Adefice
04-17-2011, 08:30 PM
So the ARG began as a subtle, clever game. Each code, cipher, secret message and image placed perfectly along a winding path with surprises at every turn. Even though these challenges were mostly tackled by a select elite few, for the rest of us, it was still fun to watch things unfold.
Then the clue regarding 4/15/11_9AM=4/19/11_7AM.
When it comes to *anything*, be it game/music/movie that is being anticipated by any amount...the mere mention of any date-like combination of numbers will set about a chain-reaction of expectations unless you clearly explain what they mean.
As hype began to surge, the 15th arrived and we were given our most obvious sign from GLaDOS: the countdown. Its not truly unfair for people to assume that this was the climax to a truly well-paced ARG.
But they would be mistaken.
The computation meta-game has taken what could have been a magnificent and rewarding end and drawn it out to a painful, stagnate grind. Yes, grind. The ARG went from a provocative test of sleuthing prowess, to a system that is based on the passage of time in unrelated games. No matter how you break it down, it promotes idling...player inactivity...
W-A-I-T-I-N-G. You know, the thing we would have done till Tuesday anyhow. Except now there is an invisible carrot in front of our noses that serves only to exacerbate the entire experience rather than enrich it.
Realistically, when given hope of an early release but no window smaller than Friday-Monday, its fair for people to be stuck in a state of constant above-average anticipation for the entire period. Logically, the closer to the end of the window we approach, the more frustrations grow exponentially.
However, had no early release been mentioned, then simply deploying the game, even 4 hours earlier, would have been monumental and garnered extensive praise.
In either scenario, the game is released at the same time, with significantly different impressions on fans. Its saddens me that people are getting burnt out because they tire of the invisible carrot. This was really a great PR opportunity that just went sour.
Then the clue regarding 4/15/11_9AM=4/19/11_7AM.
When it comes to *anything*, be it game/music/movie that is being anticipated by any amount...the mere mention of any date-like combination of numbers will set about a chain-reaction of expectations unless you clearly explain what they mean.
As hype began to surge, the 15th arrived and we were given our most obvious sign from GLaDOS: the countdown. Its not truly unfair for people to assume that this was the climax to a truly well-paced ARG.
But they would be mistaken.
The computation meta-game has taken what could have been a magnificent and rewarding end and drawn it out to a painful, stagnate grind. Yes, grind. The ARG went from a provocative test of sleuthing prowess, to a system that is based on the passage of time in unrelated games. No matter how you break it down, it promotes idling...player inactivity...
W-A-I-T-I-N-G. You know, the thing we would have done till Tuesday anyhow. Except now there is an invisible carrot in front of our noses that serves only to exacerbate the entire experience rather than enrich it.
Realistically, when given hope of an early release but no window smaller than Friday-Monday, its fair for people to be stuck in a state of constant above-average anticipation for the entire period. Logically, the closer to the end of the window we approach, the more frustrations grow exponentially.
However, had no early release been mentioned, then simply deploying the game, even 4 hours earlier, would have been monumental and garnered extensive praise.
In either scenario, the game is released at the same time, with significantly different impressions on fans. Its saddens me that people are getting burnt out because they tire of the invisible carrot. This was really a great PR opportunity that just went sour.