#alternaterealitygames — Public Fediverse posts

ARGs: between game and reality

https://negativepid.blog/args-blurring-the-lines-between-game-and-reality/

#ARGs #AlternateRealityGames #digitalInvestigations #OSINT #SOCMINT #HUMINT #socialEngineering #cyberInvestigations #intelligence #darkWeb #negativepid

The essayist then says the following.

"ARG game masters have described one of the pathologies of players as apophenia, or seeing connections that aren’t 'really there'—that the designers didn't intend—and therefore pursuing red herrings. In one game, in which players had to look for clues in a basement, some scraps of wood accidentally formed the shape of an arrow pointing to a wall. Players believed it was a clue and decided they needed to tear down the wall to find the next clue. * * * The puzzle that today's media consumers are trying to solve is the world, and interpretations are more or less up for grabs as long as they fit the story.

"In a world in which we all play alternate reality games, we each pile up superabundant facts, theories, and interpretations that support the main narratives, and our allegiances gradually solidify as we consume and produce the game material. It's not just interpretations of data that wildly diverge between different games, but also players' sense of what is realistic or plausible—for example, their perceptions of the rates of homicides committed by police, or by illegal immigrants."

Yeah; must avoid the trap of...

Life
in
an
ARG—argh! 😵‍💫

2 of 2

#AlternateRealityGames

https://www.jstor.org/stable/27115541

https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/reality-is-just-a-game-now

Life
in
an
ARG—argh! 😵‍💫

Um, hi.

I just read an essay describing the trap I worry about more than any other. You could call it "the alternate reality game trap." It's insidious. As far as I know, the only way to circumvent it is to make learning a priority in life. Learning without an agenda, that is. Keeping the studies as open-ended as possible. Mixing broad questions with deep questions, to "triangulate" information so it becomes knowledge. Otherwise, biases and other cognitive or attitudinal problems would likely corrupt the effort.

Let me share with you a portion of the essay I found so disconcerting ("Life in an Alternate Reality Game" by Jon Askonas, on page 6 of THE NEW ATLANTIS #68), okay?

"To play an alternate reality game is to be drawn into a collaborative project of explaining the [gamified] world. It is to lose, even fleetingly, one's commitment to what is most true in the service of what is most compelling, what most advances a narrative one deeply believes. It allows players to neatly slot vast reams of information into intelligible characters and plots, like 'Everything that has gone wrong is the product of evil actors or systems, but there are powerful heroes coming to the rescue, and they need your help.'"

1 of 2

#AlternateRealityGames

https://www.jstor.org/stable/27115541

https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/reality-is-just-a-game-now

Want to know how it all worked?
@BrianEnigma posted about the complicated technical process of getting the old Unfiction forums up and running in order to capture a static snapshot: http://netninja.com/2025/02/09/reviving-the-unfiction-forums/

#ARG #ARGs #AlternateRealityGames #DigitalPreservation

Unser neues Spiel COW CHAT CRIME - ein interaktiver Chatkrimi auf WhatsApp - ist jetzt draußen: https://www.citygames.wien/de/pages/cow-chat-crime
Es wurde gemeinsam mit der BOKU und vetmeduni und Expert*innen aus der Praxis entwickelt. #seriousgames #alternaterealitygames #cowchatcrime #boku #vetmeduni #citygames #chatkrimi #whatsapp

In case you missed it... last week I announced a big new project: the Center for Immersive Arts, an immersive history project and archive! cfia.org

I'm exploring the history of alternate reality games, theater, LARP, escape rooms, theme parks, VR/XR, and more

(Check out the thread for details!)

https://xoxo.zone/@lauraehall/112973521879850132

#Immersive #AlternateRealityGames #ARGs #LARP #VR #XR #ImmersiveTheater #SleepNoMore #EscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #Puzzles #PuzzleGames #Nazotoki

In case you missed it... last week I announced a big new project: the Center for Immersive Arts, an immersive history project and archive! cfia.org

I'm exploring the history of alternate reality games, theater, LARP, escape rooms, theme parks, VR/XR, and more

(Check out the thread for details!)

https://xoxo.zone/@lauraehall/112973521879850132

#Immersive #AlternateRealityGames #ARGs #LARP #VR #XR #ImmersiveTheater #SleepNoMore #EscapeRoom #EscapeRooms #Puzzles #PuzzleGames #Nazotoki

Anyone know of a librarian with an interest/specialty in immersive design work (including but not limited to immersive theater, escape rooms, alternate reality games/ARGs, spatial computing/VR/AR/XR, transmedia work), who would be willing to advise on metadata, organizing digital collections, and similar topics? Please send them my way!

