
sites were most often mentioned in discussions concerning online games.
Bowing to popular demand, this is that list.
* Alter Aeon
www.alteraeon.com
It's a MUD. But a FREE MUD with a huge following among the blind gaming
community.
Alter Aeon is a multiplayer text based game with a huge world. The game has
a support page for the blind and visually impaired player. This page
outlines
the available support software for the game.
This superb online MUD is one of the few we know that actively supports
blind and VI players.
One blind gamer said "This is probably the most comprehensive game I've ever
played . . . Beyond the absolutely amazing gameplay, there are lots of
people
on there who are just a joy to chat with. As well, the website is entirely
accessible from all platforms and very nicely organized for screen
reader/notetaker
navigation."
Updated constantly. The most recent update was the day before our survey.
Alexa rating 2,707,876.
508 Compliance: Image elements contain no ALT. Script element used without
NOSCRIPT
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "Alter Aeon is one of the most blind friendly
multiplayer games on the web. Over half of our players are blind or visually
impaired,
and our dedicated staff is constantly on the lookout for trouble spots."
Why should I go there: To play one of the few blind accessible MUDs.
* QuentinC's Playroom
www.qcsalon.net
Offers 25 FREE blind-accessible online games.
The playroom offers card, dice and board games that can be played with other
players online in six languages.
Alexa rating 2,052,311.
The most recent update noted was March, 2016.
Categories: Games.
508 Compliance: Image elements have no ALT. Input form does not allow
assistive technology access.
In their own words: "The Playroom is a FREE online gaming platform,
especially made to be accessible to visually impaired people.
Why should I go there: To play card, dice and board games with other
players.
* RS Games
www.rsgames.net
Offers 8 FREE online card and board or educational games. Uses advertising
support to maintain the FREE games.
The latest posting was announcing their 5th anniversary in December 2014.
Alexa rating: Not enough data to rank.
Categories: Games.
508 Compliance: Document requires an associated style sheet which is not 508
compliant, Foreground color specified but not background color to assure
adequate
contrast, Data tables with 2 or more levels lack markup association.
In their own words: "We specialize in the development of accessible games,
products and software for the blind and visually impaired."
Why should I go there: To play games with other players.
* Blind Adrenaline Simulations
www.blindadrenaline.com
Independent developer of 8 blind accessible online card games in their Blind
Adrenaline card room.
Navigating the site is easy.
Founded in 2006. Latest update was the week of our review.
Alexa rank: 4,396,251.
508 Compliance: PERFECT.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: ".We've built the most feature rich set of online card
games available for the blind."
Why should I go there? To play card games in tournaments or against one
another.
* AllInPlay
www.allinplay.com
Independent developer of Commercial blind-accessible online games that
allows blind and sighted folks from all over the world come together to play
online
multiplayer games..
They are an online site that any blind gamer who enjoys card and word games
should be aware of.
Offers 6 subscription-based blind-accessible word and card games.
Enables you to play against the computer or with others over the Web,
participate in tournaments, and chat with others.
Offers FREE trials.
All in Play was founded in 1998. No recent updates noted.
Alexa rank 10,543,459.
508 Compliance: Image elements contain no ALTS. Document requires an
associated style sheet. Foreground color specified but not background color.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "From our beginnings in a college dorm room in 1998, our
goal has been to bring people together through online games that are
accessible
to the blind while also being thoroughly enjoyable by those who are
sighted."
Why should I go there? Their online card and word games are mentioned
favorably throughout the blind-gaming community.
* Core Exiles
www.core-exiles.com
Core Exiles is a FREE to play epic space adventure game. You are the captain
of a small spacecraft and have a wide range of opportunities for adventure.
This is a game that has a large VI player base. They have a forum that
includes player guides and tips for VI players.
They have been responsive to requests to include accessibility in the game.
They have an active community forum system with posts as recent as the day
of the review.
Alexa rating: 1,340,618.
508 Compliance: Input element lacks ALTS, Title attribute, or linked label.
Categories: Games, Community.
In their own words: "Whether you're a strategist, an explorer, a privateer
or a mix of all three, you'll find yourself at home in Core exiles"
Why should I go there: To play in a complex and exciting environment.
* Materiamagica
www.materiamagica.com
Materiamagica is a FREE to play Multi-User-Dungeon (MUD). It is set in the
world of Alyria.
This text-based interactive fantasy has been in existence for over fourteen
years.
They have been responsive to requests to include accessibility in the game.
They even have their own VI mailing list.
The forum is active with entries up to April 2016.
