Author: Victor Epand
There has been a growing trend of games in the past few decades that aren’t simply played on a board emulating a situation that people need to react around. A number of games are slowly moving toward constructing a new world for the game to take place in. Players are given an entirely new set of circumstances about the world in which the game is set and through these circumstances, they come to learn about just what is an isn’t possible in this alternate reality. Sometimes, participants even play the game under a number of different species. It is not uncommon for mythical creatures, such as elves, fairies, dwarfs, trolls, and other species to be prominently features in the game, both as playable characters and opponents.
Alternative reality games are popular because it gives players the chance to escape the real world and enter one where they might be someone else for a period of time. With this exciting format in games such as Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures, the players will adopt the personality and characteristics of another personal, usually provided in a basic format by the game itself. Generally, these character formats have a basic set of skills listed, such as their magic potential, weapon skills, communication ability, and maybe some distinguishing physical characteristics. Usually, the player can then fill in the blanks a little more, fleshing out their character, giving them a name, personality, and even a personal history.
The longer that the game continues, the more abilities and history that the character can develop, and the more well-rounded they become. Many Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures players have a character that they’ve been developing for years and as a result, some of these characters have more depth and range than a popular character from a film or a novel. Some players become rather attached to their characters and know them intimately, giving the game a sense of familiarity and comfort.
The world that the game is set in also, however, can become well developed and intricate. Usually, one of these alternative reality games will provide a deluxe rule book where the setting of the game is explained. It will explain the differences between the real world and the invented one, and in the case that the invented reality is entirely different from the real world, it will usually provide examples to help explain precisely how. Players need to adeptly move through the alternate universe in order to function well within the game and the first step in doing so is to understand the world they are inhabiting within the game. Often, the game will provide the players with missions and quests, giving them an easy starting place to begin enjoying.
The most commonly used element of these alternative reality games are dice. Most of the outcomes within the game are determined by dice, players will often roll dice to determine the outcomes of a battle or about random elements which may happen during the game. Dice are the friends of any games, especially one enjoying an alternative reality game. These games can often provide a fun escape for people, giving them a place to experience an immersible experience in another world, much like a video game, but even more freeing.
Ed: But true Alternative Reality Gaming has evolved into a form of play that blends real-world with a set of rules. From receiving texts to your cell phone or mysterious emails, the game has expanded to cross over in to your reality in fascinating new ways. To learn more follow the links below.
Here are some sources for Alternative Reality Gaming:
- Alternative Reality Gaming Network
- The Economist Writes About ARGs
- WIRED Magazine cover ARGs
- Sean Stewart’s excellent article about ARGs
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for board games, chess boards, and dungeons and dragons miniatures. You will find all these things and more if you visit used board games, chess boards, and dungeons and dragons miniatures alternative reality.
