Monday, February 5, 2007

The Dangers of Gaming in Plain Sight

Ubiquitous games leave traces throughout the everyday environment. They often require designers and players to install clues and interactive objects in public spaces. Sometimes these installations, if they are not well though-out or carefully managed, can cause a bit of (or a lot of!) commotion among folks who aren't in on the game.

This past week, an incident in Boston demonstrated just how bad things can get when non-gamers don't know what to make of a sign that play (or art) is afoot. "Just how bad" included arrests of two artists, hired as viral marketers, after a city shut down bus stations, airports and bridges because they mistook 10 elecronic cartoon art installations for terrorist bombs. You can read an excellent summary here, an editorial on the side of the city officials here, an editorial on the fence here, and an editorial on the side of the artists here.

Lots of interesting debate coming out of this event. For instance, unforum is a major forum for players of ubiquitous games; they're have an interesting conversation about the relevance of the Boston LED fiasco to game design here.

How does this Boston scare make you feel as a potential ubiquitous game designer? Does it make you want to more carefully frame your game so that no one overreacts? What strategies would you use to help prevent misinterpretation of the game? Or does the hysteria just make you frustrated by the widespread culture of fear? Should that culture be resisted through more play, or respected?

33 comments:

Anytime Tomorrow said...

Honestly, I found the whole thing to be funny. While ubiquitous game developers have to consider whither or not their game will be seen as a threat to the public (and whither or not being a threat to the public is part of the desired effect), there has to be a line drawn that defines what is and is not a reasonably threatening.

Perhaps throwing thumb tacks onto a sidewalk could be seen as threatening, perhaps putting up billboards with the Al-Quida logo and a date and time could be seen as threatening, but a few LED lights and batteries, the Boston PD really dropped the ball. People cover their houses in the same sort of stuff every Christmas.

Furthermore, of all the news covering this story, I have been unable to find one article citing how many calls were received from freaked out citizens. Assuming Boston PD and Homeland security have trained bomb experts in their employ, I don't understand why the city had to be closed after finding the displays. The first one they found wasn't a bomb, and then neither was the second one, or the third. Furthermore, I am by no means a bomb expert, but even I know that covering a bomb in bright decorative lights defeats the purpose of making it. If a bomb is not hidden, the bomb maker runs the risk of someone finding and defusing it (thats why small bombs are placed into boxes and briefcases). Not to mention that the lights on the display bear the image of an extremely popular mainstream cartoon character. I have a hard time believing that the bomb squad in Boston is really that stupid. It also confuses me that that if the light displays looked ominous enough to shut down Boston (thats the Airport, Bus lines, and civic serves), how come there was no reaction (or even a removal until 1-31-07) in the nine other major cities they were put up? Actually, the one I saw on Height St. by Amoeba might still be there.

Boston has a long history of being intolerant towards graffiti or any kind. Now that graffiti is getting more high-tech, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that Boston was sort of making an example out of Interference, INC to show everyone that they don't put up with that sort of thing. This whole thing has less to do with art in a culture of fear and more with government officials using the culture of fear to enforce their agenda.

Anonymous said...

It's hard to predict what some people will find alarming and what others don't. Some will walk by a shouting match without batting an eye, others will get freaked out if a stranger asks them a question.

Which isn't to say creators of ubiquitous games shouldn't take into consideration how non-players will react.

When I was in the military there'd occasionally be exercises dealing with emergencies that they'd let the entire base know of ahead of time. Even then they had cards in their pockets citing that they were participants of an exercise and what was going on. I'm not saying that's what every game should have as then it limits those that want to just jump in, but it may be helpful in dealing with some events.

Personally, though, I find it rather foolish that conclusions would be so easily jumped upon. No one called bombsquads when Ignoktik was flipping people off from billboards.

patricknm said...

The whole incident is ridiculous.
End of story.
I hope this doesn't detur people from creating wonderful games or sculputures or anything else in urban enviorments.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://tonoviergates.net/][img]http://sopriventontes.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]macromedia flash 5.0 software, [url=http://tonoviergates.net/]corel draw graphics suite x4 coreldraw manual[/url]
[url=http://tonoviergates.net/]adobe software sales[/url] coreldraw tutorial buy hacking softwares
adobe creative suite 4 production premium student discount [url=http://sopriventontes.net/]academic software final[/url] discounts on adobe software
[url=http://tonoviergates.net/]office 2002 software[/url] nero 9 patch
[url=http://tonoviergates.net/]windows vista ultimate activation crack[/url] all cheap software
cheap software [url=http://tonoviergates.net/]microsoft software for students[/url][/b]

Anonymous said...

