Live Action and Online RPG (a Hybrid) - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Live Action and Online RPG (a Hybrid)

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
evansbane
Apr 17, 2008 8:25:42 I'm conducting marketing research on a somewhat new gaming (what? genre) that combines Live Action with Online Role Playing. Here's the deal. This Live Action game is a Fantasy Role Playing game, and it already exists. In fact, they have 10 locations around the US, and one newly opend international location.

Currently, the gaming format is players must show up to one of the physical locations (each in excess of 20,000 square feet) to play. Game play is recorded and monitored using a piece of technology that the player purchases when the first create their character. The building is completely wired with interactive stations (fantasy world environs, complete with NPC interaction) and a players as "free will" to commit themselves to any number of quests or larger adventures. Players raise levels, earn new skills, powers, etc. Just like any other roleplaying game, but live action (physical interaction is required via the use of the piece of technology the player purchases).

The company in question is in deep discussion about starting a MMORPG (or list mini-version) that connects the player's character from the physical location to online play as well (this could spin off into a variety of formats, Table Top, TCG, board, etc). So, if you happen to vacation to one of the physical locations, and then return home, you can still enjoy the same game play with the piece of technology purchased (and vice versa).

I'm interested in hearing fans of RPGs (in any format or style) reaction to the LIVE ACTION gaming segment of this. Here are some questions to start the discussion:

Does "live action" gaming (in the midst of other physically present players) turn any of you away due to crowds, or to a certain perception of "uncoolness" or "geek fear"? RPGer's are notoriously shy in crowds of "newbies" and I'm wondering how this would affect the enjoyment level of this game.

How would you expect the game to be "branded" or "advertised" to attract your attention?

Would the Physical Location have to have certain age restriction for you to play? I.E. would any of you 20 or 30-somethings be willing to engage in the Live Action segment of the game if there were a great deal of 10 - 14 year olds present (with mothers and grandmothers in tow)?

Have any of you played or experience anyting similar to what I have described?

I can go more into detail of what the company is, what there current marketing brand is, and where we wish to take it, but I want to get an engaged discussion going before spurring it on.

I appreciate all the responses I can. And of course, if any of you go above and beyond the call of duty, then certain financial benefits (or gratis) may be in your future.

Thanks again for all your help.
#2
darkdrgon2136
Apr 17, 2008 19:26:46 I dont get it. is there a For dummys version?
#3
evansbane
Apr 18, 2008 9:12:24 Can you please explain what you "don't get"? I'd be happy to elaborate, but you'd have to be a little more specific.
#4
wintermancer
Apr 19, 2008 11:08:42 This sounds like MagiQuest. Are you talking about MagiQuest?

Winter
#5
darkdrgon2136
Apr 20, 2008 12:59:09 Like, how would things be resolved? would you cary around a dice roller, do everything freeform, or would the purchased piece of technology work everything?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 evansbane Apr 17, 2008 8:25:42	I'm conducting marketing research on a somewhat new gaming (what? genre) that combines Live Action with Online Role Playing. Here's the deal. This Live Action game is a Fantasy Role Playing game, and it already exists. In fact, they have 10 locations around the US, and one newly opend international location. Currently, the gaming format is players must show up to one of the physical locations (each in excess of 20,000 square feet) to play. Game play is recorded and monitored using a piece of technology that the player purchases when the first create their character. The building is completely wired with interactive stations (fantasy world environs, complete with NPC interaction) and a players as "free will" to commit themselves to any number of quests or larger adventures. Players raise levels, earn new skills, powers, etc. Just like any other roleplaying game, but live action (physical interaction is required via the use of the piece of technology the player purchases). The company in question is in deep discussion about starting a MMORPG (or list mini-version) that connects the player's character from the physical location to online play as well (this could spin off into a variety of formats, Table Top, TCG, board, etc). So, if you happen to vacation to one of the physical locations, and then return home, you can still enjoy the same game play with the piece of technology purchased (and vice versa). I'm interested in hearing fans of RPGs (in any format or style) reaction to the LIVE ACTION gaming segment of this. Here are some questions to start the discussion: Does "live action" gaming (in the midst of other physically present players) turn any of you away due to crowds, or to a certain perception of "uncoolness" or "geek fear"? RPGer's are notoriously shy in crowds of "newbies" and I'm wondering how this would affect the enjoyment level of this game. How would you expect the game to be "branded" or "advertised" to attract your attention? Would the Physical Location have to have certain age restriction for you to play? I.E. would any of you 20 or 30-somethings be willing to engage in the Live Action segment of the game if there were a great deal of 10 - 14 year olds present (with mothers and grandmothers in tow)? Have any of you played or experience anyting similar to what I have described? I can go more into detail of what the company is, what there current marketing brand is, and where we wish to take it, but I want to get an engaged discussion going before spurring it on. I appreciate all the responses I can. And of course, if any of you go above and beyond the call of duty, then certain financial benefits (or gratis) may be in your future. Thanks again for all your help.
#2 darkdrgon2136 Apr 17, 2008 19:26:46	I dont get it. is there a For dummys version?
#3 evansbane Apr 18, 2008 9:12:24	Can you please explain what you "don't get"? I'd be happy to elaborate, but you'd have to be a little more specific.
#4 wintermancer Apr 19, 2008 11:08:42	This sounds like MagiQuest. Are you talking about MagiQuest? Winter
#5 darkdrgon2136 Apr 20, 2008 12:59:09	Like, how would things be resolved? would you cary around a dice roller, do everything freeform, or would the purchased piece of technology work everything?