Water Cooler Games - An Instructional Alternate Reality Game

An Instructional Alternate Reality Game
September 1, 2007 - by Ian Bogost

Exceptional Software Strategies and Media Edge offer Never Rest Game, a new counter-terrorism ARG in which players must "thwart terrorism by using their own methods against them when they least expect it."

The unusual thing about this ARG is that it bills itself as explicitly educational, and even tries to coin a new term for such a subgenre: the Instructional Alternate Reality Game, or I-ARG:

An I-ARG applies adult learning theory to the ARG format, creating a flexible framework in which learning is delivered through story and gameplay. With engaging storylines controlled by the instructor, I-ARGs deliver immersive ‘stealth’ learning, and can be adapted to suit learners at every level. I-ARGs cater to the Internet Generation now entering the workforce, while also introducing an exciting new learning format to people of all ages.

There's very little information on the website, but you can find more in the PDF brochure. Among the "learning elements" the creators say the game addresses are decision-making skills, after-action report generation, and adaptation to performance. It looks like they intend to sell the game as a sort of "kit" into corporate learning environments.

Update: As of Sunday 2 Sept., the website seems to be down for some reason. Also you can read some initial reaction, including thoughts about the business model of the creators, over at the Unfiction forums.

(thanks to Ben)

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Comment from Jay D'Ambrosio on January 19, 2008

The Hexagon Challenge is an educational alternate reality game (ARG) in which students will attempt to solve an archaeological mystery by infiltrating a secret society, answering initiation questions regarding history, science, mathematics, world languages, and the arts. They will need to contact various fictitious characters via email, telephone, text messaging, and instant messenger, who will provide clues that will allow them to continue their quest to discover the truth about a terrifying artifact known only as the Hexagon. Up to six extra credit points will be awarded along the way, which can be applied to your course if you so choose.

http://www2.svsd.net/~lions/hexagon/

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