Meet a Judge: Robert Florio

Robert Florio one of our judges for Accessibility Idol (and official "top model" for this year's game accessibility equipment) has been known in theindustry for originality and risk taking developing accessible games and building (or is that burning?) bridges with developers and communities with his development team and company. Before Robert started his company tragedy struck: a life altering injury at the age of 14 paralyzed him from the chest down. Determined never to let another kid in the dark alone with no expressive tools or technology to play, joke and be a normal person again, he vows to be courageous in game design and challenge any developer to do the same.

This 25 year old artist, game designer and quadriplegic ranks among the best in game design and reaching out to everyone, especially gamers with disabilities.

Contestants...take note: All contestants need to bring their "A" game when presenting their accessible games! This judge is not afraid to speak his mind and give contestants a lot of good input on their designs, which should take them far in their fledgling careers -- he may be tough but he is fair. But be warned...if you hit a nerve by giving us style without accessible substance, Robert will give it to you straight. While Robert is a very deep thinker and a cool guy on the surface...underneath lurks the truth! Don't think you can charm yourself into this judge's heart, no matter if he appears kindhearted or not -- He can smell out any bad design.

We caught up with Florio at a Golden Globes afterparty (did anyone catch what 24's Keifer Sutherland was wearing...there are no words to describe it). Florio was kind enough to sit down with us and give the contestants some advise: "We are looking for
the best of the best in accessible design so anyone not taking this competition seriously will be eliminated. However...if you have something that's really cool, I
will let you know and even buy you a drink. Well...If you got what it takes."