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Is There An Age Limit For ARGs?
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SleepingSoundly
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 		Is There An Age Limit For ARGs?
Um, hello there.

I've learned about Alternate Reality Games recently, and they seem like they might be a lot of fun. I've read the archives of some finished ones (like Just Another Fool? That one was awesome!) as well. And I like puzzles and mind games, so yeah.

But since ARGs sometimes require calling phone numbers or giving out personal information, I was wondering, is there an age limit for them? Like, you must be 18 or something? Because to be completely honest, I'm only 11 years old.

Are minors not allowed, or is it okay as long as my parents say so?

Sorry if I'm a pain, and thank you!

PostPosted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:03 pm
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catherwood
I Have 100 Cats and Smell of Wee

Joined: 25 Sep 2002
Posts: 4109
Location: Silicon Valley, CA

 		Every game is different, just as every movie is different. Some movies come with a warning about mature content, while other movies are designed specifically for a younger audience; ARGs are similiar in this way. Movies have a ratings system, but ARGs do not (yet). Also, the warning/recommendation doesn't get posted inside the movie/game, because that would break the "magic circle" and ruin the immersion. Announcements have to be posted outside the movie theater; for an ARG, you'll have to look for a disclaimer link, or find a "meta" source like the production blog or pre-game site, where the people behind the game might post their intentions.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 2:52 am
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BlackandBlue
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Joined: 19 Sep 2008
Posts: 92
Location: Chatsworth, CA

 		This is more about honesty and openness to me
Hi Sleeping Soundly. As catherwood said, it seems that there really isn't a set age limit on most ARGs. However, I'd say that you should let your parents review what you're doing and what ARGs you are playing, as some of them can be rather "adult" in nature. Violence, sexual situations and mature themes sometimes are involved in the story line. IMO, whether or not any storyline is suitable to anyone has to be decided by the exact person playing, not just an arbitrary age limit. I'm 40+ and some of the ARGs out there scare/shock the crap out of me, and I won't play them Shocked. You are 11, but you are also literate, intelligent and may be very mature for your age and able to handle ideas not everyone else can. That becomes a parental call to make, with you.

The main thing that you will have to keep in mind, is if there is a tangible prize involved, the people putting in the game will usually have an age minimum and information of who is eligible to play and win. Those types of ARGs usually have some link within the game to give you that information.

Welcome to the unFiction boards and I hope we will see you often. Smile
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 5:25 pm
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Caseys_Mom
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Joined: 21 Jan 2009
Posts: 553

 		Re: Is There An Age Limit For ARGs?
SleepingSoundly wrote:
Um, hello there.

I've learned about Alternate Reality Games recently, and they seem like they might be a lot of fun. I've read the archives of some finished ones (like Just Another Fool? That one was awesome!) as well. And I like puzzles and mind games, so yeah.

But since ARGs sometimes require calling phone numbers or giving out personal information, I was wondering, is there an age limit for them? Like, you must be 18 or something? Because to be completely honest, I'm only 11 years old.

Are minors not allowed, or is it okay as long as my parents say so?

Sorry if I'm a pain, and thank you!


Hi, and welcome to the forums, and the world of ARG's! It's very good that you've asked that question. And that your being honest about your age. I think it's wonderful that you are interested in these games.
A few things I'd like to add.
1. SAFETY FIRST- Even if your an adult, you should ALWAYS think and act in ways that will not put you in any danger. Even in real life, you never really know who you can trust, and who may be a "bad guy".
2. So- I would suggest trying to explain to your Mom or Dad just what these ARG's are and how they get played. And that you'd like to play along on some of them. And hopefully they will understand, and maybe even want to help.
3. If your Mom or Dad says it's ok for you to play... NEVER TELL ANYONE YOUR REAL NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, ETC... There are way too many bad guys out there. If it's a game that is from a big company with prizes & stuff, then let your Mom or Dad check it all out and sign up.
4. Have fun!
As for your age, most websites like myspace, facebook, and others will ask for your birthday. If you are under 13, you will usually be required to give the website the e-mail address of a parent. Your Mom or Dad will get an e-mail that will ask if it is ok to allow you to use their website.
And if you do use any of these websites, please don't use your real name, location, school, etc.

