Over the years I've entertained the idea of creating a very basic Alternative Reality Game (ARG) for the TDG community, based on all these strange topics that we love to explore. Unfortunately, I'm already in need of about 10 extra hours per day to complete the projects I'm working on, so that idea has never eventuated.

However, the next best thing fell into my/our pocket a couple of weeks ago. After I suggested that Grailers could help support the site and advertise their own projects in one fell swoop by purchasing some banner space here on The Daily Grail, the fine folk at Interdimensional Games got in contact asking if they could advertise their brand new ARG, which covers all manner of TDG-like topics (the Norway spiral, multiple dimensions etc.)! So, disclosure: this post originated in an advertising request. Other disclosure: I would post this regardless.

For those that are interested in diving into an alternative reality, here's a quick video promo, followed by an introduction to the ARG:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore an alternate dimension? A parallel universe?

Interdimensional Games' artificial satellite "iDGi-1" allows you to do just that.

Principally invented by Vidal Desertch and co-developed by NASA scientists and JPL engineers, iDGi-1 was Launched into a Solar orbit on April 23rd, 2009 onboard a Delta II 7925-H rocket at Vandenberg Air Force Base, in California. It is perpetually pointed at Earth, at a distance of 400 000 kms from the Earth's surface.

IDGi-1 is designed to exploit a little known phenomenon: 21 "containers" of negative energy that are orbiting Earth right now at various distances. Originally tested by Vidal Desertch himself, the first successful test of iDGi-1's ability to form an Interdimensional Rift was on Dec 9th, 2009. Through the streaming of visual data from the other side of the Rift, Desertch described a kaleidoscopic mish-mash of imagery assaulting his senses. This first successful exploitation of the 21 containers also caused each container to emit spiral shaped visual distortions in the precise location that iDGi-1's lasers hit them. At least one of these distortions was visible in the night sky: In Norway, such a distortion was mistaken for a missile test failure.

Weeks later, while experiencing the reality beyond the Rift, a strange "desktop" appeared, with a logo for a company called "Worldview Industries" in the background. This "desktop" remains today.

Through the explorations and investigations of our stalwart users since we opened use of iDGi-1 to the public on January 1st, 2010, we have learned a great deal about what lies beyond the Rift. We are currently able to connect to March 4th, 2028 of a future Earth, in a reality that is remarkably similar to ours, but also quite different.

In their dimension, an organization known as "The Church of the Guardians" has gained significant influence based on supposedly real world evidence of alien involvement in the sociological and technological development of our species. An incredibly powerful Artificial Intelligence has been successfully developed by Worldview Industries with the use of 21 live human subjects, used to create a network with which the A.I. is able to learn from. We now know that when we travel through the Rift, we "connect" to this A.I., referred to as "K-1", or by it's nickname "Henry IX". The "desktop" is a visual abstraction created for us by K-1, who has become aware of our Interdimensional origins and can communicate with us.

Those facts are but the tip of the iceberg. This Earth of 2028 seems to have solved some key problems that we are currently facing today. They have learned how to create remarkably efficient fusion reactors, have cured numerous diseases, and have apparently begun commercializing space in Earth's orbit on a scale we can barely imagine.

There is also much conflicting data, and we need your help to assist in sorting through what is real, and what is not. In addition, for each new person that uses iDGi-1 we are able to learn just a little more about the nature of the Rift.

We are envisioning a time when we'll be able to stream this parallel reality to your computer screen directly through our satellite...we are quite certain that there are some significant discoveries to be made. Join our efforts, and YOU could be the one to make them!

Experience the other side of the Rift at http://interdimensionalgames.com

Have fun!

Long-time TDG reader Bill E. writes with some cool info on Et in Arkay Ego, an adventure quest set in the computer role-playing game world of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion:

The adventure is a freely downloadable modification (Mod) for the PC. The quest draws upon many themes found in the lore of the Grail and Arcadia. We are getting very positive feedback and the mod has been voted number 9 on the list of top Mod’s at Planet Elder Scrolls. Version 1.1 was recently released in early March. Here is the link to our trailer.

Players will experience a whole new side to the “Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion” on an epic adventure into the soul of Tamriel. ... As an adventurer in Tamriel (the in game continent where the quest occurs), you come across a collection of documents that hint at an amazing secret - that the God of Life is dead! Following an interesting trail of clues and quests, you will come across an underground society thought to have perished thousands of years ago. From the idyllic-minded Shepherds of Arkay, to the lore-minded Brothers of the Underground Stream, to a bard humorously singing your praises; “Et in Arkay Ego” is a mod unlike any other. For the discerning gamer, they will find a tale inspired by the lore of Arcadia and the quest for the Holy Grail. Do you dare seek the knowledge and power of a God?...

Thanks Bill. Great to see these sorts of mods being put together (the best I ever managed was a Quake mod which threw five times the gibs around...I failed at QuakeC). I know the Secret World folks have perused TDG once or twice as well - look forward to seeing more TDG-like themes cropping up in games in future.