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7-128 Software - Top 25 Web Sites for Gamers who are Blind - 2010
| Rank | Site | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PCSGameswww.pcsgames.net |
This Web site just gets better and better. It offers an ever growing volume of descriptions of and highly annotated links to over 300 FREE and Commercial Windows and Macintosh blind-accessible games and game sites. It's especially good for finding games from independent game developers. It offers the only independent consolidated price list of Commercial blind-accessible games. It offers some game reviews. 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 a D&D chat site: audiotips.com. Also includes online and interactive fiction resources, as well as new links to blind-accessible Twitter games. Founded in 2000 and is updated constantly. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 3,108,366 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Community, Games, Information. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. 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 lots of in-depth information about lots of the most popular blind-accessible games. Also for good blind-accessible games, especially the popular Sarah. |
| 2 | Audysseywww.audyssey.org |
This very active Forum is where to go to talk to active independent developers of blind-accessible games as well as a core of knowledgable gamers. An excellent resource for quick technical help and game hints. A good place to tell independent developers just what you want to find in a game. Also, entertaining animated discussions among developers and gamers. Mostly concentrates on Windows, but these developers know Macs, too. Publishes Audyssey Magazine, an intermittant, but invaluable resource for gamers who are blind. Founded in 2006. Constant posts. Google page rank unranked. Alexa rank 2,069,999. Categories: Community, Information, Help. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. 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 for the entertaining rants. |
| 3 | AudioGameswww.audiogames.net |
This Web site is where to get the latest news in the audio game industry, especially on games from independent developers. It offers current news stories by Dark, who is hugely entertaining while being informative. It offers a database of over 350 FREE and Commercial blind-accessible games with descriptions of each game. These games can be downloaded from this Web site or from their Commercial sites. It also offers over 40 Indie audio games - all available through their Experimental Audio Games section, as well as MOD downloads that make a number of games blind-accessible. Offers links to audio reviews of 17 audio games. Also offers many annotated links to game sites, developer tools, newsgroups, and similar resources. Offers tips, cheats, and mods to audiogames. Offers back issues of Audyssey Magazine and academic articles. Has annotated links to many game sites. Has a moderately active forum of independent game developers and players. Founded in 2002. Frequent posts. Updated constantly. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 686,495 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Community, Games, Information, Reviews, Help. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. In their own words: "AudioGames.net is a community portal for audio games: games based on sound." 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 did we mention the "Dark Humor?" |
| 4 | Kitchens Inc.www.kitchensinc.net |
This Web site is the first name most often heard when asked where to get good FREE audio games. This independent developer offers 33 FREE audio-only SAPI and self-voicing games, including the popular Homer on a Harley game, as well as trivia, racing, arcade, sports, word, and puzzle games. Warning: Not all of these games may be suitable for children. Founded in 2001. He just keeps cranking out new games. Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank 6,682,835 Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. 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. |
| 5 | The Zone BBS www.zonebbs.com |
This is the most populated Forum for gamers, and others, who are blind. Has nearly 6,000 registered participants, with well over a hundred people logged in at any time. Offers blogs, Zone BBS by Phone, Voice Chat, Private eMail, Graffiti chat, Person Watch, Quicknotes, and Boards (forums.) Also offers over a dozen online games. Founded in 2003. Very active. Google page rank 3/10. Alexa rank 1,067,038 Categories: Community, Help. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. 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 | Azabat Gameswww.azabat.co.uk |
Independent developer of Commercial blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 34 Commercial audio and audio-video blind and visually-impaired accessible card, puzzle, and crossword games for Windows. Includes 4 Commercial word games for children ages 5 – 11. Also offers blind-accessible word processing, email, and typing tutor programs. Founded in 2005. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank 3,888,296 Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. 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 word and puzzle games. |