Alexa rating 2,976,661.
Categories: Game, Community.
508 Compliance: Script element used without NOSCRIPT.
In their own words: "Materia Magica brings an entire universe of fantasy to
your desktop, where Internet users can enjoy the thrills of Materia Magica
through an ANSI text interface - which has the remarkable distinction of
being 100% cross-platform compatible and can be used on virtually any
computer
system with an Internet connection."
Why should I go there: to play with other gamers in a mature, complex, game
universe.
* Kid Friendly Software
http://blindfoldgames.org/
Blindfold games at this time develops games exclusively for iOS mobile
devices. They have 34 games available, and are releasing games at an amazing
rate.
The games are mostly short play games including card, word and puzzle games.
In addition there are some arcade titles as well.
They were selected as the AppleVisdeveloper of the year in 2015.
Founded 2013. Updated in May 2016.
Alexa: 8,564,150.
508 Compliance: Image elements contain empty ALT attributes, video elements
lack descriptions, documents not readable without a style sheet, foreground
color specified but not background color.
Categories: Games.
Why should I go there? For an excellent collection of blind accessible
iPad/iPhone games.
* Adventure to Fate: Quest to the Future
http://adventuretofate.com/
This developer is the author of Adventure to Fate, an awesome RPG for iOS
mobile devices. You can access the app store location directly from this
website
Founded 2014. Updated in 2016.
Alexa: 7,305,157.
508 Compliance: Images alternative texts are missing. Frame elements have
inaccessible text. Input elements not accessible to assistive technology.
Categories: Games.
Why should I go there? For a mobile RPG that is the most complex game that
is accessible.
* Sites to Watch
These are sites that don't fit within the above rankings, but that we think
should be brought to your attention.
* Doublespeak games
www.doublespeakgames.com
This website is the home of the FREE text adventure In a Dark Room.
This game is available in the App store on iOS as well as Windows.
It has been made open source and has been put up on Git Hub. There is an
active blog and a number of people have added content.
During 2014 they released a match 3 type game which is not blind accessible.
No new games in 2015.
Founded in 2013. Latest update in January 2016.
Alexa rank 331,163.
508 Compliance: Foreground color specified, but not background color. Is not
readable without an associated style sheet.
Categories: Games, Community.
In their own words: "In a Dark Room is a minimalist text adventure game."
Why should I go there? For an interesting game.
* BlindSide
www.blindsidegame.com
This website is the home of the audio-only adventure game BlindSide.
This game is available in the App store on iOS as well as PC Windows and
Max.
It is accessible for blind and sighted users alike - a new level of
audio-based horror.
Founded in 2012. Nothing new on the website since last year's review.
Alexa rank 9,982,379.
508 Compliance: Images alternative texts are missing. Background color
specified, no foreground color specified. Frame not titled.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: " BlindSide presents the opportunity for both sighted
and visually impaired gamers to enjoy an identically nightmare-inducing
gameplay
experience.."
Why should I go there? For an interesting 3D audio game.
* NA Soft
www.ndadamson.com
This website is the home of two accessible games, Dotris, which is like
tetris, using a braille display, and Park Boss, which is a game where you
develop
an amusement park.
Dotris is FREE, but asks for donations that go to the ClearVision Library.
Park Boss is FREE, but the developer, Nick Adamson asks for donations to
help finance further development.
Has a Twitter feed that allows interaction with players. Also interacts on
Facebook. Latest Twitter comment February 2016.
Founded 2014.
Alexa: Not enough information to rank.
508 Compliance: Background color specified, but foreground (text) color is
not. Is not readable without an associated style sheet.
Categories: Games, Community.
In their own words: "NA Soft ... is just a useful way to identify the
software I write in my spare time."
Why should I go there? For an interesting simulation or a unique braille
game.
* Valiant Galaxy Associates
www.valiantgalaxy.com
Valiant Galaxy Associates is home to one FREE science fiction audiogame,
"Traders of Known Space", and two commercial games, "Yellowbonnet", a
western themed
adventure game, and "Interceptor", a space fighter game.
Interceptor was released in July, 2015
There is a well developed story line and an interesting description of the
timeline involved and descriptions of the aliens found in known space on the
website.
Navigating the site is easy. Just use the page links to move to the section
you want to visit.
Founded in 2014. The most recent news is April 2016.
Alexa: Not enough information to rate.
508 Compliance: Script element used without NOSCRIPT.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "Our goal is to provide low cost gaming, high quality
play experience, and where possible a high degree of replayability."
