About LWorks
LWorks is dedicated to creating accessible and affordable audio games for the visually impaired and blind community. Founded in 2002 by Liam Erven, LWorks has been a pioneering force in the development of audio-based entertainment, bringing engaging and immersive gaming experiences to those who rely on sound.
Our mission is to bridge the gap in accessible gaming, providing high-quality audio games that are both enjoyable and affordable. We believe that everyone deserves to experience the thrill of gaming, regardless of visual impairment.
Our History
Since its inception in 2002, LWorks has released a diverse catalog of audio games, each designed with accessibility as a core principle. Some of our notable titles include:
- Super Shot
- Super Liam
- Judgment Day
- Guess the Number
- Blinded Guide
- LWorks Words
- LWorks Arcade
- Pigeon Panic
- Lockpick
- The Great Toy Robbery
Liam Erven's passion for audio gaming and his commitment to the visually impaired and blind community have been the driving forces behind LWorks' success. We are constantly striving to innovate and create new and exciting gaming experiences.
Our Commitment
At LWorks, we are committed to:
- Accessibility: Ensuring that all our games are fully accessible to visually impaired and blind users.
- Affordability: Making our games accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.
- Innovation: Continuously exploring new technologies and techniques to enhance audio gaming.
- Community: Building a strong and supportive community of audio gamers.
We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality audio games for years to come.
About Liam Erven
Liam Erven founded LWorks in 2002 with a vision to create engaging, accessible audio games for the visually impaired and blind community. As the driving force behind LWorks, Liam has dedicated over two decades to pioneering audio game development and advancing accessibility in gaming.
Early Background and Self-Taught Journey
Liam's passion for gaming began at a young age, which naturally evolved into a curiosity about how games were made. During high school in 2002, he embarked on a self-taught programming journey that would define his career. Starting with Visual Basic 6, Liam learned programming through experimentation and determination, developing the skills that would eventually lead to the creation of LWorks.
Over the past 20+ years, Liam has continuously evolved his technical approach, progressing from Visual Basic 6 to the Blastbay Toolkit, and eventually to his current primary tool, the Non-visual Game Toolkit. This self-taught foundation has given him a unique perspective on problem-solving and game development that emphasizes practical, accessible solutions.
Philosophy on Accessible Game Design
Liam's approach to game development is guided by a core philosophy: "I want to make games that are accessible and enjoyable for everyone." This belief drives every aspect of LWorks' development process, ensuring that accessibility isn't an afterthought but a fundamental design principle from the ground up.
Developer and Speaker
Beyond game development, Liam is an active advocate for accessible gaming. He has spoken at several events across the country, sharing his experiences as a game developer and promoting awareness of accessible technology. Liam regularly participates in podcast interviews and is available to speak at conventions, schools, and events about his journey in audio game development.
Philosophy and Approach
Liam's approach to game development centers on the belief that gaming should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone, regardless of visual ability. Under his leadership, LWorks has consistently produced games that prioritize:
- Intuitive audio design that creates immersive experiences
- Affordable pricing to ensure accessibility for all budgets
- Community engagement and player feedback integration
- Innovation in audio gaming technology and techniques
Legacy and Impact
Through LWorks, Liam has created some of the most beloved titles in accessible gaming, including the groundbreaking Super Liam (the first accessible side-scroller), the iconic holiday favorite The Great Toy Robbery, and innovative puzzle games like Slide. His work has earned LWorks recognition as a Winner of the 2016 Top 25 Web Sites for Accessible Gaming.
Liam continues to lead LWorks' mission of bridging the gap in accessible gaming, always exploring new ways to enhance the audio gaming experience while building a strong, supportive community of players worldwide.
Liam Erven, Founder of LWorks
Connect with Liam
Interested in having Liam speak at your event or participate in a podcast?
Contact LWorksLiam is available for interviews, convention speaking, and educational presentations about accessible game development.