Good luck!

********EDIT******

You might enjoy checking out the "time wasters" area and trying some of the puzzle trails & stuff.
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 5:03 pm
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Kandiman
Decorated


Joined: 09 Aug 2009
Posts: 160
Location: Oxford, England

 		This begs a question, actually... Should there be an ABSOLUTELY out of game site for PMs to list their games on with such age warnings? You wouldn't list any details of who you are publicly, no crossing of the curtain, per se, just allows parents and gamers a little vigilance about what they're heading into. It could also avoid situations like the 'spooky video' trailhead from about six months ago where people weren't entirely convinced the video and subsequent communications weren't involving a deranged serial killer. That game, although it fizzled out fast, was creepy as hell.

For example, I wouldn't have let an eleven year old play Junko, but I would've let one play Purity Towers. Likewise, SitS could've been seen as a little mature, whereas TLE was pretty suitable for young teens.

More importantly, would PMs sign up for such a thing for the good of further legitimizing our community? I know I would... The game I'm working on DEFINITELY isn't suitable for young teens, and I expect some major TINAG issues along the way, too, because the subject matter is extremely dark; it includes murder, kidnapping of children - and, indeed, parents - rape and all sorts of very bad things that I'd rather, if possible, warn youngsters like the OP about without being explicit about it once I'm in-game.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:13 pm
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jessie1326
Decorated


Joined: 17 Sep 2009
Posts: 260
Location: Illinois, U.S.A.
Kandiman wrote:
This begs a question, actually... Should there be an ABSOLUTELY out of game site for PMs to list their games on with such age warnings? You wouldn't list any details of who you are publicly, no crossing of the curtain, per se, just allows parents and gamers a little vigilance about what they're heading into. It could also avoid situations like the 'spooky video' trailhead from about six months ago where people weren't entirely convinced the video and subsequent communications weren't involving a deranged serial killer. That game, although it fizzled out fast, was creepy as hell.

For example, I wouldn't have let an eleven year old play Junko, but I would've let one play Purity Towers. Likewise, SitS could've been seen as a little mature, whereas TLE was pretty suitable for young teens.

More importantly, would PMs sign up for such a thing for the good of further legitimizing our community? I know I would... The game I'm working on DEFINITELY isn't suitable for young teens, and I expect some major TINAG issues along the way, too, because the subject matter is extremely dark; it includes murder, kidnapping of children - and, indeed, parents - rape and all sorts of very bad things that I'd rather, if possible, warn youngsters like the OP about without being explicit about it once I'm in-game.


You know, that's really not a bad idea. Maybe at least a thread on this site somewhere that PMs could post brief warnings such as "The upcoming ARG SuchnSuch (or featuring SonSo) is not suitable for children"? PMs could post as guests if they wanted to remain anonymous (although that leads to obvious issues of credibility, but nothing this site hasn't dealt with in one form or another in many other contexts).

A third-party site might be good down the road, too, although of course an "anonymous" tip could always be sent to ARGNet or someone similar -- the mods around here would probably also be willing to pop in early in a thread and warn participants that the PM has indicated that the ARG will deal with adult subjects.

PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 2:41 pm
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Kandiman
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Joined: 09 Aug 2009
Posts: 160
Location: Oxford, England
jessie1326 wrote:
Kandiman wrote:
This begs a question, actually... Should there be an ABSOLUTELY out of game site for PMs to list their games on with such age warnings? You wouldn't list any details of who you are publicly, no crossing of the curtain, per se, just allows parents and gamers a little vigilance about what they're heading into. It could also avoid situations like the 'spooky video' trailhead from about six months ago where people weren't entirely convinced the video and subsequent communications weren't involving a deranged serial killer. That game, although it fizzled out fast, was creepy as hell.

For example, I wouldn't have let an eleven year old play Junko, but I would've let one play Purity Towers. Likewise, SitS could've been seen as a little mature, whereas TLE was pretty suitable for young teens.

More importantly, would PMs sign up for such a thing for the good of further legitimizing our community? I know I would... The game I'm working on DEFINITELY isn't suitable for young teens, and I expect some major TINAG issues along the way, too, because the subject matter is extremely dark; it includes murder, kidnapping of children - and, indeed, parents - rape and all sorts of very bad things that I'd rather, if possible, warn youngsters like the OP about without being explicit about it once I'm in-game.


