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I Heart Bees Again - Halo 3's Iris ARG

Posted by Zonk on from the alt-fire-engaged dept.

I Love Bees is regarded as one of the more successful alternate reality games (ARGs) ever run in the US. It should be no surprise, then, that the game's spiritual sequel entitled simply Iris , is causing quite a stir. It began on June 11th, with cryptic messages in the Bungie forums. Designed to take players through the history of the Halo world over the course of the summer, players have already uncovered some 'pre-game' information; for all intents and purposes the actual game hasn't started yet. Michael VanderZand probably wish it was already over, though: then he might have some peace and quiet. The climax is expected sometime on September 26th, the day after Halo 3 releases to stores.

3 of 41 comments (clear)

  1. Viral marketing by blackicye · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Do these marketing campaigns really work? Is there some way to tell?

    It seems the only people they are virally marketing to are the ones who are already dead set on buying their games once they are released..

    1. Re:Viral marketing by Khuffie · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Does it matter? It's fun, and we should encourage that. More 'marketing campaigns' should be fun this way. To me, it sounds like a gift to the people who love the Halo serious, plus it definitely builds up excitement.

  2. Re:Too bad it's not an ARG by Harlockjds · · Score: 3, Insightful

    >ilovebees was an ARG, this however, is just a marketing campaign. You really can't call it a 'game' at all. Games require interaction, ilovebees had people making phone calls and traveling places. This Halo 3 'ARG' has consisted of everyone being handed the information on a silver platter.

    which is why this is being called the 'pregame'... it's not the actual ARG.