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7-128 Software - Top 10 Web Sites for Gamers who are Deaf - 2010
| Rank | Site | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DeafGamerswww.deafgamers.com |
The best source of game reviews for deaf-accessible games anywhere. Includes an alphabetical index of hundreds of games, each entry including a Deaf Gamers Classification Grade. Has a forum that recently has become more active. Founded in 2001. Updated regularly. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 227,826 May cease operation in 2010; though the reviews could remain. Categories: Reviews, Community. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "At Deaf Gamers the way we review the software is a little different as it's from a deaf persons perspective. Text/visual feedback is a key issue for a deaf person and many has the occasion been when a deaf games player has purchased a game only to find no visual feedback or very little of it (this can ruin the game for them). As you will know, conventional game reviews usually don't provide this info and the deaf gamer is left guessing. This is where Deaf Gamers comes in and tries to redress the balance." Why should I go there? Because this is the very best source of reviews of deaf-accessible games, period. Besides, if you encourage him, he might continue his fine work. |
| 2 | IDRTwww.idrt.com |
The Institute for Disabilities Research and Training, Inc. is an independent Commercial deaf-accessible (ASL) game developer for Windows. Offers over 50 Commercial deaf-accessible (ASL) games for Windows. Emphasis is on children's educational games. Founded in 1997. Updated occasionally. Google page unranked. Alexa rank 3,681,201 Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "...we specialize in research and development efforts on behalf of children and adults who are deaf and hard of hearing. We have particular expertise in the development of computer software and other products in American Sign Language (ASL)... " Why should I go there? For Commercial deaf-accessible (ASL) educational games for children. |
| 3 | AbleGamerswww.ablegamers.com |
The first place to go for industry news in accessible gaming, including deaf accessibility. Offers well executed interviews with the people who make computer games, including people from the largest companies. Offers a constant blog of well thought out reviews of accessible games. Each review contains metrics for overall deaf-accessibility and specifically for subtitles. Offers well written articles by a growing number of authors, on the state of accessible game development. Has a forum of gamers and developers in the accessible-game community. A good place to get help. A search for the word "deaf" on their Web site yielded over a hundred articles and posts. Founded in 2004 and is very current. Google page rank 6/10. Alexa rank 212,725 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Information, Reviews, Community, Help. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. In their own words: "AbleGamers is the premier space online for disabled gamers. We spend a great deal of our time reaching out to game developers. Inviting them to reach out to our community, speak to our users, and recognize the 10% of the gaming market." Why should I go there? For excellent reviews of deaf-accessible games, plus the latest industry news relevant to accessible gaming. |
| 4 | 7-128 Softwarewww.7128.com |
Independent developer of Commercial and FREE games that are accessible for a variety of special needs, including gamers who are deaf, for Windows and Macintosh. Offers 29 deaf-accessible (non-auditory) mainstream games, including 7 (CC) educational games for children. Also offers 5 FREE deaf-accessible word games from time to time. 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 deaf-accessible (CC) games for grown-ups and children, including very young children. |
| 5 | Valvewww.valvesoftware.com |
Mainstream developer that produces deaf-accessible (CC) games for Windows. All of Valve's 22 games, including Half Life, are closed captioned. Founded in 1998. Updated occasionally. Google page rank 6/10. Alexa rank 18,394 Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "Valve is an entertainment software and technology company founded in 1996 and based in Bellevue, Washington. The company’s debut title, Half-Life®, has won over 50 Game of the Year Awards and was named "Best PC Game Ever" in the November 1999, October 2001, and April 2005 issues of PC Gamer. Today, Valve is composed of just over 160 of the industry's best artists, programmers, and writers. In the company's 12-year history, it has risen from "unlikely new entry" to industry leader, producing a string of best selling and critically acclaimed PC products and technologies." Why should I go there? For mainstream Commercial deaf-accessible (CC) games for grown-ups and kids. |
| 6 | Her Interactivewww.herinteractive.com |
Mainstream developer of the 21 Nancy Drew games, all of which are deaf-accessible (Subtitled, sometimes including subtitled sounds), for Windows. Has an active forum, blog, Twitter feed, and newsletter. Founded in 1997. Updated often. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 42,295 Categories: Games, Community. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "Our vision is to be the undisputed leader in creating high quality, fun and inspiring games for girls of all ages. Our philosophy is to create an environment that fosters excellence through the art of creative collaboration. We strive to create high quality synergy between game play, story and aesthetics that result in a fun and engaging experience." Why should I go there? For mainstream Commercial deaf-accessible (subtitled) games for girls. (Secret information: We play them ourselves.) |
| 7 | Universal Access Gameswww.universalaccessgames.com |
Independent Developer of Commercial deaf-accessible (CC) educational games for Windows. Offers 18 deaf-accessible educational games, including basic computer skills, ABCs, and numbers. Founded in 2008. Google page rank 3/10. Alexa rank 10,222,702 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows. In their own words: "Imagine a place where all children can play together." Why should I go there? For Commercial deaf-accessible (CC) educational games for children. |
| 8 | GameCriticswww.gamecritics.com |
A very professional game review site that has long had deaf-accessibility among its criteria.
