[arg_discuss] is ARG just a marketing technique to the press?

[Jason Chrest]

Between those two most recent responses, I would have to question a few things.  Some of the best experiences for players are the various live events and live character interactions (see http://forums.unfiction.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=22411 ).  Though there are numerous replayable situations that could be developed, some of the most attractive aspects of ARGs are real-time events.  

I'm developing one now that is long term, so I have been trying to come up with various ideas for how to deal with the situation of new players coming in.  I'm sure man of us have discussed amongst ourselves this situation, and I'll readilly admit that it is a very hard problem to find a solution for.  The thing to me is that as the game is playing out over time, the characters grow with the players in a natural process and introducing foreign influences is something that naturally would be met with some resistence.  I would be apprehensive before meeting any of you, or allowing any of you into my life - as many would be for anyone - so it's only natural that a game that pushes the boundaries of fact or fiction with highly "intelligent" characters would face the same or similar apprehensions from both players and characters alike.

Before I forget - Happy New Years to you all as well.  Perhaps the answer to the problem is a shift in the way we approach player/designer interaction?
Jason Chrest
Aporia Cross-Media Entertainment
www.aporiacme.com
jason at aporiacme.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Monello <mmonello at campfirenyc.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2008 10:08:26 
To:Discussion list of the IGDA ARG SIG <arg_discuss at igda.org>
Subject: Re: [arg_discuss] is ARG just a marketing technique to the press?

I think the solution involves redefining the structure f the ARG, and  
not relying on ancillary businesses to generate the revenue.

Best,

Michael Monello
Partner, Campfire
62 White Street, 3W
New York, NY 10013
212-612-9600
http://www.campfirenyc.com



On Dec 31, 2007, at 9:41 AM, Ian Millington wrote:


>> The key to this was getting lots of people to play the game over and

>> over again

>

> This is the biggest problem I've not been able to solve in trying to

> think of how to monetize ARGs.

>

> ARGs have very weak individual agency for players. Don't play for a

> while and not only will the game not care, but you won't be able to go

> back and play (most of) what you missed. When the game is over, it is

> over.

>

> So not only is it difficult to see how you can build replayability,

> but even individual playability in the first instance is rather

> constrained.

>

> PXC was interesting because the ARG and the puzzle cards were largely

> separable - you could play the ARG without buying the cards (they were

> published online and solutions abounded) and you could play the cards

> without worrying about the ARG (my mother did this - it was all about

> the puzzles).

>

> Ian.

> _______________________________________________

> ARG_Discuss mailing list

> ARG_Discuss at igda.org

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