unforum

[Enygma]

A request for your views on PerplexCity

[European Chris]

Well I guess I'll kick this off (it should last for at least four pages I assueme).

1) Yes, the first-about three months.

2) Totally not, I feel I have about as much chance of winning the money as I have of winning the lottery. The intellectual rigour of the puzzles watched with the beautiful in game design combined with the 'community' feel of the game has led to me play it. Free T-Shirts are enought to keep me interested.

3) *A long pause to think*. It's at times like this that you need to call on the most important statistic in the universe. 90% of people are stupid. No, unless you make it so simple it's stupidly easy.

4) Yes, there was a recent ARG (GuyP can let you know as he was telling me the story) where in the final week the number if posts of message boards saw a marked reduction in number as people were being guarded. However it can all be agreed that those poeople are a bunch of knobheads.

5) Yes, a very big turnoff. ARGs a merely an innocuous way to pass the time for the deskbound amoungst us. One of the best things about PPC is that you don't *need* to buy the cards to play the game just follow the story and get involved.

[Scott]

1) I have been playing since about October 2003.

2) No. the reward money never even crosses my mind. It's nice, I suppose, to consider someone will get a big prize. But it seems a bit like the lottery. Someone will get it, and it likely won't be me. No, it's the story and community which move me.

3) Ya think? Well, the ARG community fFrowns on jerks, I'll give you that. But most people ae actually pretty smart. Even people who aren't measurably smart are creative. I would say the bulk of the mainstream ARG community isn't especially brilliant. It seems to me the driving fForce is a strong sense of Community. Those who have something they can say or do contribute however they can. Those who haven't the time or resources stand by and wait till they can interact more. And truly, it doesnt take that much brilliance to interact in an ARG. the best written and organized games employ a variety of ways to get lots of people involved in lots of ways. Such as the sentinel soliciting fFor "View fFrom the Earth" articles.

4) Great question. Personally, I think people will stick together fFor most of the game. I would guess the cube is hidden in such a way that it will require more than one person's input to get it -- meaning you will HAVE to bring at least 4 people, just like in the story of the theft. But that's speculation. Most people seem pretty committed to helping each other. Some have said if they win the money, they will invest it right back into ARGs in one way or another. I confess if I were actually able to get the Cube, I don't know how i would act. Actually, I think getting your name in lights as *the person who fFound the cube!* would be more of a driving fFactor than the money.

5a) It's not exactly a turn off. But that's because what I'm buying into is pretty spectacular. The cards are impressively made. The game is quite enjoyable. I am supporting an idea which appeals to me.

5b) No, I don't think "Most" ARGs will start charging a fFee. but that's because "most" ARGs are never seen or heard by the public. At any given moment there's, what, a fFew dozen games being played? The huge majority of them are homebrew grassroots games made by one or two people and being played by a small core group of fFans. And when you consider what an ARG is -- a fFew webpages, some graphics, some sound bytes perhaps, some phone calls, maybe a little something sparkly here or there -- anyone could build that without charging anyone anything at all. I think the spirit of your question might be: "will *more* games charge a fFee. well, perplex city wont be the last one to do so, probably. but There's beena bit of a backlash against the model. So I doubt it will become the next big thing in ARGs. Probably a fFew people will have a fFew more interesting concepts which may encourage spending money.

[Atrophied]

1 - Not my first ARG, I've been playing since September/October 2004. Started with ILB, then noticed Project Syzygy (a.k.a. Perplex City) and have been following it ever since.

2 - Not at all. In fact I'm putting less time into this ARG than I did for ILB due to the fact that there are so many other (useful) people here. I just don't have to spend as much time researching news items and trawling through the hundreds of unnecessary posts that were the norm during ILB. I find that the monetary reward isn't in my thoughts at all while I'm playing.

