An Alternate Reality Game (ARG) for RPG players

[Ed_Laprade]

No, it wasn't.

The idea behind an alternate reality game is that the game universe that all of the interaction takes place in is an alternate reality - in other words, it is typically contemporaneous with the modern day, and shares many similarities with the real world aside from a handful of new ideas which are typically introduced in gradual fashion over the course of the ARG.

That phrase, I do not think that it means what you think it means. Or, at least, that your definition is a lot narrower than mine. Oh, and how did you manage to sit in on all of the RPG games that I've participated in without me noticing you?

 

[Dannager]

That phrase, I do not think that it means what you think it means. Or, at least, that your definition is a lot narrower than mine.

Be that as it may, there seems to be a consensus on what constitutes an alternate reality game, and that consensus forms the definition I (and everyone else participating in this thread familiar with ARGs) am using.

Oh, and how did you manage to sit in on all of the RPG games that I've participated in without me noticing you?

Snark aside, if you'd participated heavily in ARGs, you'd probably know what they refer to, and that they diverge significantly from the idea of a tabletop RPG or even a LARP.

 

[nedjer]

There's lots of blindingly obvious clues/ cues to the gameplay on the blog now. Soon to be replaced by the content.

The gameplay does not include reliving Michael Douglas' unfun in The Game, but the film probably kickstarted ARGs and the many variants now out there

 

[Janx]

based on the gist of what I Love Bees and the NIN promotion was about, "reality puzzle game" is a better definition.

Somebody sets up a puzzle with real clues in the real world (items and web sites, etc) and then seeds those clues where people can find them.

the entire game takes place in the real world, and tends to be presented as "reality".

As opposed to a fantasy LARP, where what's IN game/character is pretty obvious.

Some time ago, I had an idea to create a sort of "spy" game for some friends, wherein they would undertake some spy-like operations (drop off stuff, surveliance) all done in public space (without the public being in on it. This might be a form of ARG.

I'd be curious to more explanation on what this Renegade game entails.

 

[nedjer]

based on the gist of what I Love Bees and the NIN promotion was about, "reality puzzle game" is a better definition.

Somebody sets up a puzzle with real clues in the real world (items and web sites, etc) and then seeds those clues where people can find them.

the entire game takes place in the real world, and tends to be presented as "reality".

As opposed to a fantasy LARP, where what's IN game/character is pretty obvious.

Some time ago, I had an idea to create a sort of "spy" game for some friends, wherein they would undertake some spy-like operations (drop off stuff, surveliance) all done in public space (without the public being in on it. This might be a form of ARG.

I'd be curious to more explanation on what this Renegade game entails.

Players can interact across three levels: gameplay in the real world, gameplay within RPG play and gameplay within the website. More layers than a . . . layer cake.

The simple visual 'puzzle' or cue on the front of the first Renegade blog post (my editor aka other half just posted something else in front of it) situates Renegade as a specific type of ARG, i.e. a Collaborative Production Game. To get real specific it's a form of CPG known as a Socially Persistent Alternate Reality Collaboration - that'd be a SPARC

 

[Janx]

Players can interact across three levels: gameplay in the real world, gameplay within RPG play and gameplay within the website. More layers than a . . . layer cake.

The simple visual 'puzzle' or cue on the front of the first Renegade blog post (my editor just posted something else in front of it) situates Renegade as a specific type of ARG, i.e. a Collaborative Production Game. To get real specific it's a form of CPG known as a Socially Persistent Alternate Reality Collaboration - that'd be a SPARC

I guess I care less about what it's called. More about how this thing exists and persists as a game.

As I vaguely understand it, a dragon (or 2) has appeared. Presumably on a website? And somehow the website admin is the PuppetMaster on his site. Presumably a PM is like a GM. He drops clues, content on his site.

The page also alludes that they are expecting that players might create their own Renegade sites and act as PMs there. Thus adding new and deviant content.

It's also implied that players would play various real games (D&D, board games) and somehow earn credit towards their ranking in Renegade.

Whats not clear to me, if I was to become a player, how would I know what actions i could take "in game" and how would that progress me.

 

[Janx]

double posted by lag

 

[nedjer]

Just posted Renegade's Missions. Quests and Journeys and the gameplay tomorrow and Friday until done. Text and tables first, images next, then links.

 

[nedjer]

Posted and tidying the Quests, so much to go but the 'meat and drink' of the game is served.

Here's a fairly basic RPG prop production we knocked-up overnight

 

[Janx]

Just posted Renegade's Missions. Quests and Journeys and the gameplay tomorrow and Friday until done. Text and tables first, images next, then links.

I have done some of those already. the pirate list is pretty short and easy, aside from walking the plank.

Some of the terms are confusing. What's a Tag (i hope it doesn't involve spraypaint), Dust.

whats the threshold for? How does one report or verify their achievements?

The missions looks like it pertains to players trying to achieve Renegade goals inside their normal gaming.

Is there any thing about interacting with the Renegade community or with Renegaded hosted events/puzzles?