Ourcolony.net(X Box 2)

[nogoodnick 0]

Microsoft launched a site similar to the Halo 2 marketing campaign Ilovebees.com. So far there isn't much up, but its pretty weird.

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/606/606544p1.html

Ourcolony

April 21, 2005 - The advertising pioneers at 4orty2wo Entertainment are at it again. Recently, Microsoft launched another viral campaign which leads to snippets of information regarding the next Xbox. These viral campaigns are a form of alternate reality game (ARG) that create in- depth "narratives" that ultimately draw the players of the game towards a reward wrapped in an advertisement. Until the game ends on May 12th we will be following the progress of this campaign along with new Xbox 360 information.

 

Fans of Halo 2 will remember the last 4orty2wo campaign that was based around Ilovebees.com. This URL was released along with the Halo 2 trailer in theaters and led millions of visitors on a wild goose chase. People who followed the game to its completion were given access to events on November 4th, where they were able to play Halo 2 before its release to the general public. 42 Entertainment's web site claims they create large scale "search operas," designed to cause consumers to look for the product.

 

The new campaign also starts with a website called Ourcolony.net, which hooks visitors with some cryptic blurbs of information, images, and some riddles. There is an image gallery which features the website's logo in various locations around the country. The logo is an ant. This not only alludes to the name of the site, but follows the "hive" allusions in the ilovebees.com campaign, and the general behavior of consumers who play the game. At GDC this year, J. Allard sported a t-shirt bearing the ant logo, and sparked some of the first discussions relating Microsoft to Ourcolony.net. It appears that bugs are the best way to create a buzz.

 

Gamers are encouraged to register with the site and either join a colony, or create their own. It is heavily emphasized that only players who work together and spread the message will be successful in advancing the game. The site features a leader board that awards points to colonies that sign up more members and answer questions correctly.

 

Like the previous ARG, Ourcolony.net features a timer that counts down to May 12th. Up until this morning participants could only speculate at what would occur when the clock reached zero. Then, Peter Moore, corporate vice-president of worldwide marketing and publishing for Xbox, announced that the Xbox 2 will be revealed to the world on MTV on May 12th. You can read more about the recently announced event here.

My colony # is 98729669 if you want to join or you can start your own.

[Jobber of the Week 0]

I'll just wait for others to post the results. The actual rules of play are too terribly vague.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Alright, I'm in. Let's join this colony.

[nogoodnick 0]

I've been in for a week or two and I still can't figure shit out. If I do find anything I'll post it back here.