Last month, there was big hype over what Pottermore.com was going to be. We've since learned that not only is it for the exclusive distribution of the e-version of the Harry Potter books, but Rowling said she "wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new generation". The site is an interactive environment and includes some 18,000 words of new writing! Just like Harry, users will be assigned a house by the sorting hat, mix potions, shop for their own wand and compete with their friends for a house cup by playing games. How cool is that! This week limited access to a beta version is being given to those who answer Magical Quill Challenge clue, with a full launch to all users in October. There is only a limited amount of registration spots available each day and only two days left.
Scholastic's 39 Clues series has a successful interactive edge to it, with cards in the books containing codes that unlocked even more clues. I loved this and so did my son, for him it was a great way to learn new things, in a fun way. There was over $100,000 in prizes given away!
Now, Michael Grant, the writer of the best selling GONE series has a new series coming out. Where Pottermore came out after the series was complete, the fun begins for BZRK prior to it's release. Go BZRK, the book, "comes out this winter, but the interactive part starts now. One leads up to the other, but they're part of a complete package" according to Mr. Grant. You don't have to participate interactively, "but the deeper you plunge the wetter you get. I think every part of this is fun, I think people will enjoy the ARG, the app, the site and the books". You can get started by visiting societytwins.com and register with nexushumanus.com. There will be video, puzzles, community collaboration, and more!
I love seeing new promotional tools, something really different to create early buzz. I'm curious on how this will play out, what it is that will make me want to revisit which I think is the key to it's success. I know I've said this before, but the Harry Potter series is in a league of their own and I do see me wanting to spend time in that world again, not only to share it with my kids but because I love it so much!
So, what do you think? Is transmedia the wave of the future? Will you try it out? Is it something you see yourself coming back to regularly? What series would you love to see made interactive?
About Author Mel Boulrice
I don't know. It doesn't strike a cord with me. Great question though.
ReplyDeleteWith the Harry Potter i can see it be a new way to get new readers...like my kids to read and play the games.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't like everything always digitial. There was life before the internet.
Juju ~ I'm not convinced yet either
ReplyDeleteJulie ~ Me either, but it is neat how things are evolving. I have yet to buy an e-reader :o
I registered for Pottermore but that's because I'm a Potterhead. I can see why publishers are trying new media outlets because more kids and teens are online, so the best way to reach them about literature is probably through the web. Getting them invested about a series through a game/interactive experience might make them want to read the book more than someone just telling them too? I think it's worth a shot!
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings. It's the future whether we want it or not and sometimes a lot of fun but part of me feels like all these things are gimmicks to get us to spend more money.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a way to perhaps encourage the reading, if it's marketed properly, to the strictly gaming crowd. As you know (Mel), I'm part of a kids online gaming site already. I love how they've incorporated mythology, literature, and pop culture into the game's themes. Everything from Sherlock Holmes to Selena Gomez are in it. It's a reminder to kids that not everything is digital and, when parents are really involved, they can share the books that led up to content in the games. Call me an optimist about it, but I think it's kind of cool if done properly :)
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