I've been playing this new larp. It is a solo larp....
Last week, I ran 5 times, for a total of 10.4 miles. I've run away from a lot of zombies, and doubt I'd run at all if not for the zombies run ap.
The game has some downsides around agency and figuring out the right level of difficulty for the town sub-game, but it is really immersive.
I'm not sure if I think of it as a video game, a kinesthetic audio book, or a solo larp. It is delightful that it crosses so many media types, and hits so many of my buttons. It is remarkable that it has gotten me to obsess over running.
I wonder if they have larpwrites, and if they are concerned about agency. I'd feel much more connected to the story and the characters if my actions did more than keep the zombies away from me.
Thoughts on other games with minimal agency but high immersion? Or how those variables interact in other games?
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This is super interesting, it seems like an augmented reality game. But it uses physical exercise instead of puzzles, for the purpose of physical exercise. The goal is the mechanic, which is interesting in and of itself.
ReplyDeleteZombies, Run! Has been out for a couple of years now. I always regarded more as story to listen too and motivate me as opposed to an actual game. The town building stuff is cute, but I never really cared much about it. The physical accomplishment is much more rewarding.
ReplyDeleteI consider it more an audio book, not really a game. The point is to run, not stand their twiddling your thumbs against the screen. Adding agency, IMHO, would detract from the over all goal and point of the app which has moved a lot from the couch to full 5k.
I've noticed a lot of people who don't normally run jump right into Zombies, Run! with out taking the time to notice Zombies 5k. Which, can be really painful by week 3 for a novice runner. Zombies 5k is a great trainer app. One of the top 3 in my opinion. It sets a realistic goals and keeps you aware of your pace, which intern keeps you focused on your posture breathing.
I hope you keep running, as the story gets more interesting and your progress gets more impressive.
I've used/played 'Zombies, Run!' a few times. I thought it was fun but it was a pretty flat experience. The only incentive I had to play more was to learn more about the story. I didn't feel there was enough game to keep me excited after a few runs.
ReplyDeleteI wish it had mini-interlude games (pick a lock for example) and not relied on audio so much.
It's fun though.
Well, the whole point of the App is to be Running trainer. To get people up and moving. If you just stop to pick a lock in the middle of run, that's actually no good. You're doing terrible thing to your muscles, cardio vascular system by stopping in the middle of run.
ReplyDeleteAlways warm up before a run, stretch, some jumping jacks, a little jump rope even to get the body primed and always walk when you;re done, and then stretch after the walk. So much less pain and stress on the body that way.
Kevin Farnworth It is interesting. And weird. Not sure if you've used it, but the only real feedback is if you run as fast as the zombies during a zombie chase. If you do, hooray. If not, they steal some of your stuff. Beyond that, there doesn't seem to be a way to lose, or to have to redo a level. I'd like to lose oh, maybe one run in 20.
ReplyDeleteThomas G. I wish there was something, but i don't think picking locks is the way to go. Whatever it is needs to keep you running.
David Hawkins I haven't found it that bad yet, and I'm nearing the end of season 1. I think it is important to note that the 5k race happens after season 1, probably on purpose. As you can basically set your own pace, I'm not sure how it is painful. And Agency doesn't have to mean thumbs on a screen.
Some possible ideas for agency:
ReplyDelete1. Run faster right NOW to pick someone up, or else leave them.
2. Make a choice: left or right. Signal that by running. This winds up mattering. This would probably only work on GPS. On a treadmill, return to (1) to do this.
3. the ability to lose by not improving or hitting a goal. Or by zombies eating you.
These are all ways to gain agency and consequences while staying within the chief mechanic.
I've trained with some pretty out of shape people who have just picked up the app and figured they could start running with out strengthening and conditioning. Calf cramps, stitches in the side from not knowing how to breath, back aches. Even pulled muscles and asthma attacks. I see this quite often. People stop using the app because they were expecting a game, and not exercise.
ReplyDeletePacing is key. There is a distinct difference between a Brisk Walk, a Jog, a Run, and a Sprint. I've enjoyed running as part of training for most of my life since I start playing football (soccer), and I get excited when start picking it up. I try to encourage people to do their research before they use the app, and to be very aware of the individual limitations of their bodies.
You've obviously covered those basis. Though, as with any form of exercise, their is a risk of damage muscles and joints which could exacerbate previously unknown limitations and injuries.
Those are good ideas for Agency. On a treadmill especially, it could lead to some safety issues for those who run in their neighborhood or along roads. Especially #1 and #2, not so much on #3.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably a lot easier for me than it would have been a year ago due to my injury, and the resultant months of physical therapy. That greatly increased my physical awareness.
ReplyDeleteThose are just initial ideas to prove the game could be a game.
ReplyDeletePT would have a lot to do with it. What's awesome is that you came away from PT with a lot than a rehabilitated injury.
ReplyDeleteDavid Hawkins And don't get me wrong, I've stopped due to unexpected wheezing, muscles that hurt more than I think is good, and all sorts of other crap. Usually, slowing down and cooling down does the trick. I've kept in touch with my PT, who says its a good start.
ReplyDeleteNow, to see if the good start will become a good habit. Time will tell.
Seems to me you're doing everything right.
ReplyDeleteI think presenting fitness as a game that is more than a sport is a great idea. Having it be challenging on a creative plane as well as an intellectual and physical one, while keeping safety and proper form and technique is a serious balancing act.
Seems to me you're doing everything right.
ReplyDeleteI think presenting fitness as a game that is more than a sport is a great idea. Having it be challenging on a creative plane as well as an intellectual and physical one, while keeping safety and proper form and technique is a serious balancing act.