Today is the launch of KTR 451, a game I developed for the Toronto Public Library. Drawing on the themes and characters in Fahrenheit 451 (the TPL’s One Book this year), it’s a simple alternate reality game — part scavenger hunt, part audio drama — and people in Toronto can play it by calling the phone number above. There’s three missions, one per week, until a live event on April 22nd.
Naturally, this was a huge thrill for me on a number of levels.
Firstly, Ray Bradbury’s lyrical science fiction is one of the main reasons I write sci-fi myself. My alias when I logged into BBSes in the 1980s was “Montag”, the main character in 451.
Secondly, I got to develop a game that (while very modest in scope) I hope will introduce a broader public to the curiously geeky pleasures of alternate reality games.
Thirdly, it was amazing to get to work with the library — it’s one of the few public institutions I love unabashedly, both for what it represents ideologically and to what it’s contributed to my personal growth and development. And it hasn’t disappointed in the least — Tina and Ab have been wonderful collaborators, with thoughtful and enthusiastic input. I did a little interview for the library blog if you’d like to read more.
6 responses to “Take Your Seashells Out of Your Ears!”
Do you know if It will be in Vancouver too?
I’d love to run an ARG in Vancouver! Know anyone at the VPL?
Wondering, as a teacher, whether this is something that could be done with a class?
It depends on the age range and whether the students have their own cell phones. Give it a try yourself and judge!
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