Alternate-Reality Game Woven Into Clothes

Michael Santo of RealTechNews writes:

It might be flattering if someone starts staring at your clothes because they’re cool, but if they start staring at them because they want to figure out the next part of a game… well, I’m not so sure about that. Edoc Laundry is set to launch its line of clothing on March 1, and its slogan, posted on its Web site, is “My Clothes Tell Secrets.”

The idea is an extension of so-called alternate-reality games, or ARGs, in which people try to solve puzzles that are propagated online but require players to team up to find clues in the real world. Usually, the games are promotional vehicles for other products, including video games and movies.

Edoc Laundry’s line integrates an ARG into its shirts, hats and accessories. The story involves the mysterious death of the manager of a fictional band called Poor Richard. Players find clues such as words and symbols embedded in the clothes. They then head to a Web site where they can unlock complex elements of the overriding story of Poor Richard and its music. Source: News.com

We Say: Edoc Laundry freely admits that while the ideal would be for consumers to buy multiple pieces to solve the games, they will also likely look to the Web for clues. On the other hand, I went to its Web site, and based on what I saw, and also the image, I like its designs, game or no game.

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[tags]game,realtechnews,michael santo,edoc laundry,arg,my clothes tell secrets[/tags]