ARG Deaddrop

Game: Legends of Alcatraz
Type: Live Event
Location: Alcatraz, San Francisco, CA
Date: January 27-29, 2012 9:14pm
Capacity: First 302 people at Pier 33 at 6:00pm
Status: Incomplete

Fox’s new series Alcatraz premiered on Monday night (January 16) and to promote it, they’ve launched a campaign that “task[s players] to solve perplexing anomalies and crack the many puzzles that surround [Alcatraz]. The search will lead some of you to seek out clues in the city streets, and may even bring those who dare to the island itself.”

Visiting LegendsOfAlcatraz.com leads you to a puzzle where you must determine at what time the Alcatraz Spaghetti Riot was scheduled to start.

(Highlight to read method spoiler)

The missing letters from the sign are Roman Numerals: CMXIV which is 914 or 9:14

Inputting 9:14 into the answer box gives you a message that “It Begins” on January 27, 28 and 29 at 9:14 at Alcatraz. The linked twitter account @AlcatrazLegends shows off a photo of a metal box that just so happens to have been received by several different bloggers, so it’s possible that more boxes may be given away to those that show up.

It’s hard to say at this point in time what Fox has up its sleeve for event but at least they scheduled this for the weekend so you wouldn’t necessarily have to take off from work if you didn’t want to. If you need to be on the island by 9:14, AlcatrazCruises.com has a tour that leaves Pier 33 at 9:00am but it costs $26 so take that into consideration before deciding to see what may (or may not) happen (unless of course Fox springs for a chartered boat to take some lucky people out to Alcatraz or you know where to find cheaper tickets). Hopefully @AlcatrazLegends will provide more details soon.

Update: Fox has finally given us more information about what will be happening.

Dr. Soto has arranged exclusive night-time access to the Rock for those interested in helping him solve mysteries for his new book “LEGENDS OF ALCATRAZ”

The first 302 volunteers to check in when and where we say on Friday are selected.

What to bring:
• A flashlight
• Warm Clothes
• A comfortable pair of shoes

• Event lasts approximately 2-3 hours. Food and drink are not provided.
• Parking is not provided.
• If under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Valid ID required.

Exact details to be announced here and on Twitter: @AlcatrazLegends #LegendsofAlcatraz

Update 2: The first 302 people to check in at Pier 33 starting at 6:00pm will be selected. The boat leaves at 7:00pm so if you get selected, be prepared to hang out so you don’t miss the boat.

Further Information: LegendsOfAlcatraz.com — @AlcatrazLegends

No Comments | In: legends of alcatraz, live event | tags: alcatraz, legends of alcatraz, live event, san francisco. | #

Game: Zoetrap
Type: Live Event
Location: Room 2413 at Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco, CA
Date: Monday, October 31, 2011
Status: Concluded

Storyworld 2011 is taking place in San Francisco this week and at least one new ARG is taking advantage.

Oliver Drew is an Occult Transmedia producer who had planned to present some workshops at Storyworld where he would demonstrate “how to harness the power of the spirit world as a transmedia platform.” Except that during a Twitter seance last night, something went wrong and now he’s missing.

His girlfriend, @eva_lake is asking / begging anyone in the area to go check out his room to see if they can find any clues as to what happened to him.

I’m begging everyone at #swc11 who’s reading this, go to room 2413 at Parc 55 hotel. I need your help to find Oliver. #zoetrap

It’s possible that Oliver’s infamous zoetrope is still in the room and that it will hold clues to his disappearance. I can say from experience that searching through a hotel room for an ARG is unlike anything else. If you go, try to document everything just in case you aren’t allowed to remove anything from the room. You never know what might end up being important.

Update: @eva_lake has tweeted a cleaner version of the QR code that was in the Paranormal Press article.

It leads to an iTunes app where a lot of the game will play out (at least according to some behind-the-scenes information taken from the Zoetrope IndieGoGo page). So if you’re wanting to follow along, be sure to download the app. (Disclosure – at the moment I am unable to get the app myself so I have no idea if there is a charge for it or not. So please double check for yourself before downloading.)
It’s free, but only for iPhones / iPod Touches. However, you can view the videos at zoetrap.com and listen to the voicemails at Audioboo.

Further Information: Zoetrap — “>@_zoetrap on Twitter — No Comments | In: concluded, live event, zoetrap | tags: california, live event, san francisco, zoetrap. | #

Game: Secret Lewis
Type: Finale Live Event
Location: Apollo Cinema, Lower Regent St, London, England
Date: Wednesday 10 November, 6-8pm
Status: Concluded

The Secret Lewis ARG is coming to an end. But they are having one last event which sounds like it will be the biggest one of them all. The stolen trophy is being sent via courier from Abu Dhabi to London and we are tasked with getting it back. The event is free, but you must register in advance if you plan on going.

This is your chance to be a hero.

With Lewis in Abu Dhabi, we’ve had to figure out a way of pulling off one final heist. Fortunately, we have a secret weapon: you.

It’s going to be fun, and it’s free, but you’ll need to register in advance.

