Google has begun work on an iOS version of its mobile augmented-reality game Ingress, according to a new report from AllThingsD. The game launched into closed beta last year, and has so far seen about one million Android activations.
If you’ve never heard of the title, it’s essentially a ‘social game’ set around a live story that Google updates every week with new clues. Players score points by collaborating with strangers to find clues and claim local landmarks for their team…
From the game’s description in the Google Play Store (via AllThingsD):
A mysterious energy has been unearthed by a team of scientists in Europe. The origin and purpose of this force is unknown, but some researchers believe it is influencing the way we think. We must control it or it will control us.
“The Enlightened” seek to embrace the power that this energy may bestow upon us.
“The Resistance” struggle to defend, and protect what’s left of our humanity.
Move through the real world using your Android device and the Ingress app to discover and tap sources of this mysterious energy. Acquire objects to aid in your quest, deploy tech to capture territory, and ally with other players to advance the cause of the Enlightened or the Resistance.
Confused? Check out this video that shows the Ingress game in action:
Ingress product manager Brandon Badger has confirmed AllThingsD’s report that the game is headed to iOS next year, but he wouldn’t offer up any additional details about the release or give any indication of when in 2014 it’d be available.
I think the whole concept is intriguing, though I’m not sure I see myself playing a 21st-century version of “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” Of course, I could be wrong. At the very least, it’ll be interesting to see how others react.
What do you think of Ingress?