Just in case my comment got lost among the many on Marty's post regarding Apple's decision that he must merge his games into a single app or app packages, (see
https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-gaming/no-more-blindfold-games-or-updates
I have started a petition on change.org at:
http://chn.ge/2iIoZHH
asking Apple to reconsider its stance on this matter.
Marty is basically saying that the amount of coding required to do that would be inordinate, w/no return on the time invested, & that the interface to such an app may be confusing and unwieldy.
While sighted folks have these games in abundance in the app store, Marty is pretty much the only person writing them for us. I actually personally don't play them, but I think any time a developer for an underserved population is forced into an untenable position and has to give up development of their product, resulting in eventual demise as the operating system gets updated or devices get replaced, then I think that's a decision that only serves to deny opportunities to a population that already has far less than their share. So whether you personally play these games or not, if you're concerned that the decision will have the effect of denying sight-impaired individuals the chance to have apps similar to those that sighted people do, I'd urge you to sign the petition. It may do no good. Then again, it might. But our voices will never be heard if we don't try. BTW, I suspect that Apple's recent attempt to perge the app store of apps that appear basically to be the same may impact other underserved groups negatively as well, and that it's really something Apple needs to look at in that context.
Comments
I signed it
Thank you for starting this. I have your full support. What apple is doing is wrong. Marty made these games so we can enjoy them. Does apple understand that the reason the menus are the same is so they are easy to use? Who cares if the menus are the same? That is not a reason to deny someone the ability to do something they enjoy
Need some help signing
I am trying to sign the patition but it says that I can't sign without providing an email address or something along those lines. And I'm not finding a way to provide my email address to sign it. I really need to sign this so if someone could help me thanks in advance.
Blindfold Games are back
Blindfold Games: The games are back!
I received a call from Adam tonight, and he said the review team had a chance to look at the Blindfold Games again, and understood why they are separate apps, and that the games can continue. He mentioned games address a need that’s not normally considered by most app designers, and acknowledged how the games are focused on the needs of the visually impaired community.
New updates will be processed, and new games will be reviewed as before. I’ll go into more details about the discussion in a blog next week, but I wanted to get the word out to everyone.
I want to thank the everyone for contacting Apple and spreading the word about the games. I have heard from so many people – far more than I had hoped – telling me how much the games mean to them, and how they appreciate my efforts. It has meant a lot to me, and I truly thank you.
Have a great weekend!
By Marty Schultz • Posted in Blindfold Games
Post Just posted on twitter and on Blindfold blog.
Great news!
I'm so happy. Blindfold games are back, we did it!
Objective achieved, Petition closed
I really did feel that once this got into the hands of someone other than an automaton, the decision would be changed. Apple really has demonstrated a great deal of commitment to making its products accessible to us, but w/o apps to go along w/them, they aren't very useful. So thanks, @apple.
I do concur w/AnonyMouse that switching the games to VO might even make some of them, such as wordsearch games (o, & did I mention cipher?), accessible even to deafblind, which is a population far more underserved than even the sight-impaired population.
Thanks again, Marty.
Wonderful news!
This is great news!
I do not often play games, but I have bought Blindfold games in the past and thoroughly enjoy BlackJack when on a long flight.
When things were looking rough this week, I quickly went and bought all the bird song bundles, both to show my financial support for all the work that went into these products, but also to make sure I really did learn to recognize more birds.
I deeply appreciate efforts that enable us to enjoy our leisure time in ways that work well for so many of us.
Thank you!
Morgan