In an event that should remind us how far we have come with alternate reality games and online technology over the past few years, this weekend sees the launch of a new, interactive web horror series called Slasher. Produced by Mikrotone Enterprises through their AlterNETreality.com site, Slasher will incorporate the company’s patent pending “Breaks” platform to allow audiences the revolutionary opportunity to watch and help decide the course of the show’s story in real-time using chat rooms, polls and other online tools to communicate with the actors onscreen. Hit the jump for more details about when the event will take place and how you can be a part of it.
Mikrotone has decided to use a familiar story for their first major foray into this type of ARG. Slasher will document a killer on the prowl, and the lone protagonist desperate to avoid an untimely demise. While the story may sound cliché, the real premise is quite the opposite, because the particulars of how the story plays out, primarily concerning the lead character’s decision making, will be determined by the audience’s input through the different methods of interactivity the platform provides.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect via the press materials we received:
“We have seen it a million times before. A super hot barely legal girl being chased by a slow, methodical force of evil. Every chance to survive wasted by yet another dumb decision by the character. Forget that formula!
“SLASHER” uses Alternetreality.com’s Patent Pending “Breaks” platform to deliver Live, Real-Time interaction between the actors on the screen and the viewers. If the character is about to make a bad decision, make your voice heard, and she might do it your way instead.
Communicate in real time through the chat room, or vote with the rest of the audience on key tactics and choices. Viewers earn points for each engagement made.”
Slasher will launch with a pilot this Saturday, January 26 at 8pm EST. You can watch and participate in how the show unfolds by going to alternetreality.com. You can also check out their Facebook page for more information leading up to the event.
The team behind Slasher hopes for an immersive, fun, and engaging online experience, and I wish them the best of luck. I’m curious to learn how the event will be received, how Mikrotone evaluates its success, and if we’ll see similar ARG projects like this take shape in the future.
Does the premise behind the Slasher ARG intrigue you? Will you be standing by Saturday night to witness the festivities unfold? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
