There is a newish trend called Alternate Reality Games. It is an elaborate game that goes on in the real world but is heavily supplemented by an online component. Companies such as 42 Entertainment design websites and blogs that help the players engage in this alternate reality. These sites establish the fictional narrative and give clues to the players. These clues can lead to other websites or real places around the world. Players engage in this engrossing game in an interesting way. Alternate Reality gaming is a mashup of online gaming and real world role playing.

If it sounds geeky, it probably is, but it is interesting.

There is a new Alternate Reality game that is being sponsored by McDonalds that seems to be related to the upcoming Olympics. It is about a young woman name Ariadne who recently woke up in a corn field in South Africa with amnesia. She has a tattoo on her arm in esperanto that means “find the lost ring”. It is your job as the player of the game to help her find her identity among other things that have yet to be revealed.

Apparently, there are more characters who have yet to be revealed. It is believed that this game will continue until the Beijing Summer Games in August.

This may not be something that you would ever want to do, but it is still interesting. It could be very fun. Imagine having a limitless budget and the ability to travel anywhere. It could be your very own personal Amazing Race.