| 7 | AbleGamerswww.ablegamers.com |
The first place to go for mainstream industry news in accessible gaming is now blind-accessible. In December 2009 AbleGamers added a Visually Impaired template that formats their pages specifically for screen readers, including JAWS and VoiceOver. For the Visually Impaired sighted, it includes font controls. They no longer use captcha in their forums and blog. Offers professional quality interviews with the people who make computer games, including people from the largest companies. This Web site is having a demonstrable positive influence on mainstream game developers. Offers a large and growing number of game reviews. Though they do not rate games for the totally blind (see In their Own Words below) each review does include a specific section on accessibility, including metrics for color blindness accessibility. Also offers very current articles and insider interviews on the state of accessible game development. Community features include a blog and forums, with a growing number of participants, some of whom are gamers who are blind. Founded in 2004 and is very current. Google page rank 6/10. Alexa rank 212,725 Categories: Information, Reviews, Community, Help. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. In their own words: "AbleGamers.com is a site that is dedicated to the disabled gamer...to find news on games that have the disabled gamer in mind, and to meet others, and solve issues..." "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 the latest information on overall accessibility in the mainstream game industry. Gamers who are blind might find the ongoing discussion about reasonable accomodation interesting, also news about blind-accessible technologies and gaming. |
| 8 | 7-128 Softwarewww.7128.com |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE games that are accessible to a variety of special needs, including gamers who are blind, for Windows and Macintosh. Offers 31 blind-accessible games, including 26 Commercial games and 5 FREE games. Games include: word games, puzzle games, the Inspector Cyndi in Newport mysteries, and educational games for young children. Home of the ALERT (Accessible Learning through Entertainment and Recreation Tools) project, FREE information on applying accessible computer games in a learning environment. Entertainment includes serialized stories, online trivia, poetry. Founded in 2007. Updated monthly. Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank 1,596,090 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games, Information. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. 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 kids' games. If you are an educator or caregiver, also for FREE help using accessible computer games in your efforts. And finally, for succinct, organized, current, and complete information on Web sites for gamers with multiple accessibility needs. |
| 9 | Spoonbill Softwarewww.spoonbillsoftware.com.au/blindgamers.htm |
Independent developer of FREE blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 14 FREE blind-accessible puzzle and card games for Windows. Founded in 2005. Occasionally adds new games. Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank 5,731,495 Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. 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 card and puzzle games that are both sighted and blind-accessible. |
| 10 | Gaming Galaxy!www.galaxy.tmantv.net |
A place to download games not developed at this Web site, but culled from the Web sites of several independent game developers. Now offers 53 FREE and Commerical games directly downloadable from 9 different developer Web sites. Web site founded in 2007. Updated occasionally Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank: 3,108,366 Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. "a place where you can download an accessible ‘audio’ and/or ‘audio/text-based’ game directly without having the need to surf the web for hours." Why should I go there? For a single place where you can download a lot of blind-accessible games, personally selected by T-Man. |
| 11 | BSC Gameswww.bscgames.com |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers a total of 14 blind-accessible games: Of those, 9 are Commercial games, 6 arcade games and 3 educational games, including the popular Troopanum and Deekout. Un juego está en español. The remaining 5 games are FREE. Founded in 2002. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 4,433,059 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "We specialize in creating accessible computer games for the blind or visually impaired." Why should I go there? For Commercial and FREE blind-accessible games, especially Troopanum and Deekout. |
| 12 | VIP Gameszonewww.vipgameszone.com |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 15 blind-accessible games: 7 Commercial games: arcade adventure, sport multiplayer games, strategy multiplayer games. 5 FREE games: Puzzle, maze, strategy, shooter. 3 FREE special educational applications for kids who are blind or visually impaired. Founded 2003. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank 4,674,587 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. 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 or FREE blind-accessible games, especially the sports games. |
