I realized I hadn’t posted this yet. This is an excellent case study of Alternate Reality Games from 2001-2009, and features my good friend Elan Lee.
Storytelling in new media: The case of alternate reality games 2001-2009
Podcasts worth noting
Jon Waite and gang recently interviewed Elan Lee, Sean Stewart and Jim Stewartson to talk about what they’re up to, and the challenge of defining this new transmedia thing we do.
ARG Netcast: Beyond the Fourth Wall (Part 1)
ARG Netcast: More Tales From Beyond the Fourth Wall (Part 2)
ETA: Link to first podcast removed.
Elan Lee’s Alternate Reality
Some interesting interviews out lately, and wanted to make sure nobody missed them.
Gamasutra interviewed Elan about ARGs in general, and it’s illiciting quite a buzz, if my Google Alerts are any indication.
In addition, Jordan Weisman spoke at Dorkbot Seattle the other night, and had an interesting take on everything ARG from his perpective for those of you who care about such things, and you know who you are.
Interview:Elan and Others Today in Second Life (4:00pm)
From BoingBoing:
Future Salon: alternate reality games
“Tomorrow’s Future Salon in Second Life is, appropriately, on the topic of alternate reality games and pervasive gaming. Participants include 42 Entertainment‘s Elan Lee (BB pal Jane McGonigal‘s collaborator on projects like ilovebees), Tony “Clickable Culture” Walsh, and Adrian and/or Dan Hon of Mind Candy , creators of Perplex City. The in-game salon takes place tomorrow, Monday 11/27, at 4pm PST. Link “
Here’s a direct link to the announcement, which includes links to be able to listen in live if you’re not a SecondLife member.
This whole ARG in virtual space thing is getting bandied about a lot lately, which is strange, to me. While it’s a nifty idea, someone’s definitely missing the point that what makes ARGs unique is the fact that they reach out and touch the REAL WORLD. Unless I’m missing something, what’s being talked about is no different than a typical adventure game, albeit with a new interface.