3 - Um... this ones a toughie. I think, that although it seems on the surface to be a very technically minded activity, it's really not that hard to find yourself entrapped by the storyline and characters. I would say, that even were there only very easy puzzles, people would still be following this. I admit that some people may feel slightly overwhelmed by some of the overly technical aspects of the game. However, overall they are much more interested in how the characters are going to get themselves into and out of the various dangerous situations. I wouldn't say that it will become mainstream per se, but I can see it branching out into both more and less technology based directions (one section heading more towards real time interactive role-playing-games, the other towards a hard-core ARG environment). Both of these would appeal to different types of people; neither are particularly mainstream, yet they each do have growing audiences. Wow.. I hope that's not too convoluted.

4 - I think that, given the nature of the community here, there will be almost no difference between how this ARG will be played out, and how other ARGs (with no prize) have played out. Personally, if I win the money (which is unlikely - there are purportedly 40,000 players worldwide), I am likely to invest a large proportion of the winnings straight into UnFiction / Deaddrop / ARGn and other genre related resources. Yes, there will be people that will hold back information for their own gain. But I fervently hope that this will not affect the rest of us, due to the overwhelming majority that would continue to share data openly.

5a - I've actually not yet paid any money for an ARG (unless you count my increasing internet bills ) . So no, it's not a turn-off. In this game in particular, there is no need for everyone to buy the puzzle cards, as long as some people are willing to do so, everyone can reap the benefits of the information. This is a testament to the collaborative nature of this type of game and the people who play them.

5b - I believe that some ARGs may start charging basic fees (for web-hosting costs etc.), but I would expect those games to be a cut above the rest. I certainly wouldn't pay money to play an inferior game when there are usually 1 or 2 good free games running at all times. I cannot imagine anyone being willing to spend money just to play the game. There would have to be an extra incentive, merchandise for example. This could be a good way for the PMs to recover their losses without making the player have to pay to play.

Edit: typos, absolutely awful grammar - and it's my 666th post

[tanner]

5 -- haha - i actually got paid 60 quid on this ARG cos The Guardian mistakingly published a pic of mine thinking it was official

[spugmeistress]

1. Yeah this is the first ARG I've played, the first one I'd even heard of.

2. The reward hasn't really made me play more, when I'm busy I don't think, ooh I should be keeping an eye on PPC because of the reward, usually it's more because I want to know what's going on in the story. Whether I get more or less involved depends on how bored I am, how much I'm trying to avoid doing something else, or how into the story/puzzle I am. It was the intrigue and the puzzles that hooked me in rather than promise of a prize, mostly because I dont think there's all that much chance of me winning it.

3. Well, they do say IQ's are rising year after year and people do like puzzles and codes and mysteries and such, so I dont think people are too stupid for ARGs, especially when involved in community solves, but perhaps they're too lazy for them. There is also still a big geek stigma and in general people aren't that bothered about being clever as opposed to being popular or good looking or whatever.

4. I kinda hope not, I'm really not sure how it's going to work though. See, when we get there I spose, but considering this is only 'season 1' you'd want the community to stick together even after someone's won this round. Saying that, if I got any money out of it, I couldn't justify putting all the money back into ARGing when I have a bigass student debt, so i'd also be sympathetic to someone who did keep someo of the prize for themselves, and i'd hope people wouldn't all hate me or them for it.

5. I wouldn't want to pay a subscription, I just couldn't be bothered, but I am more than happy to buy merch such as the cards etc. same as I do for most of the webcomics I read, they survive off advertising and merch sales and as long as the merch is nice, its something I want as well as being able to support the site. The cards are especially cool because they are their own little form of entertainment as well as being cool collectables which always suck me in.

good luck with thesis-ness!
rach =) (wishes she could write an essay about something fun instead of the business of fashion marketing)

[[PCGF]Jay]

Re: A request for your views on PerplexCity

[Macavity]

Re: A request for your views on PerplexCity

[Mokey Fraggle]

Hi! Good luck with your thesis!

[Enigmaster]

OK:

1. Yep, Perplex City popped my ARG cherry, and I've been following it for approx a year and a month now (WOW - check out how that time flew).

