Ingress, a geo-local, mobile augmented reality game created by Niantic Labs at Google, incorporates aspects of pervasive, alternate reality (ARG) and massively multiplayer online (MMO) games. However, unlike the majority of successful ARGs and pervasive games, Ingress is not focused on a specific time- limited period, or linked to a single real-world event or location. And unlike a typical MMO, play in Ingress is geo-spatially limited; players must be physically proximate to game elements in order to interact with them. Using game mechanics similar to those of many MMOs, Ingress provides for a range of gameplay, based both on user play preferences and level of experience and achievement. This paper describes both the new player and the “end game” player experience, with a focus on the importance of social, community, and collaborative aspects of the game.
Participants are encouraged to install the Ingress software on their phones so that they can participate in a live play session in and around the conference venue.
