unforum

[thebruce]

First, I'm totally on board with your detest of marketing invading private space to the point of harrassment. I hate spam as much as the next guy. So I'll concur with your points about the author's spin on viral marketing for mobile...

What I'm more interested in the application of mobile devices - while retaining privacy, of course - in alternate reality gaming. If it's used in viral marketing, I don't see a problem - as long as the power is left with the user. I don't mind being given the choice (to use an author's example) to download a video, customize it, and give it to a friend, as long as that doesn't send out my or my friend's existence and contact info to the spammers marketers. It's the potential uses of mobile applications in the ARG genre that interests me, and of which I'd love to see made more use.

I had a nice long commentary on mobile devices and viral application here, but realized that I wasn't intending this thread to focus on viral, or marketing, but the practical application of mobile devices in ARGs (ala QR, Mediascape, Kiosk information distribution, etc), as per the thread rename. So, apologies if it took the turn in that direction.


For QR Codes in North America, I definitely think they need to be given more time (define 'failure'? There are lots of things we see around us regularly in our daily lives that we don't make use of - but they're there so that we can at any time; I rarely ever look at the nutrition label of my food containers for example; though probably to my loss =). Or like the use of relatively 'new' inventions and trends, if it starts in a niche market, eventually it may grow in popularity and acceptance until their merit (if it exists) is seen. We saw the same happen with the MP3 format, Linux, downloadable music, even ARGs themselves.
I think ARGs definitely should make use of more experimental technologies and methodologies. In a sense, the ARG scene could be viewed as a test bed for new ideas that may or may not be adopted on a larger scale (though it is dangerous to adopt that as a significant goal). And I certainly think that mobile devices fall into that category... even if it's a matter of experimenting with proprietary ideas from specific companies. In an ARG's sense, if it's used believably in context, I don't think it would be that much of an issue to players, especially if its use is optional or limited. But as Steve said, pretty much the only relatively standard tools available at this point are SMS and MMS. What else can we bring into the fold of standardization?

I think that's a challenge puppetmasters are already facing and dealing with as we speak -- pushing the envelope, always trying new things, whether in technology/methodology or in awareness for a subject matter.

So what kind of niche mobile technologies can we think of that could be incorporated into ARGs, regardless of the scale of their acceptance? Some ARGs have already made use of QR Codes... I say don't give up (though not at the expense of the ARG of course)
Heck, having no payphones in Canada that accept incoming calls didn't stop me from enjoying ilovebees

[Shutaro]

[Rekidk]

[Rogi Ocnorb]

[cabalagent23]

Tokyo Ubiquitous Technology Project in Ginza

[LicoriceJon]

This is a very interesting thread; it raises a number of issues that we've (licorice)
have been looking into, we've been working closely working with Hewlett Packard labs for the past 6months. Although we like to keep 'hush hush' about our plans I recently gave a presentation at the mscapefest in Bristol outlining our current projects, HP will be posting a video of the presentation on www.mscapers.com sometime in the next few weeks. So since it will soon be in the public domain anyway I thought I would let you know a little about our approach and upcoming projects.

This is not an official company statement or press release!
-the game will be officially announced by mid Jan 2008.

In September this year Hewlett Packard commissioned Licorice (Hazel & Jon) to develop a cross platform narrative of equal scale to Meigeist that integrates their Mscape and QR Code technology for launch in first quarter 2008.

A problem we have had developing an ARG tied to mscapes is that the software will only run on specific PDA's, though this will not be the case for long – the team have been working on a port to (none touch screen) GPS mobile phones that should be released sometime in the next six months. But even then we still felt that due to the small number of players with access to the hardware, the Mscape parts of the narrative should be supplementary to platforms that everyone can engage in.

What we are aiming to produce is a worldwide experience that is accessible to all, in the spirit of Mscape – a game with a focus on 'getting out there.' We're not making Meigest two, infact I'm not even sure if what we're making is an ARG at all. Though it does have many ARG elements and a substantial on-line presence.

The HP team are also working on networking the mscape system in the near future, so that mscapes can be used in a client / server relationship. –This adds a whole new world of fun to pervasive gaming!

Another separate project we have in development is a site specific (Bristol UK) Pervasive media team game. (Funded by http://www.mediasandbox.co.uk/ )

Here is a brief outline of the project:

One player takes the role of the seeker, armed with a PDA and two way radio they play outside on the street. The other members of the team work together using a large screen installation. This screen shows a 3D environment that reflects the real world space, highlighting goals, puzzles and obstacles that they must direct the seeker to. The seeker can not see these obstacles, so communication is vital to success. The team must work together in a race against the clock, harmonising their virtual and physical actions to overcome the challenges of the environment. Once the time is up, the team's score is recorded and posted to an online league table for all to see.

In many ways the idea has similarities to the old CBBC show Knightmare. (http://www.knightmare.com/ )
This game will be open to the public in April 2008 and anyone will be welcome to drop in and play for free.


I think that's a challenge puppetmasters are already facing and dealing with as we speak -- pushing the envelope, always trying new things, whether in technology/methodology or in awareness for a subject matter.

I completely agree, hopefully 2008 will be a great year for location based (mobile) gaming!

[Rekidk]

/me threadjacks this thread.

Jon, I'm looking at getting a new cell phone very soon. What new non-touch-screen GPS phone models are you implementing the port for? Being able to play the next Licorice creation would definitely have an impact on what phone I decide to buy.

[LicoriceJon]

Hi Rekidk,
Off the top of my head I know a-few of the brand names but not the model details, and don't want to give you wrong advice...

So your best bet is to ask the mscape developers directly on the mscape forum: http://forums.mscapers.com/ The mobile game applications licorice have built will work on any platform that can run mediascape. Tom Melamed is the chap currently working on the ports, I'm sure he'd be happy to advise you on the best device to buy.

But we'll make sure all this information is available when we officially announce the game!