Pervasive Games

The description of something that is 'pervasive' is something that spreads widely throughout an area, or group of people. However, according to Jaakko Stenros and Markus Montola, the definition of a pervasive game is quite different; and they go on to show what they believe to be the two groups of pervasive games:

Established Genres

• Treasure Hunts
• Assassination Games
• Pervasive LARPs
• ARGs

Emerging Genres

• Smart Street Sports
• Playful Public Performances
• Urban Adventure Games
• Reality Games

The definitions of these genres are self-explanatory, however I don't find these style of games as interesting as many other types of games. Most of these pervasive games are not particularly competitive, this is likely because such a style of game play common in these genres is not as conducive to competition as more convention forms of games.

One of the main attractions to this form of gaming is the notion of becoming immersed in a game that becomes part of one's life and begins blurring the lines between reality and game in order for this sense of a 'real' game to become as close to true as possible. This is particularly shown by assassination style games. This attraction is far more common in the 'established genres', and is possibly why these games were created before these newer emerging genres. The main problem I have with enjoying these sorts of games is that they appeal to those who want to be immersed, and are generally not particularly competitive. I personally hugely prefer competitive games, and although treasure hunts could be a competition between teams; and assassination games are very clearly player against player; they are still far more casual than the E-Sports games I have such interest in.

However, regardless of my personal tastes with such games, they are still popular. Pervasive games have been utilised a lot by many people and are continually enjoyed, perhaps being somewhat caused by movies such as La Decima Vitimma (a movie that features a world wherein a lethal Assassination pervasive game is commonplace and celebrated). So it is important that one understands their use and attraction so that one could put together and create a pervasive game for many people to enjoy.