Reviews, especially by Tera Kirk, include deaf-access. Founded in 1999. Updated constantly. Google page rank 5/10. Alexa rank 84,279 Categories: Reviews, Community Platforms: General 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? For professional-grade reviews of deaf-accessible games, especially mainstream games. |
| 9 | Windmill Workswww.windmillworks.com |
Independent developer of educational games for Windows.
The games are for the general population, but are all deaf-accessible. Offers 4 (or 32, see below) commercial deaf-accessible (non-auditory) children's educational games for Windows. These games are: Match Mate, Pop Quiz, Spin Meister, and Paired Squares. They offer 32 data sets with these four games, effectively yielding 32 games. Games are grouped into: T.H.A.T. Language Shape-Up and T.H.A.T Vocabulary Game Show. Of particular notice is their Black American History game. Also offer Computer Game Maker, a tool that enables teachers, caregivers, and parents to create their own games. Founded in 1998. Updated occasionally. Google rank 4/10. Alexa rank 5,962,730 Categories: Games. Platforms: Windows In their own words: "We started off creating and designing educational (edutainment) software for the deaf and hard of hearing because the president of our company has her degree in deaf education and has taught deaf and hard of hearing children from pre-school though adult basic education." Why should I go there? For Commercial deaf-accessible (CC) educational games for children. |
| 10 |
IDGA - Game Accessibility SIGgameaccessibility.blogspot.com |
An industry advocacy group seeking to get developers to make their games more accessible to people with special needs. The forum includes an interesting mix of academics and industry people, including some of the top people in game accessibilty. The blog tends to focus on motion-impairment. but has included discussions of deaf 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? These are the folks that are trying to get more companies to include deaf-accessibility in their games. It should be interesting to see what they have to say. |
Sites to Watch
| Site | Comments |
|---|---|
Game Forwardwww.gamefwd.org |
An excellent source of accessible gaming reviews and news. A very professional site with excellent writing by a professional journalist. Offers a blog of accessible-games reviews and news. Still not much for gamers who are deaf. However, we continue to be hopeful. Founded in 2007. Constant updates. Google page rank 3/10. Alexa rank 1,272,946 Categories: Information, Reviews, Community. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. In their own words: GameForward began "... as a hobbyist blog focussing on Game Accessibility by an avid gamer that was born with Cerebral Palsy. GameForward quickly expanded its focus to include coverage of Serious Games, Health & Fitness Games, Educational & Training Games, and Virtual Worlds.." Why should I go there? For the latest news and game reviews of accessible games. And to see if they add more deaf-accessibility specific content. |
The Game Accessibility Projectwww.game-accessibility.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. However, their deaf-accessible forum has never been an active place. We hope this changes. Also, this Web site was down (reportedly due to malware attack) while we were doing this survey. Founded in 2006. Categories: Information, Community, Help. 508 Compliance: Perfect 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 content related to deaf-accessible games. |
Ouch!www.bbc.co.uk/ouch |
The BBC’s Web site for the disabled including the deaf. It offers a constant stream of timely and entertaining articles, blogs, and a message board. Not specifically for gamers, but should be on your to-watch list. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh Founded in 2002. Constant updates. Google page rank 7/10. Alexa rank 44 508 Compliance: Perfect Categories: Information, Community In their own words: "Ouch! is a website from the BBC that reflects the lives and experiences of disabled people... It's aimed at those with a stakehold in disability: family, friends, professionals and, rather importantly, disabled people themselves..." Why should I go there? For a lot of current information on accessibility, sometimes including gaming. |
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 deaf-accessibility issues.
This means game reviews that include deaf-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 deaf.
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