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You Are Currently Watching: DELETED:The Game -I’m soooo excited
Posted On: August 20, 2008Posted In: Genre, general entertainment
Comments: 21 Responses
Okay, take a deep breath…calm down and type…
I was researching a piece on “Gemini Division“, NBC’s first real video foray into our online back alleys, that I was going to write when I stumbled onto a comment about the show on Reel Pop blog by someone called “Deleted the Game”. Weird name, I thought, so I clicked through and found this amazing, very cool, totally groovy online video + social media scavenger hunt called…you guessed it “DELETED: the Game.
I’m excited because, not only are the production values (EXCEPT the AUDIO- thanks Patty for your comment) and the story – so far – good, but because this is a video series that really gets the possibilities of what online video can be.
It’s so ironic that I stumbled across it whilst researching NBC’s heavy handed attempt to set up their own shop online. They go about it in he usual way – throw $1.75 Million at it, get a few stars and tack together a story based on concepts that have proven to work in the past (let’s see after watching the trailer and the 1st episode of Gemini Division, I’d say it’s ingredients are: a cup of Blade Runner, a dash of Soldier (the Kurt Russel Sci Fi) and a pinch of Buffy, shake well and there you have it – Gemini Division).
DELETED: the Game, however seems to pulling together several of the aspects that make an online experience so great – and I’m not just talking about video. With this show you’ve got the standard web-series, you’ve got the online game thing, you’ve got social websites involved and you’ve got the whole crowd sourcing thing (meaning the audience influences the plot) all rolled into one.
This is about as close to total user immersion experience as you can get without actually being on the set filming with them…well, actually this is the big prize if you win. And speaking of prizes, you’ve got the chance of winning prizes each episode, which seems kinda cool ’cause that means you don’t have to have been there from the beginning in order to take part.
I’ve still not gotten to the bottom of who is doing this and where it’s coming from. I’d love to believe that this is an independent project and not some savvy marketing ploy…still, I completely dig this show and concept! It’s way better than NBC’s Gemini Division in a head-to-head comparison of first episodes.
Any big name producers out there? Anyone at all? Well, if in the off-chance that there are people with that special super-hero attribute called “thought leadership” you must get the WORD OUT! This is what online video should be about: full usage of the online resources available to, maximizing user experience and relationship with content producers.
Oh yeah. What’s the show about…ha ha ha. yeah. I was getting to that:
The story revolves around Tyler who is struggling to piece together her life after a traumatic incident left her with a memory failure condition (anyone remember the movie Memento?) Tyler develops a system to cope, recording important facts she uncovers in a chain of video logs. Over the show’s first season, she finds herself embroiled in a conspiracy. Tyler appeals for help from her friends in the show, and here’s the twist, she goes on to appeal for help from her online friends, current and prospective, on a prominent social networking site. The producers have been seeding a trail of clues in each episode and all over the internet, setting up a massive online treasure hunt. For their help, viewers earn points towards an all-expenses paid trip to meet the cast at the end of the season.
My Tips for those interested in Playing:
- add tylermills 1982 and PicaroAsombro on Youtube and Myspace
- check the video very very closely for odd edits and shots – for example see minute 1.27 in the trailer for the number hint 318
- start doing some web research about secureidguard.com
This is so cool. They must have been seeding the web for months getting this all together.
the Bottom Line:
4 out of 5 stars – we’ve just seen the first episode…I’m giving it room to grow, but honestly, this one knocked my socks right off.
21 Responses to “DELETED:The Game -I’m soooo excited”
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August 20th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Just think if it actually intersected and was a part of the Gemini Division universe.
Imagine if it was something that was produced by or in conjunction with EFE. Now that would be interesting and cool.
I think I will play that game as if it is in the Gemini Division universe. It fits right in as a story told 5 minutes in the future and I may be able to deepen both experiences that way.
Thanks for pointing it out.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Youre kidding right?? I couldnt even follow the story in episode one the audio mix is so bad.. and shots of someone on a laptop, shots of a chat screen – this knocked your socks off?!!! wow…..
August 20th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
@ Tim,
okay I’ll bite, that would be interesting if they were in some way associated with EFE and this was all a big intertwined conspiracy…but I do have to point out Patty’s comment- there are some wildly divergent production values going on here between the two shows for a start. We’ll see. Thanks for your comment.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
@ Patty,
you are absolutely correct in you assessment of their audio – it SUCKED!
I was so wrapped up in my delight about them using the online media to it’s fullest, that I forgot to cover a basic point – you gotta have good techies do production and post – and the sound seriously suffers in this first episode.
But, Tiki Bar, and the Casanovas also suffered form the same “birthing” audio problems. Let’s hope DELETED get it together.
Thanks for you comment.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Thanks so much for the supportive review … wait till we throw into the mix the LIVE interactions we have planned in cities near you
… maybe then we can get that fifth star.
Truly Indies,
Deleted: The Game
PS. Apologies, our sound in Ep 1 was bad, we’ll do better in Ep 2.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Just watched the video and signed up.