#Library #Libraries #Librarian #Immersive #Transmedia #ARGs #AlternateRealityGames #EscapeRooms #ImmersiveTheater

Happy #FollowFriday everyone.
Last week I asked that if I was your kinda person, you give me a follow.

This week I’m asking for recommendations of people I should follow here on #mastodon

I’m into #science #horror #worldofwarcraft #truecrime #wheeloftime #reading #yoga #massage #puzzles #alternaterealitygames and most things in between.

Who would be a good match for me?

Hi! Sorry for the long delay, there's something new for you today.

Today, we'll be talking about Mossflower Pictures. Mossflower Pictures makes music videos for a living, but has made an ARG, that invites the spirit of friendship! Here's the link to the first chapter: https://mossflowerpictures.com/CHAPTER-1

If you want a nice catch up, Night Mind has released a video on this game, right here. https://youtu.be/--N-BOIB9FE

The puzzles are nicely crafted, and everything about this game is interestingly done! The story is great, and you'll have a blast with this.

#MossflowerPictures #ARG #AlternateRealityGames #puzzles #puzzlehunt

The Cafe and Diner has posted out all October 1995 receipts for Open Doors. On our side, all answers, transcripts and summaries for each receipt has been placed in, just waiting for one of the patrons to place in some coffee sweeteners/clues.

Just a reminder, you can always try the older puzzles from the Cafe and Diner, even if it was removed from the archives by [THE ONE WE DON'T SAY]. Our Wiki has all the puzzles saved, and we're also still working on adding clues to help you on your journey to solving these puzzles. Summaries are included though, so enjoy!

And check out @ashblack's summaries. It's on the wiki, and it'll give you a quick catch up! Good luck, and enjoy the coffee!

#CafeAndDiner #ARG #puzzles #lore #AlternateRealityGames #games #unfiction #recap #update

Everyone, get ready, and start catching up! December 22nd is when Goodbye Susto, the continuation of Under The Surface, releases! Chapter one, baby!

If you haven't read Under The Surface, you should. The book is written nicely and beautifully, and the puzzles are intricately designed. I can't wait to see what @eveghost does for Goodbye Susto and I can't wait.

If you're eager to read Chapter One early, you can subscribe to @eveghost on Patreon. It's a great way to support a creator, and get benefits.

Haven't read the first book? Take a look at it here: https://www.axel-lunden.com/

#UnderTheSurface #ARG #AlternateRealityGames #puzzles #puzzlehunt #unfiction #book

Hi! Sorry for the delay, but here's the next one.

The last game in the Alice & Smith series is NITE Team 4. This is more of a military hacking game, where you have to hack systems, and use data analytics to solve puzzles. This is less of an ARG to me, and more of a hacking simulator.

This game is still something I would recommend to everyone. The work put in this is amazing, and I love this game. These puzzles are different and interesting. It takes some time to get used to the interface, but once you do, you'll have a great time hacking databases. Check it out here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/544390/

#NITETeam4 #ARG #AlternateRealityGames #puzzles #puzzlehunt #AliceAndSmith #hacking

I completely missed the #TGAs last night because I had a winning streak in #Inscryption. Worth it. Beating the antagonist in that game feels so satisfying. I’m sure there’s big #gaming news I need to catch up on from last night.

#devolverdigital #IndieGames #CardGames #ARGs #AlternateRealityGames

I completely missed the #TGAs last night because I had a winning streak in #Inscryption. Worth it. Beating the antagonist in that game feels so satisfying. I’m sure there’s big #gaming news I need to catch up on from last night.

#devolverdigital #IndieGames #CardGames #ARGs #AlternateRealityGames

I completely missed the #TGAs last night because I had a winning streak in #Inscryption. Worth it. Beating the antagonist in that game feels so satisfying. I’m sure there’s big #gaming news I need to catch up on from last night.

#devolverdigital #IndieGames #CardGames #ARGs #AlternateRealityGames

I completely missed the #TGAs last night because I had a winning streak in #Inscryption. Worth it. Beating the antagonist in that game feels so satisfying. I’m sure there’s big #gaming news I need to catch up on from last night.