You know, that's really not a bad idea. Maybe at least a thread on this site somewhere that PMs could post brief warnings such as "The upcoming ARG SuchnSuch (or featuring SonSo) is not suitable for children"? PMs could post as guests if they wanted to remain anonymous (although that leads to obvious issues of credibility, but nothing this site hasn't dealt with in one form or another in many other contexts).

A third-party site might be good down the road, too, although of course an "anonymous" tip could always be sent to ARGNet or someone similar -- the mods around here would probably also be willing to pop in early in a thread and warn participants that the PM has indicated that the ARG will deal with adult subjects.


Begs the question 'to whom do we broach the subject' really, doesn't it?

PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:11 pm
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kwool
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Joined: 26 Apr 2009
Posts: 121
Location: Iowa
Kandiman wrote:
More importantly, would PMs sign up for such a thing for the good of further legitimizing our community?


I would certainly do it.

What was dark in my last production was more Poe-style psychological horror. Additionally, it was in many ways text-based, so more like a novel than a film. And let's examine that books do not have a rating system either.

I think when things are explicitly shown--through film or photography--they are very different from those penned. When we read something, we make our own reality and version of the tale.

I hope I'm not rambling here. But the thing that makes this difficult is the very thing that makes ARGs interesting: their cross-media nature. We're not confined to one specific realm.

Nonetheless, I would support a rating system, but not one that necessarily excludes participants (like the MPAA system). I would simply have a warning about content in some manner.

This is an interesting subject and I'll have to remember it for my future ARGs. We're just beginning to scratch the surface of this type of gaming, and I'm sure it will be a more important issue in the future as children younger and younger join communities online.

PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2010 11:24 pm
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imbriModerator
Entrenched


Joined: 21 Sep 2002
Posts: 1182
Location: wonderland

 		Some games do go through a ratings board - mostly those tied with video games and movies that are already rated as M or R. They have to have their content reviewed and get approved. That's usually why you see age gates on those games. And it gets sort of complicated - they may only want to review or place the age restrictions on some of the content.

Also there are a number of ARGs designed specifically for younger audiences. Six to Start has done of work for kids, for example. And, of course, Cathy's Book and 39 Clues - both used books as a primary platform. The BBC has also done a few projects. So, if you're younger, you might even find games tailored to you, which is pretty cool.

PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2010 9:01 am
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Caseys_Mom
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Joined: 21 Jan 2009
Posts: 553

 		Maybe it would be a good idea to create a forum category specifically for listing/playing games once it's known that it is, or will be, "friendly", or designed for the younger players/readers.
That way, all of the "safe" games could easily be found in one area. I think that might help them to be able to jump in and get involved.
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2010 10:29 am
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MageSteff
Pretty talky there aintcha, Talky?


Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 2716
Location: State of Denial
Caseys_Mom wrote:
1. SAFETY FIRST- Even if your an adult, you should ALWAYS think and act in ways that will not put you in any danger. Even in real life, you never really know who you can trust, and who may be a "bad guy".


Seconded! The people that I have interacted with her as a player and as a PM - GENERALLY are nice people who mean you no harm, but any place, any group, can alwaysa have that one individual that is a predator looking to hurt you.

Caseys_Mom wrote:
I would suggest trying to explain to your Mom or Dad just what these ARG's are and how they get played. And that you'd like to play along on some of them. And hopefully they will understand, and maybe even want to help.


Always a good idea - parents like to know who you are talking to and playing with. Keeping them informed will show them that you are not trying to do anything "behind their backs" and they may be willing to take you to locations near your home to meet other players or people related to the game for live events (i.e. Haunted Apiary's phone booth events, locating clues that have been left in public places).

If your parents would like to talk to a real player/former Puppetmaster, contact me through a PM or email (magesteffSPLAThotmail.com), and we can exchange phone numbers so we can talk.

@ Spacebass: would PM's be able to contact mods or you so that a voluntary rating (all ages, older children, teens, adult) can be added to the game descriptions?
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PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2010 1:47 am
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