Why should I go there: For an interesting universe and fun games.
* Braillemon
braillemon.tumblr.com/#
Braillemon is an audio version of the popular game Pokemon.
The latest release is April, 2015
Founded in 2014. The most recent news is April 2016.
Alexa: Not enough information to rate.
508 Compliance: Image element has no ALT, frame elements lack titles,
electronic form not accessible with assistive technology.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "Braillemon is a port of Pokemon that is being developed
for those with visual impairments or blindness. The game is completely sound
based and can be played without even a monitor!."
Why should I go there: To play an audio version of a mainstream game.
* BlindGamers.com
https://blindgamers.com/
Blindgamers.com provides a list of blind-accessible games that have been
community rated. The lists are sorted by:
list of 3 items
. All games
. New releases
. FREE games
list end
The latest release is April, 2015
In addition there is a Japanese games translator.
Founded in 2014. The most recent news is April 2016.
Alexa: Not enough information to rate.
508 Compliance: Image element has no ALT, frame elements lack titles,
electronic form not accessible with assistive technology.
Categories: Community.
In their own words: "The focus of this site is to provide a list of games
accessible to blind players, sorted by average community rating so that you
can
quickly find the best games."
Why should I go there: To see the community ratings of blind accessible
games.
* Reality Software
http://realitysoftware.noip.us/
Reality Software has three games, Death Match: Project Alpha; Snow Race, a
snowboarding game; and Reality Skateboarding.
Death Match is a science fiction side-scroller. First released in 2014, it
has been expanded into a full scale playable world with lots to do.
In addition, the game can be played online.
Founded in 2014. The most recent news is April 2016.
Alexa: 6,985,232.
508 Compliance: Perfect.
Categories: Games.
In their own words: "Reality software is a group dedicated to producing
audio games."
Why should I go there: To play some interesting games.
* applevis.com
www.applevis.com
This site is Apple's accessibility site. It provides accessory reviews, blog
articles, advocacy information, guides and tutorials, and podcasts about
everything
Apple related.
There is an active forum with posts on the day of the review.
There are 399 accessible games listed in their Apps list as of the date of
our review.
The site is updated regularly with most recent blog entry on the date of our
review.
Alexa rank 142,374
508 Compliance: Table uses markup to associate data and header cells but has
no summary, interface text not able to be read by assistive technology,
online
form not accessible to assistive technology.
Categories: Games, Community, Information.
In their own words: " AppleVis is a community-powered website for
vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad
and iPod Touch."
Why should I go there? If you are a user of any Apple product, desktop or
mobile, this is your best information about what is available for you.
* Whitestick
www.whitestick.co.uk
A place to find information relevant to blind-accessible computer games and
much, much more.
When you hear about a Web site constantly in your Web travels, then it
probably should be brought to the attention of the few gamers who are blind
who
haven't heard of it yet.
Whitestick's content offering includes a section of Neverending Stories, you
can submit for others to read.
However, this Web site's strength is in its extremely well organized and
inclusive sets of links to Web sites useful to people who are blind. These
include
Web sites where you can:
list of 5 items
. Get audio books
. Get blind-accessible software
. Enjoy online fantasy role-playing books
. Play one of 89 online blind accessible games
. Get 55 text adventure games
list end
Lists companies that produce downloadable games last updated in February
2015.
In addition you will find links to Web sites related to blind sports and
those hosting chat lines and blogs related to visual impairment.
They also offer a dozen more sets of links that should be useful to gamers
and non-gamers alike.
508 Compliance: Image elements lacking ALTs, online form lacks accessibility
by assistive technology,.
Founded in 2001. Last update, January 2016.
Alexa rank 7,093,033.
Categories: Information.
In their own words: "Welcome to my Website, which has been set up to assist
the Visually Impaired computer user locate information and services relating
to blindness."
Why should I go there? Because it's an excellent resource that contains many
links, from which you can get to wherever you're going.
* General Game Accessibility Sites
These are sites that contain useful information for blind-accessible gaming,
but are not specific to blind-accessible gaming.
* AbleGamers
ablegamers.com
Unstoppable Gamer
unstoppablegamer.com
Includification
includification.com
Though this Web site has little blind-specific content, its excellent game
reviews do include color blindness.
Their Includification Guidelines have recommendations for accessibility
features for mobility, hearing, vision, and cognitive impairments. Each set
is
displayed in three levels that contain recommendations for making a game
increasingly more accessible.
Founded in 2004 and is constantly being updated. The latest update was the
week of our review.
