OSLO, Norway – Oct 15th, 2019 – Funcom have teamed up with alternate reality game (ARG) experts Alice & Smith to create an eerie and unique experience ahead of the launch of cosmic horror game Moons of Madness. The result is CyranoStory.com, where players from all over the world already have discovered hidden parts of the narrative and backstory of the highly anticipated game.
The ARG, which will continually be updated with new content till Moons of Madness launches on PC October 22nd, utilizes Google AI in an innovative fashion – giving it control over the storyline and player interactions.
“This is by far the most advanced ARG we have ever created,” explains Andrea Doyon, Chief Storyteller at Alice & Smith. “We have basically put Google AI in charge of the game universe. You interact with it through words, like with any other AI, but it will reply using emotions, sounds, visuals or even creepy ghost whispers.”
Fear is central to CyranoStory.com, and Doyon reveals that they have taught the AI 298 human phobias for this game. This will allow the AI to identify the players worst fears based on what they input. It will also allow the AI and storyline to evolve as the game reaches new stages.
And while it may be creepy, courageous gamers may find themselves greatly rewarded. Funcom and Alice & Smith are giving out 2000 keys for Moons of Madness, The Park and The Black Watchmen, as well as a grand prize trip to visit a NASA space center. The grand prize includes tickets for two people to Space Center Houston®, including Lunch with an Astronaut, Level 9 VIP Tour (Including Space Center Admissions; winners must be 14 or older to participate), round trip air transportation and hotel accommodations for three nights; all provided by Funcom Oslo AS*.
No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited. Restrictions apply. Visit www.CyranoStory.com after Noon EST 25 October for Official Rules and complete Terms and Conditions. *Funcom declares no affiliation, sponsorship, nor any partnerships with any registered trademarks unless otherwise stated.
Moons of Madness is a first-person, story-driven cosmic horror game where the scientific exploration of Mars meets the supernatural dread of Lovecraft. The game is due to launch on PC in time for Halloween on October 22nd and on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One January 21st, 2020. For more information, check out the Moons of Madness Steam page.
ABOUT FUNCOM
Funcom is an independent developer and publisher of online games for PC and consoles. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track-record of more than twenty released games. Titles include ‘Conan Exiles‘, ‘Secret World Legends, ‘Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures’, ‘The Longest Journey', 'Anarchy Online', 'The Park', and 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'. For corporate information please visit www.funcom.com. For information about Funcom games visit www.conanexiles.com, www.secretworldlegends.com, www.anarchy-online.com, www.dreamfall.com, www.theparkgame.com, www.conanexiles.com, or www.ageofconan.com. Funcom is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker FUNCOM.ABOUT ALICE & SMITH
Alice & Smith is a full-stack entertainment agency specializing in alternate reality games (ARGs), interactive content, and transmedia events. Their recent work includes ‘Tender ARG’ for Paradox Interactive - Bloodlines 2 and ‘Waking Titan’, No Man's Sky ARG for Hello Games. The company started creating ARGs in 2007 and was the first permanent Alternate Reality Game on Steam with The Black Watchmen. The independent studio won multiple awards including Startup of the Year, Best Indie Game at Momocon 2019, Bronze at the 2018 Cannes Lions festival, and the Gold medal at the 2018 Canadian Marketing Awards.ABOUT ROCK POCKET GAME
Rock Pocket Games is an independent game development studio situated in Tønsberg, Norway. Rock Pocket started up developing mobile games back in 2008, and have since then grown to an award winning studio behind both mobile, PC and console titles. Rock Pocket hold quality, communication, passion and fun in high regards and strongly believe that this is their strength when creating great products everyone involved can be proud of.Article by Susan N.