#devolverdigital #IndieGames #CardGames #ARGs #AlternateRealityGames

Hi! Today, I'll be doing something a little different, and talking about a set of indie company games.

Simulacra is a series of found-phone games. But as you follow on, the phone behaves strangely as you dive deeper into it. Recover lost files, piece back corrupted data, and retrace their steps. The order to play the games is Sara is Missing, Simulacra, Simulacra: Pipe Dreams, Simulacra 2, Simulacra 3! These games are made by Kaigan Games, a set of indie game developers in South East Asia!

The puzzles are fun and interesting, and this game is similar to life, in which choices matter to your every step. If you like puzzles, choose your own adventures, and found-phone games, this is definitely your jam. There are so many things to explore and everything is amazing!

#Simulacra #IndieGames #ARG #puzzles #puzzle #AlternateRealityGames #foundphone

Hello everyone! Today, I'll be talking about a fun card game, which is also an ARG.

Dinn is a tabletop game and ARG. It allows you to play a fun game, and solve individual puzzles on cards. The story is that three years ago, Natalie Neil disappeared without a trace – and one of the six characters knows what happened. As the community solves the puzzles hidden in every chapter pack and starter deck, they will discover the truth and be able to change the direction of the story.

The art on this game is great, and the puzzles are really fun! Check it out here: https://dinncards.com/

For a more indepth review, you can check ARGNet over here. https://www.argn.com/2022/06/dinns_card_game_mystery_draws_on_legacy_of_tcgs_to_elevate_story/

#DinnCards #ARG #puzzles #puzzle #AlternateRealityGames #puzzlehunt #youtube #boardgame #tabletop

Would you be interested in a #unfiction + #ARG + #AlternateRealityGames
forum?

Hi! I know these posting schedules are very random, and I apologise. School has been kicking my ass lately and I am really sorry!

Anyways, let's talk about an interesting one. I would say this isn't really an ARG, but more of a puzzle hunt. Ceiling Wax is a youtube channel, which posts puzzles that you can solve alone, or with your friends. These puzzles are interesting, and fun to solve. Additionally, the amount of work put into this is really immense.
Check it out at https://youtube.com/@ceilingwax2070

If you're a fan of escape rooms and/or love puzzles, I recommend this one! @Vehemence has a channel for Ceiling Wax, and we're making some good progress. Come and join us aboard!

#CeilingWax #ARG #puzzles #puzzle #AlternateRealityGames #puzzlehunt #youtube #escaperoom #escaperooms #brainteaser #brainteasers

Hi everyone! Sorry for posting this one so late! Today, we'll be talking about vintage things.

Yes, today we'll be talking about Hollow Medium. Hollow Medium is about an archival project of one Lenora Bowen, a speakeasy bartender in St. Augustine, Florida, who was haunted in 1926. All her personal recordings were on Wax Cylinders, and they have been digitalised. Additionally, you're given materials and ephemera included with the different wax cylinders, with puzzles and mysteries hidden. Can you figure out what happened?

This game is also a podcast, so you can always listen on the go, and figure out what happened. The game/podcast sadly is over, but everything is still up and you can solve it all yourself. Check it out here!

https://www.hollowmedium.com/

#HollowMedium #recordings #ARG #puzzles #lore #unfiction #AlternateRealityGames #games #podcast

Now that I'm settled in here, an #introduction :)

I'm Andrea! Pronouns she/her.

I make #immersive stuff which we used to call #transmedia, and before that, #AlternateRealityGames. I even wrote a book about it: A Creator's Guide to Transmedia Storytelling.

I also write fiction about #politics, #culture, and #technology, like The Revolution Brought to You By Nike and America, Inc.

I'm #jewish! I do so much #gaming! I can talk for hours about #CurlyHair!

Let's be friends?

Welcome back! Get ready for another ARG! Today, we're be delving into the pantheon.

Do you know about the Monomyth? Every generation that hears it instantly knows...that it’s true. An ancient Goddess returns, bringing revelations of a war between the gods, an impending Apocalypse, and a shared fate transcending all time and all worlds. Explore ancient mythology, labyrinthine discord servers and beyond as you decipher the clues to determine what will happen before it’s too late. Break the cycle of history that is, was and ever shall be - Relived Eternally.

This game, made by Lili Ardat, is called Relivef Eternally. There are many cool discord servers, puzzles, videos, and tongues to learn. Right now, the game is on a hiatus, so you'll have to wait a bit. But right now, it is a great time to catch up and get on the same level as all of us.