After seeing it in action I agree that it most likely doesn’t have a tie in. Oh well. I am just getting into the ARG scene, so I think I will check out Deleted: the Game a bit deeper.
Looking forward to Gemini Division as it commences, the plot deepens, and its official ARG begins.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:38 am
@ DELETED:the Game
glad you guys are truly indies! You’ve awakened big expectations, so we’re all looking forward to seeing where this ride goes.
BTW: I e-mailed Daisey Whitney my story so let’s see if she picks it up in her video blog
August 21st, 2008 at 6:39 am
@ Todd,
you know, I do need to give Gemini Division a fair chance. I’ll check out ep. 2 and then do a review. Hell, ep 1 wasn’t bad at all.
August 21st, 2008 at 5:39 pm
We’ve fixed the Episode 1 sound mix on our website http://www.deletedthegame.com, hope it’s a better experience for everyone. We’ll do better for Episode 2 due out tomorrow.
Glad you’re giving Gemini Division a chance, it does have a lot of potential and its success is so critical to the genre.
Deleted: The Game
August 21st, 2008 at 9:32 pm
thanks for the update, I’ll update my post and add a new one too. Love what you’re doing and am looking forward to seeing how this progresses.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
[...] my recent review about the new online video series DELETED: the Game I mentioned that I was really excited about [...]
August 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Thanks Deleted: The Game. Like what you are doing and look forward to checking it out.
Since it looks like you are significantly better at ARG than I am, I was wondering what you thought of my analysis of the codes that flash at the end of some of Gemini Division’s video clips. Pretty cool stuff.
http://www.geminidivisionfiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=38.
Again, looking forward to checking out Deleted: The Game. Our blog focuses on the convergence of broadcasting mediums moving forward to an immersive experience for future viewers.
Part of the process is convincing others that it is a prime time for change. Keep up the good work.
@admin: looking forward to reading what you write, I think the ARG part doesn’t start up until the end of next week. Though, like I referenced above, some of it may already be out there.
Tim Todd
August 21st, 2008 at 10:48 pm
It is cool that Deleted: The Game worked to fix the audio. Now, I don’t even remember what it sounded like before. I just checked the audio above and it does have a pretty distinct robotic, tinny sound to most of the voices. The audio definitely could be still be a lot better and doesn’t compare to Gemini Division. However, I think it is important to remember that Deleted: The Game is a different type of project, with a different type of budget, and with different levels of audio/video experience. It is new media and it does interest me. I like that they are pushing the edge and creating new content. Now, I just wish I had more time.
September 16th, 2008 at 12:59 am
[...] Game -I’m soooo excitedWeb Episodes and Scavenger Hunt – I’m totally in!http://online-video-reviews.com/2008/deletedthe-game-im-soooo-excited/Community Comment: Virus onboard the Space Station… Good evening, Netizens… According to the [...]
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:17 pm
[...] to watch and interact – just the thing for folks tired of the cerebral intensity of an ARG like DELETED: the game (which is fun, but very very time consuming). This is the kind of thing that makes online video so [...]
October 1st, 2008 at 8:18 pm
[...] Johnny X” and it looked like it might be a Memento-style video ad maybe even an ARG like DELETED:the game, so I thought, “what the hell” and clicked [...]
November 27th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Quick Update: Deleted: The Game is now over with the Nov 4th finale converging on Elections 2008. Thanks to Ethan and Zach election fraud on a major scale was averted and no one still really knows if Tyler was killed or is just missing and waiting to be found.
The title has done over 2 million views since going live Aug 15, 2008. We have the most amazing audience, thanking them for their support, these folks helped generate over 70 pages of independent comments and discussion. We are blown away and very motivated to make the sequel even better … the wish list is open for input!
Deleted: The Game
February 13th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Have some very exciting news to share … Deleted: The Game has been shortlisted in two categories for the Webby Awards 2009 … we’ve got our fingers crossed that we can progress further but we’re realistic, the competition this year seems really stiff.
And for all the web TV enthusiasts who visit this fine site, the newest web TV award, the Streamys, are to reveal their audience choice finalists this Sun 2/15.
Please wish us luck!
Deleted: The Game
April 15th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Back again with some updates.
Sadly, we were not selected for the Streamys sniff sniff
Thankfully, Deleted: The Game has been nominated for the Best Experimental Film & Video category against the likes of MTV, Sundance Channel, Channel 4 UK and a top Swedish ad agency, gulp!
And we were made an Official Nominee in the Best Use of Interactive Video category.
We’re very grateful for the support of our fans and supporters, we would love if you would take some time to register and vote us for the Webby’s People’s Voice award here http://pv.webbyawards.com
Thank you, Online Video Review!
Deleted: The Game
April 15th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
… and maybe its time to do another “when Online Video Review got it right” story” Really though … thank you for believing in us
)
Deleted: The Game
April 15th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
… alright one last quickie just for you, check out the updates on our website and click on the little red star before you leave
Deleted: The Game