Editor's note: I'm sure I've read about geocaching before, but I don't remember any specifics, and I've never actually participated in the activity. This seems like a good way to get outside and put my gaming skills to good use. Have any of you given this a whirl? If so, what was it like? If not, why not? – Aaron
Games in the past have focused on world exploration. Some managed to make it an entertaining experience.
The rest were Mario is Missing.
While a noble and workable endeavor, something always seems to get lost when developers try to cram a big, beautiful world into an electronic device. It's similar to how playing Madden or Rock Band isn't quite the same as playing real football or playing with a real band. While not everyone wants to get tackled by a 250-pound linebacker, and even fewer would admit to actually wanting to be in Nickleback, going outside to see the planet is considered a consistently wholesome and enjoyable experience.
With the evolution of GPS technology, there is now a way to flip the original concept and take a game of exploration, out into the world. Geocaching, simply put, is an activity where players search for hidden containers through the use of coordinates. A logbook inside the cache is then signed — and perhaps some light trading of trinkets goes on — before seekers report back to the Geocaching website with their finds.
More than a million geocaches currently exist across the globe, and the growing number of GPS-enabled devices makes it easier than ever to participate. Oh, yes, there are apps for that.
But could this be a "game" that gamers would actually enjoy? Sure, gadgets are involved, but the majority of action is organically powered. Does enough appeal exist within geocaching to attract an ilk stereotypically known for shunning the sun and any tree not named Yggdrasil? That, of course, relies solely upon one's own temperament, but it's worth noting where games culture and cache culture can collide.
A Real-life HUD
If you've ever used a map in an FPS, tried the treasure-hunting aspects of games like Wind Waker and Dragon Quest 9 or simply pointed Pac-Man toward the nearest power pellet, then you already know how to find a geocache with a GPS device. Even with the most rudimentary units, entering coordinates will place an X on your screen that you must reach; and as in many games, the straightest route may not be the easiest. A keen eye for one's surroundings is essential to the experience; not only to keep you from being killed, but many times the hider wants you to check out some awesome or unique spots, as well. However, once you reach the site of a cache, you still have to actually locate it — this is sometimes easier said than done.
Stealth Required
Geocaching has steadily grown in popularity since its humble beginnings in 2000, but that doesn't mean everyone is privy to the quest. Geocachers dub those not in the know “Muggles” (although they'd probably prefer to go by “non-dorks”). Since Muggles have been known to take caches or, in some “Whoopsie-doodle!” cases, mistake them for bombs, an inconspicuous touch is often urged with caches in more populated areas. This means occasionally pretending your GPS receiver is a cell phone, or acting like a photo-taking tourist, but gamers are free to employ whatever methods feel most comfortable to them.
Many cachers like to increase the chances of keeping their caches safe through clever disguise. Look for fake pine cones, decoy electrical covers, and out-of-place birdhouses, among a myriad of other hiding places. It's a secret to everyone.
Stats and Collectibles
Geocachers who tell you “It's not about the numbers,” are soft-spoken, well-meaning, salt-of-the-earth liars. There are state, national, and worldwide rankings based on numbers of finds and hides. Programs can be downloaded to sort your geocaching grandeur by difficulty rating, types discovered, distance traveled, and heights conquered. Some programs even give out their own badges for you to waggle about on your profile just like every other "humble" geocacher.
For Pokemon-crazed completionists who want something more tangible, there's a whole world of shiny metal “geocoins” that can be discovered, purchased, traded, and collected. A number of local governments and organizations have begun to offer their own geocoins to those who complete certain finds or tasks. Unfortunately for now, the Mario “bling” noise upon nabbing them must be self-supplied.
Conventions
As with any other cult-like group of people who squint intently at screens, geocachers frequently gather in groups ranging from standard “events” where 20 or so may have some pizza, to “mega events” where up to 5,000 cachers storm a farm outside Seattle. Mega events have much of what gaming conventions have, including vendors, swag, activities and panels. The cosplay isn't so hot, though, as the only real options are to wrap yourself in camo-patterned duct tape or dress like mascot Signal the Frog.
Indie Development
If geocaching shares one undesirable tenet with gaming, it's that a lot of what amounts to “shovelware” exists in the form of caches mindlessly shoved under lamppost covers or stuck to guardrails. As with video games, geocaches benefit greatest when placed by people with the true vision and knowledge to craft an adventurous and satisfying experience.
It also helps if they're actual video game designers:
[embed:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7AZge1mY0k&feature=player_embedded ]
Richard Garriott — Lord British himself — has placed a few geocaches in his time, most notably the lowest (bottom of the ocean) and highest (International Space Station) in the world — er, universe, I suppose. A cache you actually have a chance of finding is “Necropolis of Britannia Manor III,” but you'll want to reserve a chunk of time for this one. In proper adventuring fashion, Garriott has placed his cache at the end of a long series of puzzles, riddles, and travails across his property. It's a geeky quest of glory that geocachers eat right up, and may be the closest you'll ever get to living a point-and-click adventure.
Like any good video game, the journey itself should be more rewarding than the end. There are plenty more geocaches out there with the purpose of challenging one's intelligence, problem-solving skills, creativity, or pure endurance, and it doesn't require the budget of Lord British to forge something people will remember. For those who enjoy molding the experiences of other players, gaming and geocaching intersect here.