Speaking of gaming saving lives, here's some proof to that theory: 25 year old Robert Florio, a quadraplegic since age 11, says that gaming "made him feel as though his body was miraculously restored. (He games using his mouth to control the action.) Outdo that, bible thumpers.
Seriously though, this is a person I find truly inspiring, both personally and professionally. Since falling in love with games, he has set himself the goal of becoming a game designer to create titles that disabled people can play as well as anybody else. This evening, Florio will receive his bachelor's degree in a commencement ceremony from the Art Insitute of Pittsburgh's online division as well as the Dean's Merit Award.
Robert is already a part of a small group of gamers called Project Top Secret, whose aim is to design an online game where players engage in races with fantastic creatures. Veteran game programmer and consultant David Perry is helming the project, which will be published by Acclaim Entertainment after its completion.
"It was the only thing that got me excited about living again,"Florio said of gaming.
Amen to that.
[Via PittsburghLive, Thanks Jonathan!]
Contest:
2:37 PM on 12.13.2007
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got the "feel goods" all over
Even though I'm a 15-20 hour a week gamer, I still feel like i could be making a better use of my time. But I didn't even stop to think about people not as lucky as I and how much of an impact games can make. I thank you for the gift of insight, Collete
For every negative story we hear about games I'll bet there are at least 3 good ones that you never hear of because its not the news that gets raitings. Bravo on bringing this to our attention.
By the way, Colette — not to be an ass, of course — but it’s “quadriplegic”, not “quadraplegic”. I actually had to look that one up to be sure, though, so don’t feel too bad.
Seriously though, I have often wondered what the hell I'd ever do with my time if I were stricken blind. Now I know I’d be designing the first MMO for the visually impaired for Acclaim.
You can’t stop … the rock … can’t stop the rock …
You can’t stop … the rock … can’t stop the rock …
*Tips Hat to Mr.Florio*
LOL @ Ron
or is it deja vu?
And take that, haters. XD
I'm happy for the guy for finding something that gave him strength to swallow the scoops of shit life spoon feeds us everyday, fuckin right bro... I have NO idea how complex these games can get, but frankly in his situation... I know I'd want all the mental stimulation I could get no matter what.
Cheers!
I wonder when someone will invent a proper virtual game, no controllers just you inside the game. My guess is about 142 years 11 months 2 weeks and 6 days.
BEGIN THE COUNTDOWN!
Damn. Fucking makes me all mysty and shit.
Oh Outkast, how I love the...