Lately I’ve realized that most of the games that really keep my attention are text-based ones.
Right now my two favorites are EmpireMUD and Stellar Aeon.
EmpireMUD scratches the classic MUD itch: exploring, crafting, character progression, and a world that feels alive and constantly evolving. It’s the kind of game where I can log in, explore a bit, discover something new, and slowly build my character over time.
Stellar Aeon is very different but just as satisfying. It’s a text-driven space exploration and management game where you discover systems, expand influence, and watch a simulated universe unfold. It really hits that “systems interacting with systems” sweet spot that makes me want to keep experimenting.
I also enjoy incremental games (things like Cookie Clicker, Trimps, ComputeClicker, etc.), but lately a lot of them feel very similar once you’ve played a bunch. I still enjoy them, but they don’t hold my attention the same way they used to.
I’ve also looked at programming games and automation games, which seem like they should be perfect for me, but most of the ones I’ve found so far aren’t very accessible with screen readers.
For context: I’m totally blind and use a screen reader, so text-based games tend to work best for me.
Interestingly, a lot of audiogames actually don’t work well for me either, because many rely heavily on spatial audio or reaction timing.
I’m definitely open to games that normally rely on audio if they have mods or modes where most information is available in text.
Navigation can also be tricky. I can handle spatial navigation if a game provides helpful tools like:
- coordinates
- compass directions
- map commands
- “find” or “locate” commands
- clear text descriptions of the environment
Some MUDs do this really well, but many games unfortunately don’t include those kinds of tools.
So I’m curious:
If you enjoy text-based games, MUDs, incremental games, simulation games, or anything similar, what are you playing these days?
I’m always interested in discovering new worlds to explore.
#MUD #TextBasedGames #AccessibleGaming #BlindGamers #IncrementalGames #IndieGames #Gaming