First, check your diary and make sure you can be at the Apollo Cinema, Lower Regent Street, London SW1 for 6-8pm on Wednesday 10 November.

If you’re available, mail London@SecretLewis.com with your name, email address and contact number. You can ask for either one or two tickets, but if you ask for two, make sure you include contact details for both people. Then we’ll be in touch.

There are going to be fantastic rewards for everyone who can make it, so clear your schedule.

This finale event looks like it’s going to be a blast, so if you’re in the area, try to clear your schedule for Wednesday night. Secret Lewis has been a lot of fun over the last several months and it would be great to show it out in style.

Further Information: Secret Lewis — @SecretLewis — Super Secret Lewis — AQ Hawker Blog — Unfiction thread

1 Comment | In: concluded, finale, live event, secret lewis | tags: england, finale, live event, london, secret lewis. | #

Game: Secret Lewis
Type: Live Event
Location: Placa de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
Date: Saturday, 30th October, 3-4pm
Status: Concluded

Poor Lewis Hamilton. While he was out stealing back works of art, someone went and stole his favorite trophy and is holding it hostage. In order to get it back unharmed, Lewis needs to rally his followers and have them perform a variety of tasks. Most of the these tasks have been in the form of puzzles (and after failing one puzzle, the trophy now sports a new dent). But the latest task requires Lewis to “get a person to the right place at the right time” somewhere in the world.

I want at least one of you to go to Placa de Catalunya in Barcelona tomorrow between 3pm and 4pm. You should look for a woman carrying balloons and say that Alexander sent you. She will give you further instructions.

As I can’t imagine this deviating too far from the previous events, be ready to run around the city following a set of clues to an end point where you will possibly be rewarded. Unless you have some sort of phobia against balloons, then I would recommend possibly just staying home.

Further Information: Secret Lewis — @SecretLewis — Super Secret Lewis — AQ Hawker Blog — Unfiction thread

No Comments | In: concluded, live event, secret lewis | tags: barcelona, live event, secret lewis, spain. | #

Game: The Innovasion
Type: Live Event
Location: Liverpool, England
Date: 9 October 2010, 10.00–22.00
Cost: £5.00
Status: Concluded

The Innovasion is a new “pervasive alternate reality game” that is being run as part of the Liverpool Biennial festival.

Something is wrong at the Liverpool Biennial. Suspicious signs and mysterious codes appear from nowhere, and a sinister conspiracy is lurking in the shadows. But the good thing is: You can be part of it! Immerse yourself in a new world, find the trail, unravel the mystery, break the codes and help save the world. Your creativity is under threat. This is only the beginning.

Registration is required for the event and costs £5.00. Presumably by registering, you’ll get all the information you need to follow the events throughout the day in Liverpool.

If you are thinking about going, you might want to check out the online content of the game so that you know what you’ll be looking for throughout the live event.

Further Information: Innovasion: Liverpool Biennial — @biennial — Stop Little Red Riding Hood — Wolf Crew 2010 — Unfiction thread

No Comments | In: concluded, innovasion, live event | tags: england, innovasion, live event, liverpool. | #

Game: Socks, Inc.
Type: Live Event
Location: The Euphrat Museum of Art (21250 Stevens Creek Blvd), Cupertino, CA
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2010, 1pm
Status: Incomplete

Even though Socks, Inc. hasn’t officially launched, it hasn’t stopped the socks from getting out in the real world and holding live events. After a successful event at ARGfest Atlanta, Jim Babb and his puppet pals are off to San Jose to be a part of the 01SJ Biennial Festival.

The Socks, Inc. Live! event will be held at the The Euphrat Museum of Art in Cupertino, CA starting at 1pm. Everyone at ARGfest seemed to have a blast playing with their socks so this event should be just as much fun.

If for some reason you can’t make it out this weekend, Socks, Inc. Live! will be an ongoing event as part of the Learn to Play exhibition from October 4 – November 24, so if you’re up near the Bay Area at all in the next couple months, schedule some time to go play with the socks.

Further Information: Socks, Inc. — @Socks_Inc — Facebook — Youtube — Unfiction thread

No Comments | In: live event, socks inc | tags: california, cupertino, live event, socks inc. | #

Game: Secret Lewis
Type: Live Event
Location: Citadium on Rue de Caumartin, Paris, France
Date: Friday, 10 September 2010, 1pm – 6pm
Status: Concluded

After a successful India mission, Anna has given us the heads-up that there will be another Intelligence Service agent to meet in Paris on Friday. Sadly she doesn’t give any specifics except that it will be near Boulevard Haussmann, but information should be coming soon. Possibly on Wednesday after the people who (at some point) won a private training session with Lewis and Danilo Gallinari complete their mission. So check back for updates on Wednesday or Thursday.

Update: Anna finally posted information about the mission in Paris.

But first, Paris. This Friday, there will be another trail leading to more vital information. We need you to help us uncover it. To play your part, go to Citadium on Rue de Caumartin and head for the Reebok section on the 3rd floor. You can pick up your instructions there anytime from 1pm to 6pm. A phone or smart-phone will be useful, and you could win a pair of Reebok trainers.

