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[SanelyDependent]

ARG Immersion

[konamouse]

What pulls me and keeps me interested is the interaction with the characters, and the story. Seems like what you played (Dharma) had NO story.

Ever read a good novel and wanted to talk to a character in the book - ask them why they did something, or tell them where to go and what to do?

Nothing beats the thrill of talking with a character and having some effect on the outcome of the story. Being a part of the story is that immersion that ARGs can offer.

[notgordian]

Part of the problem with The White Island might be that the game ended over a month ago. Although ARGs aren't necessarily time sensitive, the experience you get from trying to look at the artifacts from after the game isn't really the same.

Admittedly, some ARGs (although relatively few) are designed to allow for easy replay value. I don't remember hearing the White Island was one of those.

[natas]

[kosmopol]

For me the most important part of ARG is also communicating with characters. I "played" with Dharma too, although, even if they wanted to make it an ARG, but they collapsed due financial crisis or perhaps something else.

Anyway, my very first ARG, (Cloverfield) was very intensive and really great experience: the interaction with characters was really great, and the atmosphere was also deep and rich. Since this time I was looking for ARGs with this character-communication-bonus, and also such, where you are not only passive observer, but also active member of the happenings.

My perhaps most intensive moment was Conspiration08, as I cheated with a Japanese office lady, who was eliminated by the bad guys while of cheating with me. And I tried to help her, as I could... I mean, at this moment I understood, good ARG is not only passive consume of textes or videos.

From that time I try to participate on every ARG, if I get an "ingame" email, trail package or something like personally accosting me.

[Illy]