Three little games as social experiments...
So far we've discussed games that are designed, but some of the best entertainments evolve. Like truth or dare between childhood friends that grows as they do. Betting siblings or in-jokes at the factory, dadaist theatre sports and flash-mobbing, they all grew slowly between like minded folks. I grant you many of these are not quite ARGs by Hanna's definition, but they all can be components of one.
Twenty questions about your business card (icebreaker game):
One or more people who don't know each other, or at least haven't seen each other's business cards place theirs face down on a table (or hidden if it is double sided.) With more than two people it is played 'round robin'.
Each person guesses some attribute of the business card like in the game twenty questions. For example:
"Is it black and white?"
"Yes"
"Is your job title more than one word?"
"No"
"Is your job title a verb?"
"Yes"
"Are you in marketing?"
"Yes"
There is no winner, per se, but the game is a fun icebreaker at conventions.
What do I do for a living? (solo experiment of how others perceive you):
This game is based off of something known in my circle as 'the dream game'.
Firstly you will need a source of random data that refreshes with each question.
You will answer 'yes or no' to questions about your profession randomly. To be truly random, you will use this source of data. Traditionally, we have used the last letter in the question. If it is in the first half of the alphabet say yes, if it is in the last half say no.
This means the person is getting 'white noise' from you in answer to their questions. Don't inform them of this before you begin, or you will spoil the experiment. Why would you do this?
This is a way to honestly explore how you appear to strangers, and what box they put you in. As a magician I have experienced this many times. Performing up close and interacting with people, I get a lot of insight into what stereotypes people associate me with as a performer. It's a little magic mirror for me and I cherish its honesty.
This game is exactly like that. I suggest playing it for only twenty questions so as not to bore or overload a stranger. Also 20-?s, provides a nice known framework to work with (overly complicated rules bore strangers!). Over time you might be amused to discover that many people assume you're a chef, or well read, or aligned politically one way or the other. This game really grows on you in time.
At the end, let them know you were answering randomly, and explain the game. Then they can join in the fun!
Is there back way outta here? (social thrills):
This is a little action game that is fun, but a little risky for you action junkies. I encourage you to be very careful what you say when playing this game, but when played properly is totally harmless.
Go to any establishment like a cafe or a movie theate. Even large corporations or conventions are fun places to play this. You can play this alone or with friends as a sort of 'dare game'.
The goal is simple. Persuade an employee of such an establishment to let you out 'the back way'. Now this is why I have the caveat about playing properly. Telling them the big guy out front is trying to kill you is bound to land you in trouble eventually. You need a more subtle excuse that doesn't suggest calling the cops.
Social embarrassment works well in Britain, and ex-girlfriends often work very well as an excuse. However, you have a fine line here and shouldn't push it if the person just isn't interested, after all they're working. Since you haven't actually got a reason, there's no consequences for you, but might be for them. I find this game gives you a little thrill every time, whether you succeed or fail. It also tends to give the staff some sort of thrill if you strike the right balance.
