Fun on the Internet: First you're a programmer; then you're a wizard; and, before you know it, you're off on an adventure that will enhance entertainment for blind computer users around the world. About two-and-a-half years ago, three blind game programmers and a couple of their buddies wondered if people would be interested in a few more accessible multi-player Internet games. These young men are in college or in high school or are freelancing. They live up north, down south, and in the heartland. First they tackled Monopoly. For the first time players could compete with each other over the Internet or play with computer-controlled bots. British players wanted their board, and they got it. Park Place is Park Lane, and Boardwalk is Mayfair. The Brits are happy to play with dollars. Two from this budding techie team envisioned a way to set up a platform which could serve Monopoly and several other games. Then along came Uno. The guys spent lots of last-minute time fixing bugs before they headed back to school. The fall and winter holidays offered a little downtime, so they focused on Yahtzee and Blackjack. Yahtzee came aboard on December 20, 2010, marking the one-year anniversary of the Monopoly launch. Blackjack was their Christmas present to the world. Like many other Christmas presents, it needed some tweaking, but it is reliably tempting peoples' virtual pocketbooks daily. On December 28, 2010, the server achieved a record 157 players connected at the same time. There are over 6,500 registered users world-wide. RSGames received the Blind Bargains Access Award for best game for its adaptation of Monopoly in 2009, then again in 2010 for Uno. What's next? Who knows? It's up to Michael Forzano, Jayson Smith, Ryan Smith, Andy Smith, and Derek Roberts, members of the RSGames development team. Want to play? Visit <http://rsgames.org> where software is available for Windows, Mac, or Linux. The software works directly with most popular screen readers, and each game has its own set of sounds. However, if you prefer not to download anything, you can play directly from within your Web browser. There is no charge for participation in any of these games. Hats off to accessible entertainment and these creative young men who love a challenge. Join the fun--you might get hooked!
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