ARG Netcast, Episode 46: A for Effort

 

 ARG Netcast, Episode 46: A for Effort [66:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1700)

Listen up, class! We have a special presentation today — here to discuss the latest news on alternate reality gaming are Jonathan Waite (ARGNet), Sean C. Stacey (Unfiction, and Despoiler) Brooke Thompson (Giant Mice, Eldritch Errors). After the news, they will be talking to you about how your efforts mean more to ARGs than your abilities, so pay attention!

(Also, as a fun diversion, for every time Jonathan says “et cetera”, drink a shot of your favorite beverage!)

News Items of the Week

• On December 31, ABC TV launched a new interactive game for its popular drama Lost. While the game known as Find 815 isn’t a sequel to The Lost Experience, the alternate reality game that came out in 2006, players are still enjoying the chance to learn more about the Lost mythology. The viral marketing isn’t limited to the game, as billboards advertising for fictional Oceanic Airlines have been popping up worldwide.
• What is this Game is a new promotion that is bills itself as both an ARG and a contest. The campaign is tied to What is this Movie, a film being released by Staff of the Magi production, and the grand prize is a cameo role.
• QU13E is back from a long absence from the ARGosphere. Originally launched in late 2005, the game was resurrected on January 1st with cryptic messages and images.
• Book three of Eldritch Errors has apparently begun with a new post at The Wall of Dreams, an in-game web site. The game originally launched eight months ago and has included unique mail items and memorable live events.
• Details emerged this past week about new projects from companies in the UK. Six to Start, a new venture that involves Adrian and Dan Hon of Perplex City fame, is working on a project geared for 14-19 year old participants, while Channel 4 is sponsoring educational ARGs.
• The Winter X Games is using alternate reality gaming as a way to connect with their audience with a campaign called Buttermilk is Alive. The narrative deals with the idea that scientific phenomena is causing irreversible changes to a mountain popular with winter sporting enthusiasts.
• Michael Andersen of ARGNet has written an article about updates to the 401WTF game. Originally designed as a tie-in for Room 401, a thrilling TV series on MTV, the game has now led players to nowheremen.net and the buzz has extended to such sites as Alice Taylor’s Wonderland blog.
• A new ARG that involves pictures from the future can be found at enitechlabs.com. The speculation is that the game is connected to the upcoming premiere of FOX TV’s “The Sarah Connor Chronicles“, which is set in the mythology of the Terminator film franchise. Players have seen their input used in the game, including suggestions for locales to photograph.

Links from the topic discussions:
The Secret to Raising Smart Kids - Scientific American
Paradox in Game Theory: Losing Strategy That Wins
- New York Times
MySpace Is Said to Draw Subpoena in Hoax Case - New York Times
ARG Article - Escapist Magazine - Unfiction Forums
Suicide over MySpace hoax could put PMs in legal trouble - Unfiction Forums

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