ABSTRACT
ARGs are used to tackle many different challenges-from product releases, training and mentoring, to nontraditional entertainment. Consequently, ARGs appear in many forms based on the overall objectives, platforms, and method of execution necessary at the inter section of technology, location, audience, and story. In this chapter we’ll explore the gameplay, platforms, and activities of five ARGs from various public and private sources. Comparing ARGs is problematic because, as stated in Chapter 1, each one has its own unique design and player experiences, which have been developed to achieve specific goals. In Chapter 4 we’ll spend more time discussing the development process, but here we are summarizing a few examples to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations, methods, and outcomes of the projects. These examples, presented in order of complexity, were chosen because of their different approaches to delivering unique user experiences. Beyond these ARG profiles, the Alternate Reality Gaming Network1 and other similar ARG repositories are great resources for ideas and innovations in the ARG community.