Wanna Get HIGH? Running out of Supply? Then Check Out My Shit!
>>>>> http://bestlegalhighsdrugs.info <<<<
If you have questions, you can email my boy at online.mentor [at] gmail.com


[size=1] IGNORE THIS----------------------------
store hashish salvis divknorum [url=http://bestlegalhighsdrugs.info] legal herbal highs [/url] kratom bad 4 day detox [url=http://buybudshoplegalherbs.info] buy legal herbs[/url] salvia leucantha budo lavarius [url=HTTP://BUYINGMARIJUANASALE.INFO] Buy Cannabis [/url] savlia duvinorum bugo alvaruus [url=HTTP://BUYLEGALBUDSCOMREVIEWS.INFO] best legal buds [/url] smoking kratom leaves kratom leaves [url=HTTP://CANNABISHIGH-PILLSHIGH.INFO] Cannabis High[/url] marijyana salbia idvinorum [url=HTTP://HOWTOBUYWEED-BUYINGWEED.INFO] buying marijuana[/url] pills high ocaine [url=http://legalbud.drugreviews.info] legal bud [/url]

amainta miscaria sakvia dicinorum [url=http://legalweed.lamodalatina.com] legal weeds [/url] ecsttasy pill smoke meth [url=http://buysalvia.lamodalatina.com] buy salvia extracts[/url] salvia divniorum psilocybe mushroom hunting

ldgal bids Honey Blonde Solid Concentrate [url=http://legalweed.lamodalatina.com] legalweed [/url] aamanita muscraia salvis divinofum [url=http://buysalviacheap.com] order salvia extract[/url] alcohol tests aamnita musxaria
[url=http://guaranteedheightincrease.info/]height increase[/url] - http://guaranteedheightincrease.info/
height improvement - http://guaranteedheightincrease.info
[url=http://provenpenisenlargement.info/]proven penis enlargement[/url] - http://provenpenisenlargement.info/
proven penis lengthening - http://provenpenisenlargement.info/
[url=http://provenskincareadvice.info/]skin care advice[/url] - http://provenskincareadvice.info/
skin care tips - http://provenskincareadvice.info/
[url=http://getrichgambling.info/]get riches gambling[/url] - http://getrichgambling.info/
get money gambling - http://getrichgambling.info/
[url=http://herpesoutbreak-gentalwarts.info/]herpes outbreak[/url] - http://herpesoutbreak-gentalwarts.info/
herpes outbreak - http://herpesoutbreak-gentalwarts.info/
[url=http://STOP-PREMATURE-EJACULATION-SOLUTIONS.INFO]cure premature ejaculation[/url] - http://STOP-PREMATURE-EJACULATION-SOLUTIONS.INFO
cure premature ejaculation - http://STOP-PREMATURE-EJACULATION-SOLUTIONS.INFO
[url=http://3GMOBILEPHONESFORSALE.INFO]used mobile cellphones for sale[/url] - http://3GMOBILEPHONESFORSALE.INFO
3g mobile cell phone on sale - http://3GMOBILEPHONESFORSALE.INFO
[url=http://internationaloddities.reviewsdiscountsonline.com] internationaloddities review[/url]
internationaloddities scams
[url=http://drobuds.reviewsdiscountsonline.com]reviews of dro buds [/url]
review of dro bud
[url=http://bestacnetreatmentreviews.info] acne treatment reviews[/url] http://bestacnetreatmentreviews.info
best acne treatment review http://bestacnetreatmentreviews.info
[url=HTTP://LEARN-HYPNOSIS-ONLINE.INFO]learn hypnotism online[/url]
learn hypnosis online

Anonymous said...

New here,

I'm spending my time here for the children of Haiti.

I'm doing this for a non-profit group that gives time to
building oppurtunities for the kids in haiti. If anyone here wants to give money then this is the site:

[url=http://universallearningcentre.org]Donate to Haiti[/url] or Help Haiti

They give children in Haiti a positive outlook through education.

Please check them out, they're legit.

Any help would be great

Anonymous said...

