unforum

[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!