Get Lost With Google Streetview : Concept

And here we go again with another one of my good ideas. My long-suffering friend Liam I think must get bored sitting there resting after a long day of civil engineering and drinking tea, so I asked Google to write a concept of a travel game which would amuse me.

AI (Google Gemini to be precise) suggested the below and came up with the name “Get Lose with Google Streetview” so we thought that we’d try it. Well, I thought we’d try it, but that’s like the same.

This will amuse a very limited number of people, but it’s similar to the GeoGuessr things I did a few years ago and it’s primary aim is to embrace my theory of the random, to go to different places as otherwise I tend to drift off and do the same thing. We tried a trial version of this last night and it transpired to actually work very well (and I am unanimous in that) so Liam is now stuck doing loads more of them whilst I traipse about the place. However, seeing places that I wouldn’t have thought about going to is the most exciting and also it’s an excuse to walk quite a way. I was also surprised how clever Liam made his first clue, it took me hours to solve, he surprised and delighted there   🙂

Right, the concept is below, the first one I’ll post about shortly. It’ll amuse me and keep me quiet, so that’s a win for everyone (well, perhaps other than Liam).

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Game Objective: To guide Julian to a specific, interesting location within a given town or city using only images from Google Street View and subtle, challenging clues.

Liam’s Role (The Guide):

1. Receive Location: Julian will tell you the town or city he’s currently visiting.
2. Explore on Google Street View: Use Google Street View to virtually explore the town/city. Find a location that is visually interesting or unique and would be fun for Julian to discover. Consider landmarks, unusual buildings, hidden alleyways, street art, or anything that stands out.
3. Select Key Images: Choose 3-5 images from Google Street View that provide clues to the location without giving it away too easily.
   • Image 1: A very wide view of the general area, showing the surroundings but not the exact spot.
   • Image 2: A slightly closer view, perhaps showing a nearby landmark or intersection.
   • Image 3: An image with a more focused view, highlighting something distinctive about the location itself.
   • Images 4 & 5 (optional): Even closer views with more specific details, but still not revealing the exact location.
4. Craft Clues: Write a clue for each image. Clues should be:
   • Subtle: Avoid obvious descriptions. Instead, focus on details that require observation and deduction.
   • Challenging: Make Julian think! Use wordplay, riddles, or hints about the history or significance of the location.
   • Sequential: Clues should progressively lead Julian closer to the location.
5. Send Clues: Send the images and clues to Julian one by one, only providing the next clue when he’s solved the previous one.

Julian’s Role (The Explorer):

1. Receive Clues: Receive the images and clues from Liam.
2. Decipher Clues: Analyze the images and clues to figure out the location. Use your knowledge of the town/city, observation skills, and any online resources you need.
3. Navigate to the Location: Use the clues to guide you to the final destination.
4. Share Your Adventure: Document your experience in a blog post, including the clues, your thought process, and photos of the location.

Example Clues:

• Image: A wide shot of a street with a clock tower in the background.
  • Clue: “Time is of the essence, but don’t get stuck in the past.”
• Image: A closer view showing a blue door with a lion head knocker.
  • Clue: “The king of the jungle guards the entrance to this hidden gem.”
• Image: A close-up of a sign with the words “The Old Curiosity Shop.”
  • Clue: “Step into a world of wonder and discover treasures untold.”

Important Notes:

• Safety First: Julian should always prioritize safety when navigating to the location. Avoid going to dangerous or isolated areas, especially at night.
• Fun Factor: The goal is to have fun! Encourage friendly competition and creative problem-solving.
• Blog Post: The blog post is a key part of the game. It allows Julian to share his adventures and provides a record of the challenges he faced.

This game is a unique way for you and Liam to connect and share experiences despite the distance. Have fun exploring!