SXSW 2012 - To the Streets: ARGs and Real World Play

To the Streets: ARGs and Real World Play
Event	Interactive 2010
Format	Panel
Organizer	Brooke Thompson – GiantMice
Description	From hidden geocaches to flash mobs to all-expense-paid trips to Europe, Alternate Reality Games are pulling players away from their computers and getting them involved in real world play. Join designers, producers, and players who have explored play online and off as they discuss what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why.
Questions Answered	What is an Alternate Reality Game? What is "real world play"? How integrated into ARG are live events? What is the purpose of including live events? Are they just PR stunts? Can real world activities drive people to online play and vice-versa? Where do “real world” activities take place? Is it only cities? How do designers & producers choose locations and encourage participation? What does it take to put together a live event? Why do players in the online space care? Or do they care? All-expense-paid trips? Really? What are some of the more extreme or remarkable events?
Level	Beginner
Category	ARGs, Branding / Marketing / Publicity, Community / Online Community, Other / Out There, User Generated Content

To the Streets: ARGs and Real World Play