| 13 | USA Gameswww.usagamesinteractive.com |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 12 FREE games, including their own Star Trek, plus games from Draconis, and games formerly offered by DanZ games and PB-Games. Offers FREE demo of Mysteries of the Ancients, their premier Commercial game under development. A Macintosh version may become available in 2010. Founded in 2004. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 3/10. Alexa rank 17,705,943 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. 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 Star Trek game, and their evolving Mysteries of the Ancients game. |
| 14 | L-Workswww.l-works.net |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE audio games for Windows. Offers 11 audio games: 7 Commercial games include the well-known Super Liam, as well as Judgement Day, a pack of 5 arcade games, 4 FREE games. Site was founded in 2002. Last updated in 2007. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 11,868,712 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "LWorks produces affordable computer games for those with visual impairments." Why should I go there? For Commerical or FREE audio games, especially the popular Super Liam. |
| 15 |
Draconis Entertainmentwww.draconisentertainment.com |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 11 blind-accessible games: 9 Commercial games including Pinball, Alien Outback, and the popular Sarah and the Castle of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Also offers 2 FREE games. Founded in 2005. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank: 8,293,354 Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. 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 Commercial blind-accessible games, especially the popular Alien Outback, and of course, Sarah. |
| 16 | GamesForTheBlind.com www.gamesfortheblind.com |
Independent developer of Commercial blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 10 Commercial self-voicing games for Windows, including puzzles, word and memory games. Founded in 2000. Updated rarely. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 5,932,173 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "I believe someone needs to make this type of software affordable, and that is the reason I write software!" Why should I go there? For Commrecial blind-accessible games. |
| 17 | Braillesoftwww.braillesoft.net |
Independent developer of FREE blind-accessible and audio games for Windows. Offers 8 FREE blind-accessible games, including Crocodile Dentist. Founded in 2006. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 16,681,729 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games Platforms: Windows In their own words: "We develop software to entertain and enhance the blind community. Our specialty for now is Windows Mobile PDA'S, however our software happens to run on Windows-based desktops as well. Why should I go there? For FREE blind-accessible games, especially Crocadile Dentist. |
| 18 | GMA Gameswww.gmagames.com |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 8 accessible games, including 5 Commercial games such as the popular Tank Commander, Lone Wolf, Star Trek, and Shades of Doom games, plus 3 FREE games. They are in final Beta testing of their soon-to-be-released Time of Conflict game. Founded in 2001. Updated most recently in 2008. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 3,241,887 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. 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, especially the popular Tank Commander and Lone Wolf. |
| 19 |
MacVisionarieshttp://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries |
A Forum of over 450 Macintosh gamers and non-gamers who are blind or visually-impaired. Lively discussions about VoiceOver and blind-accessibility to Macintosh software, including games. A great place to get informed help. Founded in 2004. Moved from its listserv to Google Groups in January 2009. Has doubled in size since then. Google page rank 3/10. Alexa rank n/a Categories: Community, Help. Platforms: Macintosh. In their own words: "Home of the blind Mac user community" Why should I go there? For help with blind-accessible Macintosh games. |
| 20 | X-Sight Interactivex-sight-interactive.net |
Independent developer of FREE blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 5 FREE blind-accessible games: their own AceFire, Chopper Challenge, and Blind Man’s Bluff, plus Self Destruct and Savage Gamut, which are abandonware they took over. Two additional FREE abandonware games may become available this year. Founded in 2006. Updated occasionally. Google page Unranked. Alexa rank 5,400,946 Categories: Games Platforms: Windows In their own words: "This site is dedicated to offering you software and audio games that build up as time progresses." Why should I go there? For FREE blind-accessible games. |
| 21 |
