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Video Game Industry Helps Bring Blind and Sighted Together

Video Game Industry Helps Bring Blind and Sighted Together

Published 08-24-01

Submitted by Zform, LLC

GameSpy Industries, the industry leader in online entertainment and multiplayer technology, has donated more than $50,000 of its online community software in order to help Zform's goal of developing online games that bring the blind and sighted together.

"Zform is fortunate to have the industry's leading online-community software incorporated in its games," said Jeremie Spitzer, Zform cofounder and CEO. "GameSpy's software will be the technological foundation upon which Zform will build its community -- allowing us to speed up development and provide a higher-quality experience for blind and sighted players."

The blind and visually impaired have little or no access to interactive electronic entertainment (video games). In the late 1980s, video games became graphics-centered, creating a "graphical divide" between those who rely on their sight and those who do not. The graphical divide isolates the visually impaired from the shared social experience of gaming, an increasingly important part of our culture.

Zform creates online computer games that use the latest audio, networking, and software technologies to allow people to play regardless of visual impairment or geographic location.

"GameSpy is pleased that the GameSpy.Net technology will help Zform make it possible for blind and sighted gamers to play together," said Mark Surfas, CEO/Founder of GameSpy Industries. "GameSpy is committed to bringing games to people, and the GameSpy.Net technology will save Zform a tremendous amount of time and energy in making its goals a reality."

About GameSpy Industries

Founded in 1995, GameSpy Industries, Inc., www.gamespyindustries.com, is the leading provider of consumer online entertainment and technologies to the games industry. GameSpy's Consumer Division creates superior game and editorial experiences for the enjoyment of millions of gamers worldwide through its consumer online game software GameSpy Arcade, and GameSpy3D, and provides a centralized news and information resource for gamers at www.GameSpy.com. GameSpy's Business Services Division, provides online gaming infrastructure and technologies to the PC, Mac, and console games industry at www.GameSpy.net. It is the official online infrastructure provider for leading game publishers such as Activision, Eidos, WizardWorks, Interplay and Gathering of Developers and Internet media delivery giants like Real Networks. GameSpy's advertising network, The Mplayer Entertainment Network, reaches over 16 million unique monthly visitors, making it one of the largest advertising properties on the Internet. GameSpy Industries is headquartered in Irvine, California.

About ZForm

Zform is a software developer with the socially responsible vision of bringing the blind, visually impaired, and sighted together through online games and communities where they can play and interact as equals. Zform can be found online at: www.zform.com

Zform, LLC

Zform, LLC

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