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ARG

Using Emails, IM, and Mobile are communications method, this new style of RPG game combines technology with more old-fashioned style gameplay, relying on imagination and people-decisions to progress and drive the game.

ARG’s are increasingly being used as part of viral marketing campaigns. A recent example is an ARG created to promote Sarah Jessica Parkers Covet fragrance. The game is based on premise of the advert

While The Case of the Coveted Bottle seems to follow in the footsteps of similar online ‘treasure hunt’ promotions, a few points stand out about this one. First, the How To Play guide is clear in encouraging community cooperation, even to the point of linking directly to the Unfiction forums as an example of a community to join. Secondly, in solving the weekly leads, not only are you entered into drawings, but the overall story and mystery is also advanced. The game is filled with opportunities to employ numerous research strategies, from googling for information and answers to interacting with characters in their blogs. The two bonus challenges encourage creativity by requiring players to make videos based on particular guidelines, and post them to MySpace or Youtube, where the winners will be chosen by popularity (votes and judging).

Alternate Reality Game Network

Selection of the more popular ARG’s

A city obsessed with puzzles and ciphers. A game that blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality.

Begin an incredible, immersive adventure that spills out into the real world. Interrogate suspects over the phone, search police files for evidence, decipher coded emails and check newspapers for clues - working with tens of thousands of players around the world.