metacortechs

You know, sometimes it’s really hard to keep a secret. I’ve struggling with this one for a while now (though I broke down and told a friend or two, it’s just that good!)

THE PROJECT MU ARCHIVES ARE IN PRINT!

huh?

Well, if you haven’t already seen the online version, I suggest you head over there right quick. One of my favorite websites, it’s all about Metacortechs (code named Project MU) but from the players perspective and written in the weeks and months following the actual run of the game. This allowed them to create a unique walkthru of an Alternate Reality Game with the insights of having gone through it. So, unlike the more comprehensive guides and trails, they were able to reduce some of the confusion and speculation as far as the story was concerned – making it much more readable. So readable, in fact, that it’s the first website that I refer to people interested in ARGs.

I was gushing about the website to Giskard, one of the Metaurchins, while staying at his place at the end of September. We were laughing and reminiscing over the game, in part because that was how we met (me a PM, him an active player) but more because it was the third anniversary of the game. Three years. Wow. So, when he handed me a wrapped present at midnight of October 1st, I was flattered and a bit embarrassed. When I opened it and saw this book, I was rendered near speechless. For a good 15 minutes I was unable to say anything but “wow.” As I flipped through the book, my eyes got a bit watery. It wasn’t just the flood of memories or the shock that the players were so drawn to the world that three years later they put a book into print, it was more about the pride and care in which they took in doing it. It shows on every page.

As the ability to talk returned, I came to learn that the copy in my hand was a prototype – they wanted to make sure that they had our (the PM team) permission to take it to print and to check the fonts, cover, etc. Then they explained that they wanted the proceeds of the sale to go to unfiction (wow!). Of course, the moment each of the team saw it, they gushed and immediately agreed to let it go in print. The next few weeks they spent making the few changes that needed to be made and assuring that the referenced websites were in order. So, for 8 weeks, I’ve been sittin gon this secret, quietly admiring the work that they did. But, now, it’s been announced and I can shout it from the rooftops.

So, right quick like, I want to thank all of the metaurchins for this but there are three that really stand out in this effort – Yanka who tirelessly gathered and formatted the original website, xnbomb who somehow managed to translate all of that work to print, and Giskard who has been a wonderful support to both of them and who placed the first prototype in my hands. Over the last three years, you’ve become friends and that’s really been the greatest part of all of this.

So, now, go and check out the book. It really is gorgeous and your grubby little paws would love to get a hold of it!