this is not a game

Right. So we all know Neurocam is not an ARG.

(We, uh, all do know that, right?)

*casts doubtful eye at n00bs on unfiction board...*

Nevertheless, I found this recent editorial over at the ARGN blog to be irresistibly germane to current (and past) doings in the house of Cam. Here's a snip:

By far the most prevalent theory is that by splitting the player base into factions, the game, and therefore the genre, suffers. People in this camp tend to believe that one of the major unspoken laws of ARG are that community is the thing -- that only through cooperation, can the game progress as intended....

The vocal minority's point (and one that I, personally, tend to side on more than others) is that an adversarial role can only be good for gaming in general for many reasons. Primarily, in the form of added depth and realism. How often in real life, do we see a group of people, all attacking a major problem from the same angle, all lined up in unity and harmony, with a single purpose? While it may happen from time to time, there are often people who "side with the enemy" or those who "aren't sure someone is bad". People of this mind tend to believe that the added realism added by playing adversarial roles (intended by the Puppetmasters or not) only adds a dimension to the gaming experience that could not exist with an idyllic "purely hive mind" situation. Another strong argument is that the challenges to the Puppetmaster can create entirely different plot and puzzle scenarios that would not otherwise occur. (However, one must feel some pity on the poor, scrambling PM that did not anticipate the actions of a rogue set of players, who all of a sudden destroy a major plot point, by revealing the motives and actions of the player base to a malevolent character, who was really not intended to know the information.)

While Neurocam was never meant to be about a group of people working together to solve puzzles (far as I can tell, anyway), I think it's fair to say the masked ones didn't anticipate (or intend) such strong adversarial elements to manifest in their world. And it's been interesting to watch the reaction (from the community as well) when those adversaries strike.

I've no opinion on what these challenges mean for the Cam (at least no opinion I'm willing to state publicly  -- especially since things are still shaking out from the latest incident). But I find the whole debate to be interesting, and I thought you might too.

That is all.

Comments

[Dev]

How interestingly familiar. Glad you were able to dig this up. It would be interesting to know all the behind-the-scenes stories in the cam. All the close calls, near misses, and exciting moments. It have sure been a fun little ride. I just don't like getting off so often. :-D

[JS]

I am interested in becoming an operative, however I dont have any official contact information.

I would appreciate it if someone would forward contact information of a UK correspondent to my email.

[Simon Moon]

Lady J makes a post about Neurocam and hardly anyone notices... Oh, the old days...

"Neurocam was never meant to be about a group of people working together to solve puzzles..."

I've come to terms that Xul Solar has been forgotten. But if Neurocam's own Scooby Doo gang has been, I don't know what I'll do.

Neurocam is certainly not an ARG. I thought it was long ago established that Neurocam is a shady multinational corporation with suspect intentions. I don't know how anyone can be surprised that many of us who became operatives adopted shady roles and had suspect intentions ourselves.

I've always been more surprised by, say, Gigabane than Chris Titan. And as far as unveilings go, I'd wager Titan has had more and more forceful ones than almost anyone. Truly it is written in The Age that what the unveiling is depends upon the person.

Or perhaps I could go on about interactive theatre, how it must of course be improvisational. Theatre of Magic by Ray Sherwin was the first thing I recommended people read and it will be the last.

Initiation goes both ways. Cheers to all initiates.

[Gigabane]

How true it is..
None the less, as Simon mentioned, it's obvious that Neurocam isnt an ARG. Though it definatly has some ARG like characteristics.

To be honest, I hate having to be pinned up as sort of the 'poster boy' for one of these factions, as the article mentions. But once you get sucked into it all it's practically impossible to get away from it.

It's nice to see you post again by the way, I always like hearing news from the old school operatives.