2. Yes, I'd say I have invested more time into this than if there wasn't a financial reward, but not because I want my hands on the cash. The introduction of that amount of money into the equation proves this games worth and value, and that it isn't 'grassroot' or made by noobs who would most likely to fail in making it successful. I knew from as soon as the reward size was announced that I was in for the long haul

3. Yeah, I think (and hope) the genre will go mainstream as it evolves away from the hardcore cryptologist 'You-either-get-it-or-you-don't' style of play to one which accommodates a wider spectrum of players. Weather or not this will still work and stay under the same heading of an alternate reality game will have to be seen, but even if it changes the rules and becomes something totally new, the popularity it has the possibility of creating may divert more potential ARGers to our humble past-time.

4. An interesting question. To be perfectly honest I don't know, and it's just too late at night for me to be thinking about it too deeply. Sorry! We'll just have to wait and see I guess. To make sure this Q isn't completely wasted though, I have noticed this in past puzzles - certain people have hoarded the answer to in reality quite easy riddles all because there were free cards/promo packs to give out. Maybe we'll see this on a larger scale later in the game...? I hope not personally.

5. Hmm, no, it would be too hard for the PMs of future games to charge players for the service IMO. I'm pretty sure there are only a handful of plot-lines (if any) that could sustain that and keep it realistic. There's also the problem of keeping out perfectly good players just because they don't want to pay, or the disappointment some may feel for paying but not 'playing', e.g: not being intelligent/experienced enough to make an impact on the gameplay. And I won't even go into the problem the PM's might experience with having to keep the game exclusively for those who have paid - the whole point of ARGs is that they can be discussed openly with anyone.

I haven't read any of the other replies yet, so sorry if I duplicate/blatantly say something incorrect. Good Luck with the thesis, hope I didn't shoot myself in the foot too many times

[rose]

PPC

[Axys Denyed]

1. Yes, this is the first ARG I've played, but not the only one I've played. Games have come and gone while we've been waiting for developments here, and I'm sure this will continue to be the case. I'll always consider Perplex City to be my main ARG, however, because it is what first drew me to the genre.

2. Honestly, the reward doesn't occupy me at all. Sure it's nice to think of what I would do with the money, but beyond that it doesn't even factor into the game IMHO. I think it's there as a hook to the mainstream, trying to draw in people who would otherwise overlook the game.

3. I believe ARGs will become more mainstream, but they will go the way of books mainly. Everyone knows books are around, and plenty of people are interested in them, but there are still those that find them to be a bother. Lots of people don't want to take the time and energy to get into books, and I'm sure the same thing will happen to ARGs.

4. I don't think the prize money will be that big a factor when it comes to the end. Quite frankly, with some of the puzzles and things that need to be worked out, not to mention real-world interaction around the globe, it would cost more to play this game without collaborating that the prize is worth. I think most people who are playing this game are playing it for the game, not the prize.

5. I think a "pay to play" basis for ARGs would definitely be a turn-off. If you expect me to pay you simply for the privelege of spending time, effort and brainpower cracking your puzzles and deciphering your clues, then you're quite simply off your rocker. Perplex City doesn't require you to buy the cards to play. On the other hand, you do not need to play the ARG simply because you have bought and enjoy the cards. I think it will not be popular to require people to pay in order to play your ARG, but I think if you put together a well enough game, people will be willing to make donations after the game is over, and even buy merchandise should you offer it.

Well, that's my two cents (and also the most I've ever put in a single post). Hope it helps you with your thesis

[Leeravitz]

Ah, the Masters thesis - I remember it well...

1. This is the first ARG as such I have played. I have a long - time background of being involved in similar type things - when I was younger I was an RPGer, and then I played stuff by mail, and finally graduated to on - line interactive storytelling. When I came across references to Perplex City, I was immediately intrigued because it sounded to me like it combined many of the best aspects of these types of games with additional aspects, such as resolving the mystery, solving specific puzzles etc. So, I came to this ARG with certain expectations, if you like.

