The document provides tips for designing an alternate reality game (ARG) in 10 steps: 1) form a team, 2) brainstorm the theme/story, 3) choose game verbs, 4) make a media plan, 5) design collaboration tools, 6) set a launch/end date, 7) assign roles, 8) make a timeline, 9) create content, and 10) decide who to invite. It also lists 4 secrets to an awesome ARG: make the mission clear, help players showcase skills, encourage social interaction, and highlight player contributions.

1. How to invent an alternate reality tips from game designer Jane McGonigal games

2. An alternate reality game is an adventure you have in real life . You can’t play it alone! You have to join forces online with many other players. Most importantly : the game can show up anywhere , anytime ! Let’s play!

3. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 1. Start a puppet master team ! Join our team!

4. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 2. Brainstorm your theme or story . What’s the game about? Now give the game a name ! Best idea EVER

5. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 3. Pick the game “ verbs .” What are you asking players to DO to win the game? Solve… collect… create… go to… write… find… Do what?!

6. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 4. Make a “ media plan ”. What sites and technologies will you use? Blogs… SMS… Facebook… Twitter… MySpace… IM… email… websites… Flickr… Youtube… ITunes… Ooh, let’s use that!

7. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 5. Design your community . What collaboration sites and technologies will you use? Wikis… Google Docs or Groups… Discussion forums… Comments… social network group… share! discuss!

8. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 6. Decide on a launch date – when does the game start? How long will it last? Save the date!

9. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 7. Identify your team’s strengths, and pick design roles : story writer, researcher, game director, media artist, puzzle designer, actor/interactor… I’m so good…

10. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 8. Make a game timeline . How does is start? What happens next? Are there important “plot points” or missions? What is the media schedule? How does it end? & then what?

11. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 9. Create the content ! Set up your characters’ profiles and sites… Make your videos, take your photos, write your blog posts, create your puzzle clues... We made it!

12. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG 10. Decide who to invite . How many players do you want? And who will you invite? Friends, family, classes, online communities, neighborhoods…? Wanna play?

13. 10 Steps to Inventing an ARG That’s it! YOU’RE READY TO PLAY! OMG! Let’s go!

14. 4 Secrets of an Awesome ARG Make sure your players know EXACTLY what to do. “ THIS IS YOUR MISSION!” It’s your mission!

15. 4 Secrets of an Awesome ARG 2. Help your players show off their superpowers! “ What are YOU good at?!” Secret strength!

16. 4 Secrets of an Awesome ARG 3. Make it super-social! Bring your players together in “ real time ”… and real space? We’re so together

17. 4 Secrets of an Awesome ARG 4. Your players are the real stars of the game. “ Starring… YOU!” You’re amazing!

18. How to invent an alternate reality You can write me! jane@ avantgame.com games