What is Unfiction? | ARGs & the History of Online Storytelling

Summary

The video script delves into 'unfixing', a realm of internet-based storytelling that blurs reality with fiction. It traces the evolution of the concept from early alternate reality games like 'The Beast' to the demise of the influential onfiction.com forum. The narrator, Nick Nocturne, discusses the importance of maintaining immersion and the distinction between ARGs and other unfixing experiences, advocating for the revival of 'unfixing' as a term to encompass this diverse field of creative expression.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses 'Unfixing', a form of storytelling that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, often involving audience interaction.
• 🎮 'Unfixing' is contrasted with ARGs (Alternate Reality Games), where the latter involves direct audience participation to influence the narrative.
• 🕵️ The term 'Unfixing' was coined to encompass a broader range of immersive storytelling beyond what could be categorized as ARGs.
• 🌐 The video credits the website 'Unfiction' and its community for being central to the discussion and development of 'Unfixing' and ARGs.
• 🔍 The script differentiates between ARGs and 'Unfixing' experiences, noting that the latter does not necessarily require audience interaction to progress the story.
• 🎬 Examples of 'Unfixing' projects are given, such as 'Wham City Comedy' and 'This House Has People in It', demonstrating how these experiences can be immersive and interactive.
• 👥 The video acknowledges the difficulty in defining and categorizing the diverse range of projects that fall under the 'Unfixing' umbrella.
• 🗓 The history of 'Unfixing' and ARGs is traced back to the late 1990s, with the Blair Witch Project being a significant early example of this storytelling technique.
• 💬 The script emphasizes the importance of maintaining the illusion of reality within 'Unfixing' projects, even when the audience knows it's fictional.
• 🌟 The video pays tribute to the legacy of 'Unfiction' and its role in fostering a community around 'Unfixing' and ARGs, despite the forum's unfortunate closure.
• 🔗 The video concludes by advocating for the use of 'Unfixing' as a catch-all term for immersive, reality-blurring storytelling experiences.

Q & A

What is the term 'unfixing' and how does it relate to storytelling?

Unfixing is a realm of storytelling that defies the conventions of the medium it's working with and stays in character, similar to how a WWE wrestler or a Disney park employee remains in character. It's an immersive experience that blurs the line between truth and fiction, often involving the audience in a way that makes them question the reality of the narrative.

What is the significance of the website 'onfiction.com' in the context of unfixing?

Onfiction.com was a crucial resource and community hub for unfixing, providing information on new games, web series, and cryptic or odd projects. It was created by Sean Stacey and served as a central place for discussion and information sharing about alternate reality games and similar projects.

What was the role of the Cloverfield game in the development of unfixing?

The Cloverfield game in 2007 was a significant event in the field of unfixing as it was one of the most popular alternate reality games ever produced by mainstream media. It ignited the passion for unconventional storytelling methods and contributed to the growth of the unfixing community.

What is the origin of the term 'ARG' and how does it relate to unfixing?

ARG stands for Alternate Reality Game, a term coined around the same time that unfixing was born. It refers to a game that blends fiction with reality, often involving puzzles and interactive elements. The term ARG is often used interchangeably with unfixing, although not all unfixing projects are games.

What is the difference between unfixing and chaotic fiction as defined by Sean Stacey?

Chaotic fiction, as defined by Sean Stacey, is a fictional construct that is unpredictable and not predetermined, produced in tandem between authors and audience. Unfixing, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a variety of storytelling projects that blur the line between fiction and reality, not necessarily confined to the chaotic nature of chaotic fiction.

Why did the unfixing forum go down and what was the aftermath?

The unfixing forum went down following a major storm that caused physical damage to the infrastructure. The forum software was also found to be incompatible with the latest PHP versions. Despite attempts to salvage it, the forum and its archives were lost, leading to a period of reflection and reevaluation within the community about the terminology and definitions used in the field.

What is the significance of the term 'This is not a game' in the context of unfixing?

The phrase 'This is not a game' is a defining mantra of the alternate reality gaming genre, first put forth in the movie AI. It encapsulates the idea that despite the fictional nature of the project, the audience is asked to treat it as if it were real, thus blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

How does the concept of 'kayfabe' relate to unfixing?

Kayfabe is a term from professional wrestling where performers stay in character and do not break character, even when not performing. In unfixing, the concept of kayfabe is applied to maintain the immersive experience, where creators and participants stay in character to uphold the reality of the story being told.

What is the distinction between an unfixing project and an alternate reality game?

An unfixing project is a broader term for any immersive storytelling experience that blurs reality, while an alternate reality game (ARG) specifically involves game elements such as puzzles or specific actions that the audience must take to influence the story or uncover its elements.

How can one identify whether they have encountered an unfixing project?

An unfixing project can be identified by its insistence on the reality of a fictional scenario, its use of various media to deliver a story, and its immersive nature that often requires the audience to engage with the content beyond just passive consumption.

What is the role of the audience in an unfixing project?

The audience plays a crucial role in unfixing projects, often being asked to engage with the content, solve puzzles, or participate in the narrative in some way. Their actions can sometimes influence the story or uncover hidden elements, contributing to the overall experience.