Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Audio Games on the Iphone

The world has been expanding for media in today's society. As I have mentioned previously, audio games, are sound versions of computer games for the visually impaired. Now, you can play games on mobile devices such as the Iphone. Such games further take advantage of screen reading software, and more people are playing them today.
However, it has been brought to my attention that blind people have had extremely difficult times with the apps store, specificly that of Apple's apps store. Concerns have been raised that Blind and sighted inviduals have been prevented from uploading games due to lack of a graphics display. This has only hastened the need for better awareness of accessibility and special needs.

Many of Apple's products, such as the new tablet, have been marketed as visually appealing. I can understand how visual appearance is important for a first impression, but I fail to see how graphics and visuals represent an exaustive and complete list of people's needs in entertainment. Factors such as a good storyline and great music and sound can also make a great game. It is actually sad in a way to know that initial looks are still given greater importance to substance, and this is the result. We should all do more to encourage objective ways of thinking.

As I mentioned before, I believe that sighted people would happily enjoy the concept of audio games, just simply for something different. I also feel once again, that sighted people are open minded enough to consider other forms of gaming to be exciting. I am glad at least Apple seems to be changing their minds, and plans maybe in the works to change policy. I hope we can see an active gaming community that enjoys any form of games to enjoy and share with their family and friends. I am excited to see how mobile devices impact audio games in the future.