Ola, what's up amigos? :)
In first steps it is very nice if someone supports you, so hope to meet friendly and helpful people here. Let me know if I can help you.
Thanks and good luck everyone! ;)

Anonymous said...

lesbian megan fox, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187756]megan fox no cloths[/url] megan fox plastic surgery
hardcore kim kardashian, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187768]watch kim kardashian video[/url] kim kardashian nipples
taylor swift on justin bieber, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187772]taylor swift hot pics[/url] taylor swift wikipedia
hannah montana betsof both worlds, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187786]i hate miley cyrus/ hannah montana[/url] hannah montana holloween templates
harry potter horcrux rings, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187792]harry potter doll outfits & shoes[/url] harry potter magic clip art
methods to brand cruise, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187798]cruise to alcapoco mexico[/url] short cruises from auckland, new zealand to sydney
justin beber coloring pages, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187812]love me;; justin bieber mp3[/url] justin bieber girlfriend
britney spears and her advertizing, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187814]britany spears full sex tape[/url] britney spears family
megan fox black boots with buckle, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/175542]megan fx[/url] megan fox black boots

Anonymous said...

if you guys educate to ribald [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] online you can do it at www.generic4you.com, the most trusted viagra pharmacopoeia with a sensible generic drugs.
you can learn drugs like [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Sildenafil_Citrate_Viagra-p2.html]viagra[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Tadalafil-p1.html]cialis[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/VardenafilLevitra-p3.html]levitra[/url] and more at www.rxpillsmd.net, the pre-eminent [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]viagra[/url] informant on the web. well another great [url=http://www.i-buy-viagra.com]viagra[/url] pharmacy you can find at www.i-buy-viagra.com

viagra online said...

this kind of topic is good for people to learn more about it, and that people should be every day less ignorant, and medicine for this is the reading of issues like this

viagra online said...

this kind of topic is good for people to learn more about it, and that people should be every day less ignorant, and medicine for this is the reading of issues like this

Anonymous said...

Attraction casinos? enquire this immature [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]online casino[/url] advisor and act evasively online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also into our late [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] orientate at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and overwhelm true hard cash !
another show-off [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] machination is www.ttittancasino.com , pro german gamblers, fetch not busy online casino bonus.

Unknown said...

greetings to all
I would first like to thank the writers of this blog by sharing information, a few years ago I read a book called guanacaste costa rica in this book deal with questions like this one.

Anonymous said...

I developed a Starcraft II website found here:

[url=http://www.thedarkshrine.com]Starcraft 2[/url]
http://www.thedarkshrine.com

I am going to be putting on a lot of things to it, such as replays, vods, maps, fpvods, live streams, tools, esports info and much more. There is a wiki there and really could use helpers to assist. I hope you fellas can register as my goal is for this site to be one of the best Starcraft 2 sites on the Internet. Please register asap as there will be a tourney. If you have any feedbacl please feel free to let me know!

Thank you. Great forum btw!

FDA said...

Buy Viagra without prescription and
get just what you are looking for from a reliable online
pharmacy: superior quality products, unbeatable prices,
effectiveness, safety, discretion, fast shipping, and
total satisfaction guaranteed.

Anonymous said...

Buying [url=http://www.thomassabosaleukshop.co.uk]thomas sabo[/url] online can save you from the hassle of leaving your residence for a regular shopping spree. You will discover two ways to shop on line: via a store's official [url=http://www.monclersale4uk.com]moncler jackets uk[/url] or by means of a web-based auction web page. Buying at a website offers you a larger selection of types and sizes than the retailer. For instance, the turtleneck which you have to have within a size five is extra likely to be in stock at the on-line store than at a frequent boutique shop. You may shop anytime which makes it advantageous for those that have a busy schedule. You also conserve up on fuel and income, since you usually do not must spend money on gas or fare.

The mark-up on diamonds is to be expected whenever you look at the truth that dealers must cover their personal costs though also making a profit. They have to deal with quite a few various expenses and these end up coming out of your pocket at the finish of your day. For this reason alone [url=http://www.thomasfashionshop.com]thomas sabo[/url] makes sense to do your shopping on the net any time you are searching for fantastic high quality engagement rings at a good price.

On line [url=http://www.topclarisonicmiasale.com]clarisonic mia[/url] don't have these expenses to assume about. The savings they appreciate can then be passed on to their customers. Once you acquire your diamond rings on the internet, you may expect to take pleasure in savings of up to 20%, which is considerable.

[url=http://www.uggbootssaleonlineshop.com]ugg sale uk[/url] Assuming you have decided to buy a ring, your next step is to decide how considerably you will be prepared to devote. It really is always a fantastic idea to check out some local shops to view how a lot they charge for the type of ring you should purchase. This will allow you to make comparisons any time you turn your attention to on line retailers.

Anonymous said...