Alexa rank 1,291,609.
508 Compliance: Images alternative texts are missing. Documents shall be
readable without requiring an associated style sheet. Background color
specified,
but not foreground (text) color. Frame element does not contain attributes.
All input elements must be accessible with assistive technology and must
have
a label.
Categories: Reviews.
In their own words: "AbleGamers does not rate games for the totally blind.
We do call out examples of games that do something special for the totally
blind
community, but it is not a ratings criteria."
Why should I go there? For professional-quality game reviews that rate color
blind access and to be able to point out the Includification guidelines to
interested game developers.
* The Game Accessibility Project
www.game-accessibility.com
This site has been reborn and is an active, constantly changing source for
news, accessible games, and information for developers to help them improve
the
accessibility of their games.
They have articles, papers, accessibility guidelines, organizations and
projects. Audiogames are not the major focus of this site, but they do
accept postings
about audiogames.
Founded in 2006. Latest post is May, 2016.
Alexa Rank: 3,642,132
508 Compliance: Image element has an empty ALT, Interface elements can't be
read using assistive technology, script element used without NOSCRIPT.
Categories: Information, Community, Help.
In their own words: "The Game Accessibility project has been set up to
address these problems by to informing disabled gamers about the
availability of
accessible games and by providing resources for developers, publishers and
researchers in order to stimulate accessibility in games."
Why should I go there? For a wealth of information on accessibility, audio
games, and the efforts being made to improve accessibility in games.
* IGDA - Game Accessibility SIG
igda-gasig.org
gameaccessibility.blogspot.com
gameaccesssig.forumotion.com
IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Listserv Archive
An industry advocacy group seeking to motivate developers to make their
games more accessible to gamers with special needs.
The sites tend to focus on motion impairment rather than vision.
The sites have shown activity during the past year. There is a summary of
their GDC conference presentation in 2016 There is a GA-SIG action list that
includes action items for the members. There is a list of websites that
provide forums and game reviews.
The listserv is active with members of this SIG discussing issues related to
game accessibility.
Founded in 2003. Most recent posting is April 2016.
Alexa rank 21,859,750
508 Compliance: Images missing alternative text. Requires associated style
sheet to navigate. Background color specified but foreground (text) color is
not. Frame elements lack titles, description, and navigation aids.
Categories: Community, Information.
In their own words: "The Game Accessibility SIG was formed to help the game
community strive towards creating mainstream games that are universally
accessible
to all, regardless of age, experience and disability."
Why should I go there? A for information about blind-accessible games and
other accessibility issues.
* D.A.G.E.R.S
http://dagersystem.com
A Web site for reviewing accessible games using their Disabled Accessibility
for Gaming Entertainment Rating System.
Many of the games are non-Windows XBox, Playstation, etc. But they do
include the very latest Windows games.
The ratings for visual disabilities does not mention access by text readers,
primarily focusing on color blindness and VI with an indication of text size
and not needing to see fine detail.
Games are rated functionally by:
list of 4 items
. Overall Accessibility
. Visual Rating
. Fine-MotorRating
. Auditory Rating
list end
They also offer industry news, mostly about new releases.
Founded 2011. Updated constantly. The most recent review was dated the week
of the review.
Alexa rank 18,420.115
508 Compliance: Image elements contain no ALT attributes.
Categories: Reviews, News.
In their own words: "DAGERS - The leading game journalism site for disabled
gamers, featuring disability game reviews and perspectives on video game
accessibility."
Why should I go there? For reviews of the very latest vision impaired
accessible games.
* Game Accessibility Guidelines
gameaccessibilityguidelines.com
This site is an information resource for developers and gamers. It was
created by some of the top people in the accessible gaming field.
It presents a full set of guidelines for developers who want to make their
games accessible. These guidelines are grouped by:
list of 3 items
. Basic
. Intermediate
. Advanced
list end
Within these groupings, the guidelines are further grouped by:
list of 6 items
. Vision
. Motor
. Cognitive
. Hearing
. Speech
. General
list end
This information can also be useful to gamers who want their favorite game
to be made accessible. Because they provide a common set of technical
concepts
and terms that a gamer can use to communicate with a developer.
Many of the entries include links to Web sites that offer games that are
examples of best practices for resolving a particular accessibility issue.
This
could be a good resource for gamers seeking such games.
The site is very easy to navigate.
Founded in 2012. Updated occasionally. The latest date noted was 2016 in the
copyright.
Alexa rank 3,788,994
508 Compliance: INPUT element lacks ALTs, Titles, or linked Label.
Categories: Information, links to games.
