2. In the summer of 2008, Francomedia created an ARG (Alternate Reality Game)
to generate awareness and enthusiasm for Calgary’s newest cutting edge
gaming facility, The Node.
The campaign lasted 8 weeks, contained 8 missions, and enthralled a great
many players from the other side of the world and between.
The ARG engaged each player with a diverse, challenging network of problem
solving, teamwork with other players via online forums, live drops, codebreaking,
audio deciphering, downloading, printing, and online social networking.
The ARG utilized a vast assortment of media, including:
Promotional Print, Websites, Email, Craigslist, Print Advertising, Youtube, Blogs,
Facebook, Online Audio, Live Interaction, Online Forums, Actors, Props, Wikis,
and a limousine. Every item used inside these mediums was designed by
Francomedia.com.
3. 1-1
Newspaper / Youthink
RUNNINGWEEKS
ARG Website Solve Puzzle
1-4
Online Ad Database Enter answer
1-8
Promotional Cards Youtube Reward: recruitment video
ADVERTISING / CALL TO ACTION
UTILIZED MEDIA / OPERATIONS
MISSIONS / REWARDS
Week 1
4. 1-8
Node: Online Forum
RUNNINGWEEKS
Email Solve Puzzle
2-8
Unfiction Forum ARG Website Enter answer
2-8
Damn Gamer Forum Reward: Print Piece
ADVERTISING / CALL TO ACTION
UTILIZED MEDIA / OPERATIONS
MISSIONS / REWARDS
Week 2
5. RUNNINGWEEKS
Email Find Agent on Facebook
Facebook Decode Code
ARG Website Display NODE Profile Picture
ADVERTISING / CALL TO ACTION
UTILIZED MEDIA / OPERATIONS
MISSIONS / REWARDS
Week 3
Youtube Reward: Clue, Next Mission
1-8
Node: Online Forum
1-4
Online Ad
1-8
Promotional Cards
6. RUNNINGWEEKS
Facebook Download Cryptogram
Website (ARG Custom) Find hidden pdf. in html
Solve with cryptogram
ADVERTISING / CALL TO ACTION
UTILIZED MEDIA / OPERATIONS
MISSIONS / REWARDS
Week 4
Reward: Fortran Card
1-4
Online Ad
1-8
Promotional Cards
1-8
Node: Online Forum
8. RUNNINGWEEKS
Email Unscramble message
Internet Radio Solve With Other Gamers
Enter Code
ADVERTISING / CALL TO ACTION
UTILIZED MEDIA / OPERATIONS
MISSIONS / REWARDS
Week 6
Reward: Map
1-8
Promotional Cards
1-8
Node: Online Forum
2-8
Unfiction Forum
9. RUNNINGWEEKS
Email Solve Map Using Fortrans
Internet Radio Obtain Pass phrase
Live Drop at Limo
ADVERTISING / CALL TO ACTION
UTILIZED MEDIA / OPERATIONS
MISSIONS / REWARDS
Week 7
Reward: Dossier
7-77-71-8
Node: Online Forum Actors
10. RUNNINGWEEKS
Email Find Hidden Link
Node Website Submit Personal Info
Reward: Poster For Agents
ADVERTISING / CALL TO ACTION
UTILIZED MEDIA / OPERATIONS
MISSIONS / REWARDS
Week 8
THE NODE Grand Opening
1-8
Promotional Cards
1-8
Node: Online Forum
2-8
Unfiction Forum
11. To view some easier active samples of the ARG, Go to:
http://experiencethenode.com/arg/
