Enlighted or Resistance? Choose your side!

Well played, Google! People who have been asking themselves the question like me “What the … is this Niantic Project?” are getting closer to an answer… only closer, though.

A new video appeared that drags us into the world of conspiracy, two fighting sides and the greed for harvesting some newly discovered matter – the exotic matter. Join the “The Enlighted” or “The Resistance” to help your scientific community out.

This world around you is not what it seems. Our future is at stake, and you must choose a side. 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.

So, what is it? It appears to be Google’s highly produced first location based gaming approach, that is now available on Play Store, called Ingress. (iOS to follow.)
Their new website reveals some more information before the official start. (Currently only running in closed beta – even if you download the app, you won’t be able to use it without an invite. That reminds me: Google? Are you reading this? Please add me. ;-))

From the Ingress page we get further information:

Install Ingress and transform your world. Ingress transforms the real world into the landscape for a global game of mystery, intrigue, and competition. The World is the Game: 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.
[…] The struggle is being played out globally. Track the progress of players around the world, plan your next steps, and communicate with others using an Intelligence map.

So, let’s wait for a big-scale location game. The trailer sure makes me want to have it today. But let’s see what else can be found out during the next days. First, Google planned to release more information on Nov, 30th. But ahead of time we get an idea of their concept. We will see, if this is just another highly-produced Foursquare-version with shaking AR overlays and one-time gaming motivation …. or if Google has more to offer than having a viral marketing campaign for Android devices. “…or it will control us.” :-)

The cold location based gaming war between iOS and Android can begin!