Ingress is an augmented reality game from NianticLabs, a subsidiary of Google. So Google. What are they up to now?
And what is augmented reality? Let us be quite stupid: Augmented reality is simply the world as we perceive it and how it surrounds us. But - and this is the important part - expanded, supplemented and completed, perhaps you could even go so far as to say: enriched. In this case enriched by a game. The game board is the world, how many games can say that? What exactly is happening on this board is shown by the scanner, a device that, to the uninitiated, looks like a normal (so far only Android) smartphone with the Ingress app. The player has to start it and can then see in which previously completely unsuspicious places in his surroundings a previously unknown new matter is seeping into the world. There are portals in these locations that the player can build, destroy, connect, conquer or harvest.
These portals are usually in special places in the real world, such as churches, statues, fountains, park entrances, small works of art or other local attractions.
Before the game begins, the player only has to decide which of the two sides he wants to play and fight on, with the enlightened ones or with the resistance. You shouldn't make the decision too easy for yourself because it is irreversible, it is final like a tattoo. But basically it doesn't matter either.
In any case, the Enlightened faction is of the opinion that the new energy can and should be used for the benefit of people. Your areas and portals are green. The Resistance faction, on the other hand, believes that the new energy is harming people and that further penetration of energy into the world must be prevented. Their color is blue. To play, the player not only has to arm himself with his cell phone and the Ingress app, but he also has to move. To the next portal namely. It matters where he stands, in front of the church, at the statue or - if he is very committed - in the middle of the fountain. This can actually be useful, intended for the game and certainly for self-confidence. Maybe not so much for your health. But that's the case with many games. In any case, from his position in the well he may be able to attack the portal particularly well and conquer it for his faction. If it already belongs to his faction, then he can at least strengthen the portal or receive items from the portal that can be used further in the game. This could, for example, be a portal key with which he can connect the portal to other portals or defend it against attacks from a distance without having to be on site. This is all less spectacular and can probably be done without getting your feet wet.
The game is simple enough to allow anyone to get started without a lot of frustration and screaming after downloading the app. At the same time, there are enough possibilities and options to keep even the advanced player happy. Ultimately, there are various factors that make the game so appealing. First of all, the game is well done in terms of graphics and sound. The connection to the real world also gives the game credibility and perhaps even a certain nerdy authenticity. The social component is also not neglected, because the success of actions increases with the degree of coordination with your fellow players. This creates contacts and perhaps friendships just like in traditional team sports. And finally, it's also a great conversation starter if you can say at the next party:
"The Brandenburg Gate? By the way, this is mine." - "How...?" - "Yes, and I secured the portal for my Enlightened faction with eight resonators and two portal shields! And now you’re coming!”
If that doesn't impress you, then unfortunately I don't know what will. In the end, the question remains what Google gets out of it all. The company motto 'Do not be evil' means something like 'Only do good!' Or at least nothing bad. Or if it does, then at least not consciously. So what's in it for Google? The answer to this question is controversial in Ingress specialist circles. But do you know the story of the two pigs? The first pig says to the second pig: “Isn’t it great that we can stay here in the farmer’s stable, warm and free of charge?” And the second pig answers: “Yes, and there’s plenty of food too!”
In the end it's like this: If the product costs nothing, you are probably the product yourself. But whatever, I have to go, my portal is under attack.
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Ingress is an augmented reality game from NianticLabs, a subsidiary of Google. So Google. What are they up to now? And what is augmented reality? Let us be quite stupid: Augmented reality is simply the world as we perceive it and how it surrounds us. But – and