Further Information: Secret Lewis — @SecretLewis — Unfiction thread

No Comments | In: concluded, live event, secret lewis | tags: france, live event, paris, secret lewis. | #

Game: Secret Lewis
Type: Live Event
Location: Bangalore, Gurgaon, and Mumbai (India)
Date: Saturday, 4th September, 4pm-8:30pm
Status: Concluded

The Secret Lewis team’s latest case is to track down a stolen Leonardo da Vinci notebook. In order to accomplish this quickly, they are cashing in their favor from the Intelligence Service. The electronic surveillance division in India has agreed to have something for us on Saturday. But since they don’t like meeting people face-to-face where their cover can be blown, players will have to track them down. Three Reebok stores in India have agreed to help guide us to the agents from the Intelligence Service.

Just go to one of the following locations, alone or with friends, at any point during the times indicated:

• Bangalore – Reebok Store, No.50, Residency Road. [Saturday 4 September, 4.00pm-8.30pm.]
• Gurgaon – Reebok Store, Shop No. 32-33, Ground Floor, Ambience Mall, NH – 8. [Saturday 4 September, 4.00pm-8.30pm.]
• Mumbai – Reebok Store, Shop No. 1, 2, 3 & 4, Ram Krishna Chambers (Next to Ram Krishna Lane) Linking Road. [Saturday 4 September, 4.00pm-8.30pm.]

Reports from the London events indicated that a fun time was had following the clues to the end. Plus, if that’s not enough for you, Reebok has “agreed to provide incentives and rewards for taking part,” so maybe you can get lucky and get a free pair of shoes while having a fun afternoon.

Further Information: Secret Lewis — @SecretLewis — Unfiction thread

No Comments | In: concluded, live event, secret lewis | tags: bangalore, gurgaon, india, live event, mumbai, secret lewis. | #

Game: Dexter / Serial Huntress
Type: Live Event
Location: 34° 2′ 19″ N, 118° 13′ 4″ W, near Hollenbeck Park / the abandoned Linda Vista Hospital in Los Angeles (Boyle Heights)
Date: Friday, August 27, 2010, in the afternoon
Status: Concluded

The players of the Dexter / Serial Huntress ARG were given a video that lead them to a new website that gave them some interesting recipes to try out.

Beef Chili To Die For
1. Brown the meat in a large skillet with vegetable oil. Add water then simmer covered for an hour until meat is tender.
2. Heat oil in medium saucepan. Add canned kidney beans, oregano, celery, onion and green pepper, then sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add garlic-onion-flour mixture to cooked meat. Then add remaining ingredients to meat mixture. Simmer for a half hour.
4. Let soup sit and cool to about 34 °C
5. Stir for approximately 19 seconds then indulge in your meal.

Hearty Veal Roast
1. Mix together salt, pepper and cinnamon, then rub over roast.
2. Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large skillet. Add onions, garlic, parsley thyme and tarragon. Mix together then set aside.
3. Use a pan large enough to hold all ingredients. Cover then bake at 118 °C for a long time – over an hour.
4. Uncover pan and continue baking for 13 minutes.
5. Transfer meat to serving platter. Skim fat from cooking juices then pour over roast.
6. Cut roast to desired serving size then, using a fork and knife, cut a small piece off. Blow for 4 seconds then taste your hearty meal.

This is my Friday afternoon special. I hope you enjoy it. And remember, using different cooking equipment may yield different results, so be sure to check-in on your meal.

Using the numbers in the recipes (degrees, minutes, seconds), the players came up with a GPS coordinate: 34° 2′ 19″ N, 118° 13′ 4″ W. This is near Hollenbeck Park in Los Angeles. It’s also right next to the abandoned Linda Vista Hospital, which is now used primarily as a filming location, which makes it an ideal setting for an event in a serial killer ARG.

The recipe says this is a “Friday afternoon special,” but doesn’t give any specific time or directions on what to do once you get there (besides checking in I guess). Seems odd for it to be so vague considering Friday is a workday, but it’s possible that more information will be forthcoming in the next 24 hours.

Further Information: Serial Huntress Thread — Unfiction thread — #serialhuntress IRC room — #safehaven IRC room (In-Game) — Recap

No Comments | In: concluded, dexter, live event, serial huntress | tags: california, dexter, live event, los angeles, serial huntress. | #

Game: Conspiracy for Good
Type: Live Event
Location: Brick Lane, East End of London
Date: July 24, 2010 Event: 12.00 – 15.00
Status: Concluded

The second London event of Conspiracy for Good is being held this weekend at Brick Lane at the 1-2-3-4 Festival. The free registration (for those 18 and over) will secure your place for the event and give you a ticket to the 1-2-3-4 Festival. You will need to search for clues hidden in the art and music in order to thwart Blackwell Briggs.

There will also be a street diversion benefiting Kidsco so bring a new toy to give away to a kid.

Further Information: Conspiracy for Good — London Events — Conspiracy4Good — Wiki — Unfiction thread — IRC Chat

No Comments | In: concluded, conspiracy 4 good, live event | tags: cfg, conspiracy for good, london. | #