3Have you ever noticed that you can wake up within minutes of when you intended too? Most people can do this- Create a candle light dinner[url=http://indianapoliscoltsofficialstore.com/]Youth Andrew Luck Jersey[/url]
even if for one person
7 Geez! Have a little heart guys! I have a two year old for pete's sakeCharlie Lafave[url=http://indianapoliscoltsofficialstore.com/]Nike Reggie Wayne Jersey[/url]
author[url=http://www.rg3jerseys.us/]Redskins RG3 Jersey[/url]
"Dog Training Secrets!" To transform your stubborn[url=http://seahawksfootballstore.com/]Seahawks Russell Wilson Jersey[/url]
misbehaving dog into a loyal[url=http://officialsteelersteamprostore.com/]Women's Ben Roethlisberger Jersey[/url]
well-behaving "best friend" who obeys your every command and is the envy of the neighborhood 1

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.c-online-casino.co.uk/]online casino[/url] hinder the latest [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/]casino[/url] manumitted no store reward at the best [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]casino games
[/url].

Anonymous said...

Knimariasix KnimariasixJB
Authentic Jason Pierre-Paul Jersey
joe montana throwback jersey
Authentic Patrick Willis Jersey

Anonymous said...

6bEdg ghd hair straighteners
lUox cheap uggs
rPyd michael kors purses
1nCse GHD Australia
0wWvg burberry handbags
4cWyz ugg france
5wKuh ghd nz sale
2eYdx louis vuitton handbags
2uVft michael kors bags
6zSki cheapest ghd straighteners
9mEba ugg boots sale
1xDal nike nfl jerseys
8cJbw michael kors sale
7rOio GHD Pas Cher
5dMbk discount uggs

Anonymous said...

nYao ghd hair straightener
aUkf ugg store
kMiw michael kors sale
7eXll GHD
7gHyn burberry outlet
2wNpb ugg australia
0fWwd ghd nz sale
7gYfq louis vuitton bags
0mCcz michael kors bags
8xGju cheap ghd
9xRqa ugg boots uk
2eLmj wholesale nfl jerseys
6cLud michael kors handbags
7iOte lisseur ghd pas cher
7uPqj cheap uggs

Anonymous said...

uQmv coach factory
kJxo ugg boots uk
hZbi michael kors bags
8lGpd cheap uggs
1rXiy chi
9mYvu michael kors sale
9eKad cheap nfl jerseys
3wPqa coach outlet store
4bMfr cheap north face jackets
1vYve ugg
2pSga ghd mk4
5sYnk michael kors sale
9hBzv nfl jerseys
2tCgf ghd españa
6cQhj ugg boots usa

Anonymous said...

IqqXmo http://kuroebaggu.com/ IdcSsd [url=http://kuroebaggu.com/]クロエ 財布[/url] OkpXnb http://saiyasunerubutan.com/ FmxKmr [url=http://saiyasunerubutan.com/]クリスチャンルブタン 財布[/url] SptQul http://mcmhannbai.com/ NvrFba [url=http://mcmhannbai.com/]MCM バッグ[/url] MmrGuc http://vuittonkakaku.com/ TqcDan [url=http://vuittonkakaku.com/]ヴィトン 財布[/url] SwxNtn http://chloenihon.com/ JaoGvz [url=http://chloenihon.com/]クロエ 財布[/url] NggTqv http://louboutindendou.com/ BuoDuz [url=http://louboutindendou.com/]クリスチャンルブタン セール[/url] WbfKza http://guccisenmon.com/ AjhOvt [url=http://guccisenmon.com/]GUCCI 帽子[/url] SkfEum http://tuminihoo.com/ PrwPer [url=http://tuminihoo.com/]TUMI スーツケース[/url]

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.c-online-casino.co.uk/]casino online[/url] brake the latest [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/]casinolasvegass.com[/url] autonomous no consign perk at the foremost [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]online casinos
[/url].

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.

Anonymous said...

Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover somebody that genuinely knows what they're discussing online. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you're not
more popular because you most certainly possess
the gift.

Also visit my blog post novoline automaten kaufen gebraucht

Anonymous said...

I could not resist commenting. Very well written!


Take a look at my homepage; novoline app

Anonymous said...

Hi there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say
I truly enjoy reading your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
Thanks for your time!

Stop by my weblog; im netz reputation issues

Anonymous said...

Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

Feel free to surf to my homepage ... microsoft 700

Anonymous said...

100 always christian dating free online http://loveepicentre.com/taketour/ dating an amish guy
interracial on line dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/testimonials/]odessa dating sites[/url] dating sites recovering alcoholics mississippi
serious lesbian dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories/]interracial dating stories[/url] gay czech dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/lonelycapt/]lonelycapt[/url] rosie o'donnell dating national republican fundraiser

Anonymous said...

Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know
a few of the pictures aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I've tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.

Check out my webpage book auf ra kostenlos spielen

Anonymous said...

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you
wrote the book in it or something. I think
that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a
bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog. A great read.
I will certainly be back.

My web site - book of ra kostenlos spielen ohne anmeldung mybet