In their own words: "A collaborative effort between a group of studios,
specialists and academics, to produce a straightforward developer friendly
reference
for ways to avoid unnecessarily excluding players, and ensure that games are
just as fun for as wide a range of people as possible."
Why should I go there? If you're a gamer, to find how to tell a developer
what is needed to make your favorite game accessible to you. If you're a
developer,
to find out how to make your games accessible to all.
* Gone Sites
These are sites that were previously on this list but have gone away.
We keep them around awhile because sometimes you want to know what happened
to a site.
* BPCPrograms
bpcprograms.com
The Domain Name has expired and the page brings up a list of other game
sites. None of the previous content is there.
* Survey Methodology
Data comes from 7-128 Software market research of over 100 Web sites
relevant to the accessible gaming community, including: developers, gaming
media, and
organizations.
Because we rank only what we ourselves understand well:
We specifically address single-user, desktop games that run on Windows.
We specifically do not include games that run on the Macintosh in the Top
25, although there are some sites listed in the Sites to Watch section for
Mac
users.
We specifically do not address games that run on consoles, mobiles, or in
your Web browser in the Top 25 section although there are some sites listed
in
the Online Sites and Sites to Watch sections that include those types of
games.
Ranking is based on, in general order of priority:
Games
Games you can get: FREE or Commercial, via download or on CD.
This means games developed at the surveyed Web site.
This also includes Web sites where you can directly download FREE games
developed at another Web site.
This also includes annotated links to Web sites where you can download FREE
games developed at another Web site.
We rank FREE games higher than Commercial games.
We specifically do not include resellers unless they also offer games they
themselves have developed.
We may include games that are under development when the available version
is playable and interest in the gaming community is evident.
Help
Help from other gamers or technically knowledgeable people.
This means not only forums or other interactive means of sharing, but also a
group of people who will give technical advice.
Information
Gaming news, technical specifications, tips.
This means information about games, including industry and academic gaming
news and announcements, game descriptions, tips, cheats, walk-throughs.
It includes links that are annotated with something that adds value to the
link, for example personal suggestions.
Reviews
Reviews of games.
This means game reviews that include blind, color-blind, and visually
impaired accessibility issues.
Community
Interaction with other gamers and game developers.
This means forums, blogs, chat lines, and other interactive means of
sharing.
Currentness
How frequently is the site updated.
This means how often does it get new games, game updates, new information,
or posts by gamers or developers.
Sites that have not been updated for a long time (years) are ranked down.
Reach
How well known is the site in the blind gaming community?
This means how often is the Web site mentioned in forum posts, in media
articles, how does it Google. How many comments, and commenters, are there
for
the Web site's forum or blog posts. What is its Alexa rating? What observed
influence has it had on our industry.
Alexa rankings indicate how often a Web site's home page is hit by users.
Lower values are better.
Sites that have very little traffic or are not mentioned by the gaming
community in forums and such, are ranked down.
Accessibility
Web site's 508 compliance.
This means we checked the site's Home Page with 508 compliance Web checkers.
PERFECT means it passes with no failures that would deny reasonable
accomodation
to people who are blind, color blind, or visually impaired.
It specifically means that the site does not use captcha without at least
some alternative means of foiling spammers.
Does it Work?
Do all of its parts work?
This means does it have broken links?
Does it have broken Javascript?
Is its storefront inoperative or do its FREE downloads not download?
Is the site itself down for a significant part of our year-end survey
period?
Is the gaming community complaining about lousy service?
Longevity
How long has the site been around.
This means when the Web site was founded.
This generally is not a factor in our rankings, but could be of interest to
the gaming community.
Breadth vs Depth
Preference is given to breadth.
This means that, all else being equal, Web sites that offer help or
information as well as games tend to be ranked higher than Web sites
offering just
games or just information.
When a site offers information about game platforms we don't include in our
rankings, in addition to those we do, we note this additional information.
Mainstream vs. Independent vs. Educational Game Developers
For the purpose of this survey, Mainstream developers tend to be larger
companies, producing Commercial games with more features.
Independent developers tend to be smaller companies or individuals,
producing simpler Commercial or FREE games.
Educational developers tend to be Independent developers who produce games
that emphasize learning rather than entertainment.
This rough labeling is our way to indicate what kind of games you'll likely
find at a developer Web site. It has no bearing on rankings.
Exceptions
Exceptions to the above are put in our unranked Web Sites to Watch section.
Data is current as of May, 2016
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