BPCProgramsbpcprograms.com |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE games for Windows. Offers 3 games that are blind-accessible: 2 FREE and the Commercial game, Treasure Hunt. Also offers pre-release versions of Three-D Velocity, the first-ever fully blind-accessible fighter jet simulator. Founded in 2002. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 3/10. Alexa Unranked Categories: Games Platforms: Windows In their own words: "Our goal is to provide the VI community with high-quality, fast action, thrilling games." Why should I go there? For Commercial or FREE blind-accessible games. |
| 22 |
Bavisoftwww.bavisoft.com |
Independent developer of Commercial blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 2 well-reviewed Commercial games: Grizzly Gulch and Chillingham. Founded in 2000. Updated infrequently. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 4,220,014 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "In place of graphics, our audio games are powered purely with sound imagery, opening a new world of entertainment for the blind and visually impaired." Why should I go there? For Commercial blind-accessible games: the popular Chillingham and Grizzly Gulch. |
| 23 |
Blast Bay Studioswww.blastbay.com |
Independent developer of Commercial blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 2 Commercial blind-accessible games: Q9 Action Game, and Kringle Crash. Founded in 2008. Updated occasionally. Google page 3/10. Alexa rank 10,119,545 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games Platforms: Windows 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 Commercial blind-accessible games, especially the unique Kringle Crash. |
| 24 | PIN Interactivewww.pininteractive.com |
Independent developer of one Commercial blind-accessible game for Windows. Offers 1 Commercial game, the award-winning blind-accessible Terraformers. Developed by Thomas Weston, co-founder of the IGDA Game Accessibilty SIG. Posts the occasional news story. Founded in 2003. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 5,263,225 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games, News Platforms: Windows In their own words: "PIN Interactive offers the award winning accessible computer game, Terraformers. The game is a visual / audio hybrid playable by both sighted and sight disabled / blind" Why should I go there? For the popular Commercial audio and visual Terraformers game. |
| 25 | SoundRTShttp://jlpo.free.fr/soundrts |
Independent developer of one FREE blind-accessible game for Windows. Offers 1 FREE audio realtime strategy game, the popular SoundRTS. Includes English, French, Chinese, Dutch, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish translations. Founded in 2007. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank n/a Categories: Games Platforms: Windows 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. |
Sites to Watch
| Site | Comments |
|---|---|
Blind Adrenaline Simulationswww.blindadrenaline.com |
Independent developer of one Commercial blind-accessible game for Windows. Offers 1 Commercial blind-accessible game, the well-known Rail Racer. Includes English, French and German voices. Founded in 2006. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 4/10. Alexa rank 4,123,759 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games Platforms: Windows In their own words: "…the coolest racing game ever made for the blind…" Why should I go there? For the popular Commercial audio Rail Racers game. |
Niels Bauer Gameswww.nielsbauergames.com |
Independent developer of Commercial blind-accessible games for Windows. Offers 1 Commercial game that is blind-accessible: Smugglers 4. Note: Smugglers 4 was made blind-accessible in response to requests from the blind gaming community. The company has stated that they intend to try to add blind-accessibility to their future games. Founded in 2004. Updated occasionally. Google Unranked. Alexa rank 886,001 Categories: Games Platforms: Windows 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 a highly recommended Commercial blind-accessible game by a game developer who responds to requests for accessibility. |
The Game Accessibility Projectwww.game-accessibilty.com |
Much that one would want to know about the design and development of accessible games in general. Forum with separate areas for games addressing Visual, Auditory, Motion, and Learning disabilities. Has separate pages discussing games for the Visually Impaired, Audio Impaired, Motion Impaired, and Cognitively Impaired. These pages include discussion of relevant games and annotated links to sites where you can get those games. Founded in 2006. 508 Compliance: Perfect Unfortunately, this Web site was down (reportedly due to malware attack) while we were doing this survey. Therefore, it is unranked this year. Categories: Information, Community, Help. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "This website aims to inform disabled gamers about the availability of accessible games, and functions at the same time as an academic resource for developers, publishers and researchers in order to stimulate accessibility in games." Why should I go there? For a wealth of information on audio games. Possibly for their Audio Game Maker, though that project has stopped. |
IGDA - Game Accessibility SIGgameaccessibility.blogspot.com |
