An alternate reality game developer recently discovered a surprising roadblock: his carefully crafted email-based hint system no longer works because younger players don’t seem to understand how to use email properly. In an era where instant messaging and social media dominate communication, relying on email as a core gameplay mechanic feels increasingly out of step. Players unfamiliar with managing inboxes, reading headers, or even composing a simple message are stumbling over what was meant to be an intuitive part of the experience. This unexpected disconnect highlights just how much digital habits have shifted and serves as a reminder that game design needs to keep pace with its audience’s evolving tech literacy. It might be time for ARG creators to rethink how clues and hints are delivered if they want to engage the next generation of players.
Source: pcgamer.com
