Photorienteering
| Photorienteering | |
|---|---|
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| Designer: | Peter Ayres |
| Year: | unknown |
| Players: | Variable. |
| Stuff required: | Printed instruction sheets. Cameraphones or digital cameras for the players. |
| Crew required: | One. |
| Preparation: | Considerable scouting and preparation required. |
| Time required: | Minutes (small scale, few players) to days (large scale, many players). |
| Place required: | Any area with sufficient static visual information. |
| Activities: | Running, photography, finding, deduction. |
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Treasure Hunt meets Amateur Photographer.
Preparation
The referee reconnoitres the game zone for a goal and appropriate clues.
Clues are placed in sealed envelopes or ready for use.
Player instructions
Players receive envelopes containing directions to a location within the game zone. The instructions give players a spot on which to stand and a clear direction in which to take a photo (this could be indicated by a landmark).
On completing the task, players contact the referee. If the photo is approximately correct, the next clue is given out.
Repeat for more locations.
Once all the tasks are complete, players are given a sequence in which to arrange the photograph. The photos all contain items that act as clues. For example, a close-up (the crown on a post box), an object (oak tree), a shop sign (Greggs) and a partially obscured road sign (—erly street).
Together and in the correct sequence these should give a GOAL to travel to.
In the case of our example, this is The Royal Oak, Baker Street.
Games played over an hour or two result in a party with all players.
Notes
- Directions are as cryptic as the referee wishes.
- Large numbers of players require staggered starts or controlled release of clues.
- If hints are be required the referee imposes a time penalty.
- The game is not necessarily time dependent—if completing the course is the aim, winners photograph themselves at the goal and send it back to base.
Possible variants
- Group play
- Hour long game
- Week long game
- Constrained game-zone, for example a bookshop
- Large game zone, for example a city
