Puppetmaster

AKA PM, Puppet Master

Definition

An ARG's puppet master (or 'PM') is the creator/implementer of the game. It is common that the identity of the puppet master will be unknown to the participants during an investigation, though there are some cases where they will make themselves known for various reasons.

When an organisation creates an ARG (sometimes as a marketing strategy), it, in itself, is generally viewed as the singular puppet master (though many people may be behind the project).

Typically, a puppet master will avoid direct conversation about the ARG (often denying any involvement) and will sometimes attempt to subvert or wrong-foot attempts to solve it.

Some puppet masters watch the progress that participants are making during the ARG investigation, and will modify their game based on the direction of the investigation. This may manifest itself in dropping the difficulty level if participants are stuck with something, or adding plot twists and turns in story-rich ARGs.

List of Puppetmasters

Main article: List of Puppetmasters