An industry advocacy group seeking to motivate developers to make their games more accessible to people with special needs. The blog tends to focus on motion-impairment, but includes discussions of blind gaming. Founded in 2007. Google rank 3/10. Alexa rank 9,413,477 Categories: Community, Information. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. 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 search might reveal information about blind-accessible games. |
BlindCoolTechwww.blindcooltech.com |
Multiple podcasts every week related to blind-accessible computing. Include roughly one game review a month. Podcasts archived back to 2005. Several added each week. Unfortunately, the number of blind-gamer specific podcasts was quite low in 2009. We hope this changes in 2010. Categories: Information, Reviews. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "The show provides interviews, brings you along on sound seeing tours, and discusses life and cool technology, especially technology that blind people can use" Why should I go there? To see if any of their fine podcasts relate to blind-accessible games. |
Game Forwardwww.gamefwd.org |
A growing source of accessible gaming news and reviews of accessible games across all platforms. A very professional site with excellent writing by a professional journalist. Offers a blog and accessible-games news. Not much blind-specific content yet, but we have our hopes. Founded in 2007. Constant updates. Google page rank 3/10. Alexa rank 1,252,768 Categories: Information, Reviews, Community Platforms: Windows, Macintosh In their own words: "I want Game Forward to someday be regarded as one of the premiere resources dedicated to accessible gaming, serious games and educational and training …." Why should I go there? For possible news related to blind-accessible games. |
GameCriticswww.gamecritics.com |
A very professional game review site that emphasizes accessibility in its coverage. Has a forum and a blog. Not much blind-specific content yet, but we have our hopes. Founded in 1999. Updated constantly. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 84,279 Categories: Reviews, Community Platforms: Windows, Macintosh In their own words: "GameCritics.com is an independently owned videogame webzine dedicated to the following principles: Provide consumers with insightful, useful, and entertaining content on videogames. Present a diverse range of perspectives and opinions from writers of different backgrounds. Redefine the grammar of game criticism and mainstream perception of videogames." Why should I go there? Anything written by Tera Kirk may be useful to gamers who are blind. |
The AGRIP Projectwww.agrip.org.uk/ |
Independent developer of one FREE blind-accessible game for Windows and Macintosh. Offers 1 FREE blind-accessible first person shooter, the popular AudioQuake for Windows and the Macintosh. They also offer a blind-accessible level editor for the game. Founded in 2007. Stopped development and updating in 2009. Categories: Games Platforms: Macintosh, Windows In their own words: "Our aim is to provide access to the mainstream gaming community not by producing specialist "accessible games" but by making mainstream games—and their associated extension and development tools—accessible." Why should I go there? For their FREE popular AudioQuake game. |
AllInPlaywww.allinplay.com/ |
Independent developer of Commercial blind-accessible online games. We make this exception to our rule of not covering online, Web based games because our research repeatedly uncovered positive references to this site. Though we can't include them in our rated list, they are a site that any blind gamer should be aware of. Offers subscription-based blind-accessible games: The Anagram Game, Texas Hold'em, Crazy Eights, Draw Poker, Loco Locution, and Black Jack. Enables you to play against the computer or with others over the Web, participate in tournaments, and chat with others. Offers free trials. Current Web site was founded in 2003. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 6,902,624 Categories: Games, Community Platforms: Windows In their own words: "Building something amazing that touched the lives of people all around the world... now *that* was something to wake up to every morning!" Why should I go there? Their online card games are mentioned favorably throughout the blind-gaming community. |
Whitestickwww.whitestick.co.uk/ |
A place to find information relevant to blind-accessible computer games. 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 sets of links to Web sites useful to people who are blind. These include Web sites: Where you can get audio books. Where you can get blind-accessible software. Where you can enjoy online fantasy role-playing books. Where you can play online games. Where you can get blind-accessible off-line games, such as ours. As well as Web sites related to blind sports and those hosting chat lines and blogs related to visual impairment. And about a dozen more sets of links that should be useful to gamers and non-gamers alike. Web site was founded in 2001. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 1,296,995 Categories: Information Platforms: Windows, Macintosh 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 central place on the Web, from which you can get to where you're going. |
Gone Sites
The links may or may not be good.