2. I am one of those people who plays for the sheer hell of it, and doesn't give any consideration to the reward. Admittedly, although this has always been my chosen attitude (because I'm not a materialist sort at heart), it should be said that a) I haven't paid any substantial money out to Mind Candy and b) Other people are far more responsible for solving things in game than I am - so I wouldn't really deserve any reward money, anyway. Every contribution helps (or, at least, enlivens the gameplay) in my opinion.

3. This ARG is pretty brain intensive, I think. I'm consistently impressed by how intelligent and devoted the players are. Not being of a highly technical bent myself, I would say that some of the puzzles leave me cold. Generally speaking, I think that the players who contribute most to puzzle solving tend to be those who come from a similar background to the folks who set the puzzles - they know lots about computer usage, and are often quite keen mathematicians. With that said, there have also been plenty of puzzles devoted to music, literature, word games and other esoteric subjects appearing in recent months, so the net's spread wider than you might at first think. Perplex City is probably the only game I can think of where it would help you to know something about Egyptian hieroglyphs, 1980's software formats, print house technique, and satellite distribution *simultaneously*, in order to work out what's going on. Whether ARG's can become *popular* on this basis is an open question. Then again, the spin - off cards seem to be selling well for Mind Candy, and to actually solve them requires a lot of patience, and some very intelligent thinking in many cases...so I assume a market is there.

But no, I don't think an ARG pitched at this level of intellectual sophistication is going to go into national syndication anytime soon.

As another (personal) point, I'd note that it's also pretty important to have very regular Net access in order to keep up with what's going on. I've only been browsing for the past month or so thanks to loss of direct access, and, boy, a lot goes on in a week! So, time commitment is essential...and that's not something the general public are all that big on (with gameheads, it's a different story).

4. Hmmm. Prize money. Who knows? My inherent feeling is that the good folks here at the unforums are a team who have worked well together solving puzzles over months. Many of them get on solidly, and it would, perhaps, be a bit churlish if, at the end of the run, somebody suddenly gets all high and mighty and decides to take the money for themselves and run. After all, to reach the point of solving the mystery, they are going to be drawing upon the accumulted resources of fellow contributors past and present, in all sorts of ways. It was once suggested that, if a loyal Unforums member *did* win, then, perhaps, something could be done to plough the money (or a part of it) back into this collective.

On the other hand, there are now plenty of people outside of this little loop who are earnestly trying to 'find the cube' and so if one of them cracks it...[having said that, the posters here, with the benefit of numerous brains working overtime on the problems set, haven't managed to resolve everything thrown at us yet...so it beggars my belief somewhat that any single person could do it...well, unless Stephen Hawking's playing...]

Finally, we are assuming that Mind Candy will (literally) put their money where their mouth is, and stump up the reward...I'm not even sure they've got the cash together yet!! As Forums people and MC staff, however, are now getting on so well in the real world, I wonder if the significance of the reward is waning anyway. Maybe MC're starting to feel they've got enough player investment without 'bribing' the troops, and that that particular incentive to play on is less important than it once was. I don't suppose that really answered the question, did it?

5. For what it's worth, I don't like the idea of pay to play - one of the reasons I was attracted to the ARGing scenario in the first place was because it was open - anyone can get involved, at any level of time commitment - all very democratic. The more you have to pay to ensure access to vital in - game info, player forums etc., the more that narrows the essential democracy of the game. With that said, I don't really consider Mind Candy charging £2.50 (or whatever) for a packet of cards to be a hideous economic travesty [especially when they prove so willing to lay other things on for their supportive players totally free of charge]. The only reason I didn't buy a packet of cards was because I am a stingy bastard (see also point 2).

Ah, been a while since I last composed an essay like that, n'est pas?

[GuyP]

Re: A request for your views on PerplexCity

[Jotacon]