GAME DESIGN
After an initial viewing of the Damaged web-series, the audience is prompted to follow a link to the series’ ARG website. Using a password seen input in the episode, they gain access to a virtual desktop recreation filled with files, folders, websites, a podcast, and other applications—all designed to appear as though they live in-world.
Through exploration of this content, and interaction with one of the series protagonists through a desktop/phone SMS feature—in reality a creative and sophisticated chatbot—fans combine various clues and unwittingly set the stage for the final episode’s bombshell reveal.
CONNECTED NARRATIVES
Developing the ARG and series narrative in tandem, series director Richard Rotter and I worked closely to build a compelling and connected story. The narrative explored in the ARG provides a mirror to the events in the series, providing additional details and adding context to the unfolding plot.
Eventually the ARG builds towards an immersive hook to the web-series’ twist ending—when the audience learns that their path reflected that of the series plot and that they were ultimately responsible for several characters’ fates through their investigation.
This interaction provides a compelling experience that amplifies the web-series’ narrative by adding additional context which completely changes the perspective of the audience and their role.
OUTCOMES
Winner of the 2019 Banff World Media Festival Rockie Award for Best Interactive Content
Finalist in the 2018-2019 “Web Series” category of the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards
Runner-up for Best Web Series and Best Noir at the 2018 Los Angeles Film Awards
Nominated for the Rogers Prize for Excellence in Canadian Content
Featured on Sirius XM’s The Breakdown and The Richard Crouse Show on Newstalk1010