If you're desperate or merely curious, you could check the Wayback Machine at www.archive.org
| Site | Comments |
|---|---|
Dreamtech Interactivewww.geocities.com/kendowney |
Independent developer of 3 FREE blind-accessible games for Windows. The GeoCities Web sites are all gone. We could not find any clues to where Ken's games may have gone. |
Survey Methodology
Data comes from 7-128 Software market research of over 100 Web sites that contain information relevant to the accessible gaming community. These include Web sites for developers, distributors, and gaming industry media, as well as organizations and institutions serving the accessibility community.
We specifically address games that run on Windows or Macintosh OS X.
We specifically do not address games that run on consoles or in your Web browser.
Ranking is based on:
We specifically address games that run on Windows or Macintosh OS X.
We specifically do not address games that run on consoles or in your Web browser.
Ranking is based on:
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 games developed at another Web site. We rank FREE games higher than Commercial games. We may include games that are under development when the available version is playable and interest by the gaming community is evident.
This means games developed at the surveyed Web site. This also includes Web sites where you can directly download games developed at another Web site. We rank FREE games higher than Commercial games. We may include games that are under development when the available version is playable and interest by the gaming community is evident.
Information
Gaming news, technical specifications, tips.
This means information about games, including industry and academic gaming news and announcements, game descriptions, tips, cheats, walkthroughs. It includes links that are annotated with something that adds value to the link.
This means information about games, including industry and academic gaming news and announcements, game descriptions, tips, cheats, walkthroughs. It includes links that are annotated with something that adds value to the link.
Reviews
Reviews of games.
This means game reviews that include blind accessibility issues.
This means game reviews that include blind accessibility issues.
Community
Interaction with other gamers and game developers.
This means forums, chat lines, and other interactive means of sharing.
This means forums, chat lines, and other interactive means of sharing.
Help
Help from other gamers.
This means not only forums or other interactive means of sharing, but also a group of gamers who will give technical advice.
This means not only forums or other interactive means of sharing, but also a group of gamers who will give technical advice.
Longevity
How long has the site been around.
This means when the Web site was founded.
This means when the Web site was founded.
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.
This means how often does it get new games, game updates, new information, or posts by gamers or developers.
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 are its Google and Alexa ratings? What observed influence has it had on our industry.
Note: Google ratings indicate how early a Web site's home page appears in Google search results. Higher values are better.
Alexa rankings indicate how often a Web site's home page is hit by users. Lower values are better.
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 are its Google and Alexa ratings? What observed influence has it had on our industry.
Note: Google ratings indicate how early a Web site's home page appears in Google search results. Higher values are better.
Alexa rankings indicate how often a Web site's home page is hit by users. Lower values are better.
Accessibility
Web site's 508 compliance.
This means checked with several 508 compliance Web checkers
and passes with no failures that would deny reasonable accomodation to people who are blind.
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?
Platforms
Includes only English language games that are playable on your Windows or Macintosh computers.
Breadth vs Depth
Preference is given to breadth.
This mean that, all else being equal, Web sites that offer games as well as information tend to be ranked higher
than Web sites offering just games or just information.
Web sites that cover both Macintosh and Windows are ranked higher than Web sites covering just one platform.
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,
and distributing them via bricks-and-mortar stores as well as online.
Independent developers tend to be smaller companies or individuals, producing simpler Commercial or FREE games, and distributing them online.
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.
Independent developers tend to be smaller companies or individuals, producing simpler Commercial or FREE games, and distributing them online.
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.
Limits
Excludes Web-based, browser-based, or online games.
Excludes games that are still under major development.
Excludes console games.
Excludes Interactive Fiction.
Excludes games that are still under major development.
Excludes console games.
Excludes Interactive Fiction.
Exceptions
Exceptions to the above are put in our unranked Web Sites to Watch section.
Data is current as of January, 2010
Data is current as of January, 2010