Alternate Reality Games are perhaps one of the most fascinating marketing techniques used by the gaming industry. It involves a series of clues or puzzles that the fans must crack in order to find out more information about the game itself or even reveal an entirely new game. They provide a way for fans to directly interact with the company and also help to build up hype for a game’s release as people try to solve the mystery that is presented to them.
I mention this now as Overwatch currently has an ARG going at full swing for the reveal of a new character called Sombra. This new hero is suspected to be a stealthy hacker who works for the evil organisation Talon. She has been ‘hacking’ into various videos about Overwatch and placing clues and messages for the community to work out. It’s certainly an interesting ARG for the type of person she is suspected to be and with a countdown timer now in full effect it’s only a matter of time until she is finally revealed and the ARG can be over.
That’s all for now, and as always. It’s not just a game, It’s a Life.