Alternate Reality Games SIG/Vocabulary

International Game Developers Association

[edit] ARG Vocabulary

The developers and players of Alternate Reality Games have developed their own vocabulary with which to discuss some of the unique aspects of these games. See the Alternate Reality Games SIG for more information.

ARG

Alternate Reality Game, a game where the enjoyment comes from the evocation of a consistent, plausible fictional reality. Usually played in teams over the internet, often featuring websites with hidden messages.

brute force

To solve a problem (usually a code) by simply trying every possibility, often automatically. This is a standard way to decode encrypted messages in an ARG. It can also be used to find passwords for in-game web servers, but this is looked down upon by the community because of the strain it can cause to the servers.

curtain

The barrier which separates the fictional reality from the "behind the scenes" world where the puppetmasters work on the game. From The Wizard of Oz: "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" Compare Kayfabe.

guide

A compendium of information about a particular game, compiled by the players.

IG

In-Game. Refers to information or characters which are part of the game world, the "Alternate Reality". Compare In Character.

OOG

Out-Of-Game, things which are not part of the fictional world. Compare Out of Character.

PM

puppetmaster

One of the people working on the game so that the players can play it; a developer. This can involve writing, web design, programming or even portraying in-game characters. Also comparable to a Gamemaster, as a PM's role often seems closer to a referee than a programmer.

rabbit hole

The entry point to a game, the start of a trail. From Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

spec

Speculation. Used by players to classify forum posts as being speculation and not known facts.

TINAG

Developers and players involved in an ARG will preserve the curtain by maintaining that the events happening within it are real. This concept is summarized by the phrase This Is Not A Game.

trail

A series of puzzles within a game. Or, a record of those puzzles in order, much like a guide.

trout

A term used on some ARG forums, trout is meant to be a polite way of saying We've heard about that already when someone comes up with some new information they're all excited about.