The Out-S.M.A.R.T team has created an ARG for the students of QUT not only for enjoyment but also to promote relationship building and to stimulate individual thought. The ARG is centered on a government conspiracy suggesting that they are preparing to take control of the population via subliminal messaging and various modes of mind control. The ‘Rabbit-Hole’ into the gaming world is the user’s discovery of a note, urging clever students to help her uncover the cryptic information given to her by a distressed friend. Accepting the challenge will lead players through a maze of real-world and technology-based platforms, collecting more information along the way to piece together the puzzle and discover the Governments biggest secret.
Players seemed energetic and enthusiastic about the game
Players seemed to enjoy/respond well to the role playing characters within the game (successfully increased immersion)
Players started slow but towards the end had a higher sense of urgency/imersion
Possibly due to increased suspense built throughout the game
In the final minutes one player was seen sprinting across the campus
Players were in a hurry to act and were not interested in slow/subtle game platforms
They did not spend time looking at the info on the tumblr
Moved from the room before next instruction was provided
UCS was modified to redirect the players
Players missed an essential clue – this was noticed by the agents who were following game play from a distance
Had to text them saying that this location was where Mary and Gerard usually met and that they should go there
Showed how important it is to monitor the game progression especially when the players have such a high sense of agency.
Players were taking to long to progress through the game
To increase urgency:
called them on the phone
Phone call: there’s not much time, theres two men chasing me – hurry.
Sent more texts
Needed = players to collect the password before the game could end therefore could not finish the evidence search at 25 minutes remaining as planned because players could not reach the end goal.
Attendees: Sarah and clare 8am, harry 9:30am – note cassie could not attend due to medical reasons
Achievements: A game trial was set up by clare and sarah and the map/clues were then tested by harry. This allowed us to test the game play and identify areas for improvement or alteration. Alterations were then made to the clues provided and the positioning of particular clues. A list of was improvements was made and alterations to the game and narrative were conducted.
From the testing of the facebook chat it was found that the plan was too scripted and to wordy. So to improve the flow of the chat of the day most of the script was kept but the points that had to be communicated were underlined to allow for a more cohesive but still informative conversation. Also some of the conversation was altered to be conveyed through text to allow the players time to look at the facebook and blog interfaces before they move onto the next clue. Finally from the game testing it was found that the puppetmasters should definitely get organised before the game starts by logging into the facebook and opening up any relevant documents that need to be used.
FACEBOOK CHAT
(try and get them to say they have found Mary’s note)
Player – I found your note
Mary: oh do you go to QUT? (look on player profile and find some info e.g. I see you are studying___, or I see you live in Brisbane.
(find common ground between Mary and player – see if you can trust them but be slightly blunt)
Mary: omg thank god I really need your help.
Mary: there’s something huge happening with the government and with my friend. I think he was right it the middle of it – I think it had something to do with controlling the people.
Mary: I have been doing some research on it and its totally crazy – check out my tumblr
Mary: My friend Gerard Smyth – I’m not sure if u know him he goes to QUT. Well anyways he was working for the QLD government and I think they were trying to use our phones and the media to control us.
Mary: When I had lunch with him the other day he was acting really weird – he said that he had destroyed his phone and he thought he was being watch. I haven’t been able to contact his since I think something has definitely happened!
Mary: He also said that he was collecting some sort of evidence so that he could incriminate the government and that he had to get it to some group that would help him but he couldn’t tell me anything else.
Mary: Im really scared – I think they might be watching me now too
Mary: I really need your help! I think I’m in the middle of something pretty serious – do u think you can help me?
(Convince player – e.g. Im pretty sure everyone will be in trouble if we don’t do something)
Player – yes
Mary: I think they are looking for me but you don’t know Gerard so I think you will be safe.
TEXT
Mary: there’s a folder under one of the tables in the room you are in - a couple of days ago Gerard sent me this I need you to find out what to do with it
Mary: For all I know they may have this too– so be careful and hurry! You will be faster if you split up but it might be more dangerous
Mary: please for mine and your own safety don’t mention that you have spoken to me. Don’t even say you know me.
Mary: please hurry – keep me updated with how you’re going!
Harry Allan
Found your note what do you need help with
Mary Ellis
can i trust you?
Harry Allan
yes
Mary Ellis
do you go to qut?
Harry Allan
yes
Mary Ellis
Omg. I need your help
Harry Allan
what with?
Mary Ellis
threres something huge going on with my frined and the government. i think he was in the middle of something bad and i think hes in danger.
i havent heard from him in days. i think he is missing. He was really weird and paranoid the last time i saw him.
Harry Allan
have you told anyone else?
Mary Ellis
no. it's too dangerous to talk about. I've done some digging around into what he was telling me. - well, what i thought he was trying to tell me. have a look. http://mary-ellis.tumblr.com/
Harry Allan
that so crazy!
Mary Ellis
listen, its not safe on here. we cant talk too long or they might find us. I think they already suspect me. But not you. yoou can help me. is there a number i can contact you on? i dont want to be on here any longer
hello? please, i need your help!
Harry Allan
yeah i ca help
my number is 0481142303
Mary Ellis
okay, great. thank you so much! they wont suspect you, but still be careful.
one last thing - check under the table! its your first clue
Harry Allan
werd
Mary Ellis
dont tell anyone about this. be careful who you trust. DO NOT tell anyone we spoke. for your safety and mine. I'll help you along the way but i have to llay low. You've got to hurry! i'm scared for him. Go now!!
run through game - dont have access to people who will play the game from outside the group so 2 group members will play the game and 2 will be the puppet masters. This isn't ideal but will still assist in improving the flow of the game
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