Google launches WoW-meets-reality Ingress game in closed beta (Video)

Élyse Betters | Nov 15 2012 - 9:40 am PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92rYjlxqypM&feature=player_embedded]

Google just launched Ingress—a World of Warcraft-like alternate reality game in closed beta that is currently invite-only.

“The concept is something like World of Warcraft, where everyone in the world is playing the same game,” explained Google Vice President of Product Management John Hanke to AllThingsD.

Hanke heads Google’s Niantic Labs, a project that explores experimental mobile-social-local applications, and he and his team recently released their first product, a free Android app called “Field Trip“, that tracks users’ surroundings and serves up helpful related data such as local history, landmarks, and restaurants.

Niantic Lab’s second project, Ingress, is a little different from Field Trip. Just check out the free Android app’s description on Google Play:

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.

Those who want to test Ingress now must first request an invite at Ingress.com. Moreover, watch the video above or check out the screenshot gallery below for a closer look at what Ingress has to offer.

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