Definition Alternate reality game

1 definition

1.1 unique terminology
1.2 similarities , differences other forms of entertainment
1.3 influences , precursors

1.3.1 possible inspirations fiction , other art forms

definition

there great deal of debate surrounding characteristics term alternate reality game should defined. sean stacey, founder of website unfiction, has suggested best way define genre not define it, , instead locate each game on 3 axes (ruleset, authorship , coherence) in sphere of chaotic fiction include works such uncyclopedia , street games sf0 well.

several experts, though, point use of transmedia, aggregate effect of multiple texts/media artifacts, defining attribute of args. prompts unique collaboration emanating args well; sean stewart, founder of 42 entertainment, has produced various successful args, speaks how occurs, noting key thing arg way jumps off of platforms. s game s social , comes @ across different ways connect world around you.

unique terminology

among terms essential understand discussions args are:

puppet-master – puppet-master or pm individual involved in designing and/or running arg. puppet-masters simultaneously allies , adversaries player base, creating obstacles , providing resources overcoming them in course of telling game s story. puppet-masters remain behind curtain while game running. real identity of puppet masters may or may not known ahead of time.
the curtain – curtain, drawing phrase, pay no attention man behind curtain, metaphor separation between puppetmasters , players. can take traditional form of absolute secrecy regarding puppetmasters identities , involvement production, or refer merely convention puppet-masters not communicate directly players through game, interacting instead through characters , game s design.
rabbit-hole/trailhead – rabbit-hole, or trailhead, marks first media artifact, website, contact, or puzzle, draws in players. args employ number of trailheads in several media maximize probability of people discovering game. typically, rabbit-hole website, updated, cost-effective option.
this not game (tinag) – setting arg form apart other games not game sentiment popularized players themselves. belief 1 of main goals of arg deny , disguise fact game @ all.

similarities , differences other forms of entertainment

computer/console/video games. while args use internet central binding medium, not played exclusively on computer , not require use of special software or interfaces. non-player characters in args controlled in real time puppetmasters, not computer ai.
role-playing games (rpgs) , live action role-playing games (larps). role of puppetmaster in creating arg narratives , puppetmaster s relationship arg s players bears great deal of similarity role of game master or referee in role-playing game. however, role of players quite different. args not have fixed rules—players discover rules , boundaries of game through trial , error—and not require players assume fictional identities or roleplay beyond feigning belief in reality of characters interact (even if games players play long-standing variant on genre). also, not game aesthetic distinctive args, not being present in rpgs or larps.
massively multiplayer online role-playing games (mmorpgs). outlined above computer games , traditional role-playing games, non-player characters in args controlled real people in real time, not computer ai; args not require special software or interfaces play; games not require players roleplay or create characters or avatars; , args use multiple media , real life in addition internet distribute narratives.
viral marketing/internet hoaxes. while args used type of viral marketing, diverge sharply philosophy behind sponsored consumers or other viral marketing practices attempt trick consumers believing planted shills product other independent consumers. similarly, diverge sites or narratives genuinely try convince visitors claim be. puppetmasters leave both subtle , overt clues game s fictional nature , boundaries players can find them (e.g. through fictional names on site registrations) , many args openly flaunt fictional plots. puppetmasters of genre s seminal example, beast, made point of pride never pretend players in order solicit publicity or nudge players along, , terms of service of unfiction, community site arg genre, strictly prohibit individuals involved in creating games posting them without disclosing involvement.

influences , precursors

due factors curtain, attempts begin games stealth launches fulfill tinag aesthetic, , restrictive non-disclosure agreements governing how information may revealed puppetmasters of promotional games, design process many args shrouded in secrecy, making difficult discern extent have been influenced other works. in addition, cross-media nature of form allows args incorporate elements of many other art forms , works attempting identify them impossible task.

possible inspirations fiction , other art forms

g. k. chesterton s 1905 short story tremendous adventures of major brown (part of collection entitled club of queer trades) seems predict arg concept, john fowles 1965 novel magus. combination board , card game, vlet, many of main characters in delany s science fiction novel triton (published in 1976) play throughout novel appears type of arg. (the game s name borrowed similar game in short story russ entitled game of vlet .) ludic texts such popular choose own adventure children s novels may have provided inspiration. reader-influenced online fiction such aol s quantumlink serial provides model incorporates audience influence storytelling in manner similar of args, promotional online games wizards of coast s webrunner games. other possible antecedents include performance art , other theatrical forms attempt directly engage audience.

the 1 game, british television drama serial screened in 1988, entirely based on premise of protagonist being forced play arg (referred reality game in script).

due influence beast exerted on form of later args , willingness of creators talk development, sources of inspiration both particularly relevant evolution of modern arg , more verifiable other possible antecedents. elan lee, 1 of creative principals, cites 1997 movie game inspiration, beatles paul dead phenomenon. sean stewart, of 3 principal designers, notes designing , running arg bears similarities running rpg, , influence of particular game form further suggested fact jordan weisman, game s third main designer, founder of leading rpg company fasa. stewart noted sort of creative, collaborative, enthusiastic scavengering behavior upon beast depended has antecedents outside arts: beast accidentally re-invented science pop culture entertainment.

the conspiracy in thomas pynchon s crying of lot 49 may arg set pierce inverarity bedevil oedipa maas, may hallucinatory turkish frontier across a.w. hill s stephan raszer tracks quarry in current literary thriller nowhere-land.