Search for Bourne—Wrap-up

August 4th, 2007

Well, the Ultimate Search for Bourne does seem to be well an truly over despite the ambiguous ending. The countdown clock and “415″ don’t seem to have meant anything significant. The web page now just redirects to the official site for the movie.

Here’s my final take on the game: I thought it was pretty lame. I know it’s meant to be a promotion, so it has to have a low enough bar for entry that anyone can play and have fun. So although I personally didn’t like how easy it was, I understand that decision.

But I thought that, especially as the days progressed, it felt less and less like I spy game. I had originally speculated that an alternate reality game (ARG) like this could be the best medium for a spy game.  My first day or two of play, the challenges felt fun. I felt a tiny bit like I was engaging in Internet-based espionage.

That feeling faded by the third day. Perhaps the buggy interface is partly to blame. I’m certain the fact that the challenges felt exactly the same from one to another contributed.

By the end, even with a final challenge that was slightly more interesting, the cloak-and-dagger delight was gone.

I still think an MMORPG with a strong Internet-based ARG element could be phenomenally fun. But that ARG element would have to be a lot better than the Ultimate Search for Bourne.

The game may not have been fun, but it was a “success.” It kept many people busy thinking about the movie, even as they complained about the game’s problems. And despite my disappoiintment with the game, I’ll be seeing the movie. The bonus video at the end was a lame “reward,” but definitely a fun clip.

So, anyone have any other thoughts? Or pointers to any other, better ARGs worth investigating?

Thanks to all the readers and commenters, by the way. You made the game more fun than it ever would have been on your own.

Entry Filed under: Alternate Reality Game, Search for Bourne, Advertising, Online