ARGs in Learning – Learning in ARGs
In response to Koreen Olbrish’s post about learning that takes place in ARGs:
Here is a good place to find out what ARGs are being played currently. One of the best examples of ARGs I think was the one that warmed players up for the release of The Dark Knight. Just explore the puzzles there, incredible. If I am not mistaken, that ARG was developed by 42Entertainment (the same agency that created the Nine Inch Nails one. Also check out ARGnet for current ARGs.
ARGs are a very interesting resource for instruction, since you can mix the content with the storyline. Deliver puzzles that reveal messages that involve content, for instance…
They can be fairly cheap to do since all technologies needed for the game are right here, for free with Web 2.0:
- Facebook, Ning, for discussions;
- blogs for characters’ updates and direct contact with players,
- wikis for players to interact and exchange clues, etc.
- Youtube for video feeds and trailers.
Even the planning can be done collaboratively (e.g. flowcharting the gameplay via Gliffy with other designers, if geographically disperse)…
Also, VW can be used in the plot or even as the main meet up hub… These are just examples of social media resources that can be utilized in making a cheap and entertaining ARG.
ARGs are very engaging since they mix reality (clues and puzzles with characters that feel real, and player-player interaction)…
A problem on educational ARGs: ARGs tend to rely on having a VERY broad potential audience, say the whole world, and a portion of that population will enter the rabbit hole… well, how can you get 30 players (say you’re creating an ARG for a group of people at a conference) to “buy” the first clue and engage in the game? Maybe 2 of the 70 will actually find the first clue and engage… well, you can manipulate them, sending other clues, clarification, direct messages from game characters until they buy in.. but, the players must have a certain interest to stay in game… and not everyone is a “gamer”…
Just a few thoughts…
I love ARGs and think they have potential… we just need a few more publications with success stories, failures, things to avoid, etc. in EDUCATIONAL situations…, I think…
Take a look at the concept of mARGs (mini ARGs), shorter, with a specific, small audience. People at LAMP have been doing a great job on that .
More references on ARGs:
Alternate reality games, “Experience IT” track, at the ELI 2006 conference
Using Alternate Reality Games to Teach Data Security (a case study)