The trailhead is at https://youtube.com/c/LiliArdat.

#RelivedEternally #ARG #lore #puzzles #AlternateRealityGames #unfiction #youtube #mesopotamian #gods #pantheon

The new update for the Cafe and Diner has just launched 🥳​Read up, catch up, and get to work! Haven't read the previous stuff, well what are you waiting for?

If you want, you can always try the older puzzles from the Cafe and Diner, even if it was removed from the archives by [THE ONE WE DON'T SAY]. Our Wiki has all the puzzles saved, and we're also working on adding clues to help you on your journey to solving these puzzles.

Confused about Bad Omens? Want to know more about Otherworldly Adventures? Head over to https://www.cafeanddinerwiki.arg.codexsecret.com/index.php?title=Bad_Omens_Summary right now, and read official summaries from @ashblack , the creator. WARNING: HUGE SPOILERS AHEAD. You have been warned :)

#CafeAndDiner #ARG #puzzles #lore #AlternateRealityGames #games #unfiction #recap #update

Hi everyone! Welcome back, and let's jump right into it.

Looking for a game and you want to bring back some old memories with a twist, head over to Gilbert Garfield. Gilbert Garfield is about an archival project by an unnamed protagonist who came into possession of a piece of lost Garfield media. Weirdly, as the project goes on longer, things start to go awry. What's going on? There are many websites, accounts, and videos to watch and explore, to figure out the true secrets of Gilbert Garfield, so go check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/@GilbertGarfield

@Vehemence is solving this game, and we invite you to join us along with everyone! They have a lovely document, detailing all their findings and the timeline of the story. Good luck, and have fun!

#GilbertGarfield #garfield #ARG #puzzles #lore #unfiction #AlternateRealityGames #games

Adding hashtags to my #introduction post to include more of my (many, many) interests!

You may find me posting about:

#Writer #AmWriting #Ephemera #History #Folklore #Cats

#FolkHorror #FolkHorrorRevival
#GothicRomance

#Immersive #InstallationArt #SiteSpecific #ARGs #EscapeRooms #Puzzles #AlternateRealityGames #Mysteries

#Solarpunk #Sustainability #CERT #Community #EmergencyPreparedness

#IndieGames #GameDesign #Narrative #NarrativeDesign #NarrativeGames #AltGames #AltCtrl #PuzzleGames

Welcome back to a new section, that I haven't named. Any names for this? I'll probably be doing this, recommending an ARG once every few days! Hopefully, this helps creators to get an amazing audience and helps everyone to find a cool place to play! Tell me if you guys like this!

Anyways, now onto the recommendation! If you're looking for a puzzle intensive ARG, with a side of stories, I would recommend Memoirs of Death! Solve puzzles, and find what Death hides behind his locked entries. Piece the story and get to know what happened! The puzzles are made amazingly well, and are really interesting and fun! Check it out right here. @memoirsofdeath

If you want to see what we're on, check the server for @Vehemence and my Notion recap site!

https://codexsecret.notion.site/codexsecret/Memoirs-Of-Death-988a21c5a38341f295841d800d36f0e6

#MemoirsOfDeath #ARG #puzzles #lore #AlternateRealityGames #games #unfiction

Hi! To anyone looking for a cool ARG, with a lot of puzzles or lore, I recommend The Cafe and Diner! The Cafe and Diner is filled with receipts, and interesting puzzles! Learn about the world beyond the unknown, and find out what lies in store! Check it out right here!

https://www.cafeanddiner.com/

And a small self-promo, if you are stuck on any puzzles, a group of us have gotten permission from the creator to create a wiki page, with details of hints to guide you to solve the puzzles, answer keys and lore explanations! Check it out here! (Still in progress, we're working out way slowly but surely! You can contact me if there's any problems, or if you need more help!)

https://www.cafeanddinerwiki.arg.codexsecret.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

#CafeAndDiner #ARG #puzzles #lore #AlternateRealityGames #games

Hello there! I'm Chris Brailsford, and I'm a #frontend #webdev that specializes primarily in #Wordpress. I focus heavily on #accessibility and #webperf.

I currently work with CultivateWP, creating bespoke themes & blocks for publishers.

I also help @harleygin run @yattatachi, including building out new features and cooking up new ideas for the #anime and #manga community.

Aside from those items, I enjoy #escaperooms and #alternaterealitygames.

Feel free to say hi!

#introduction