Where are the instructions?
Um, where are the instructions on how to play? I created an account, but then I have no idea what to do next?
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The best answers from the company
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Hey guys! We are still working on this. Sorry for the fail whale-sized delay! We are trying to get it done, and have it be a fun and instructive device for playing Gowalla. Thanks for your patience!
The company says
this answers the question
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We're working on an FAQ. Expect it on the site tomorrow!
I’m sorry we didn't have this done sooner
The company and 2 other people say
this answers the question
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Inappropriate?We're working on an FAQ. Expect it on the site tomorrow!
I’m sorry we didn't have this done sooner
The company and 2 other people say
this answers the question
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And 8 months later, where is it? -
Inappropriate?Sounds good. Just surprised the rules of the game weren't included at launch.
I’m confused
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Inappropriate?Odd.. I tried to add a comment here and it didn't show up. Pardons if two show up. How's the FAQ coming? I thought it was slated to go up last Friday?
I’m unsure
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Inappropriate?Josh is out of town for meetings, so the FAQ got delayed. Sorry about that. :(
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Inappropriate?Upon installing the game to your iPhone, you'll notice a "Help" icon in the lower right. This gives a rather good amount of information regarding the game:
"Gowalla is a location-based game where you're rewarded for visiting both unique and everyday places. In Gowalla-speak, we call these places spots. A group of related spots is called a trip. Visiting spots and completing trips are the key to earning rewards.
There are three kinds of rewards in Gowalla. They are found on your Passport tab:
Stamps: We give you a stamp when you check in at a new spot. While some spots have generic stamps, "featured" spots have unique stamps that are quite lovely. You'll want to collect as many as you can.
Icons: Think of an icon like a souvenir. They can be found at spots where you check in. In order to pick up an icon you will need to drop an icon you are currently carrying. Occasionally, you may even be awarded a bonus icon when you check in at a spot.
Pins of Glory: These are special rewards you earn by completing trips, collecting icons or performing other deeds while playing Gowalla. Pins of Glory are the ultimate in Gowalla bragging rights.
CREATING SPOTS
While we're continually adding featured spots to Gowalla, you can help us by adding your own spots. Simply visit your Spots tab and tap the New Button (+). Here are some pro-tips for creating spots of your own:
•Outside is Outstanding
Gowalla needs to know precisely where you are to create a spot. Normally this works best if you are outdoors. If you'd like to create a spot at your favorite restaurant or club, you might try standing just outside the front door.
(Dr. Peddingferd tip: Access the Map App on your iPhone and get your location prior to running the Gowalla App. Gowalla seems to find you faster and more accurately if you have the iPhone find you first.)
Creativity FTW
Gowalla is more fun for everyone when we visit unique places. We'd all prefer to visit your favorite park or watering hole than your neighbor's busted driveway. Also, remember that your username is attached to every spot you create. Just so you know.
Be Clear & Concise
Naming and describing your spot are important. Do us a favor and check your spelling, grammar and punctuation before you save. And try not to be longwinded. You'll win friends and influence people this way.
Don't Be a Dork
Our attorneys made us put this one in here. Placing (or visiting) a spot on an airport runway could be funny. It could also be fatal. We're not responsible for any bodily harm that may befall you while playing Gowalla. use your head.
Finally, thanks for playing Gowalla. Have fun exploring!"
Happy Gowall'ing!
Dr. Peddingferd
I’m informative
1 person says
this answers the question
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What do the points under each icon mean? What is the point of the game? What are the rewards? How does one create a trip?
Those questions are not answered, and that is what a FAQ is for. Those instructions are useful if you want to know how to use the iPhone app. I want to know how to play the game. Right now we're moving around in the dark. -
So I received 5 free icons when I created my account. Should I vault them? I still think it's fairly lame that Alamofire failed to create an FAQ prior to launch. Seems fairly disorganized and they may have launched simply to meet a self-imposed SXSW deadline. -
I agree a FAQ on the site would go a long way. SXSW can have an adverse reaction to applications, websites and/or flight plans. Your results may vary. Don't take while operating heavy machinery. -
"Also, remember that your username is attached to every spot you create. Just so you know."
I see my full name added, not my username. Is this because I am logged in? -
Inappropriate?@acordova ::
I rather thought the numbers under the icons were not points, but actually issue numbers (as in, 1275 meant you had the 1,275th issue of that icon — sort of a homage to PackRat, a wonderful little Facebook game).
The point of the game is the same as any location-based adventure (be it app or otherwise). Get out there to those places. You'll be introduced to new pubs, fun parks, entertaining venues, shopping centers of eclectic wonder. Explore your surroundings.
The rewards are tied in to the above. Plus you get icons and credit for Commissioning a new spot and/or becoming a Founding Surveyor to your favorite locations. It's fun to know you were the first person there!
Currently, trips can not be created by users. This is a feature that is in development, as I understand it, and we can expect it in the near future.
I think there is more light available on the game than some may be considering. The game is still in its infancy and already it has more pros than cons (ie: bugs). Speaking for myself, I have Commissioned 10 spots in my city alone. I've Gowalla'd over 50. And I'm not slowing up any time soon.
I’m helpful
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Inappropriate?@ Dr. Peddingferd
I'm coming from the geocaching world so I share the same assumptions that you have about Gowalla and location-based games. I understand acordova's point too. Without a bit more explanation from the hard-working developers there are still many facets that aren't clear. (I think the points/issue numbers is one of those areas where it's all assumption until there's more clarity.) Keep commissioning ... keep bringing folks to fun places!
I’m unsure
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Inappropriate?Hey guys! We are still working on this. Sorry for the fail whale-sized delay! We are trying to get it done, and have it be a fun and instructive device for playing Gowalla. Thanks for your patience!
The company says
this answers the question
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It's been SIX MONTHS and this still isn't linked on the homepage. EPIC FAIL. -
Where is is? How can I use the program if I don't even know how this thing works? Is it only for cell phones? -
Inappropriate?There is an official FAQ section on the website now: http://gowalla.com/faq
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Ah, delightfully witty. Thanks for the FAQ :-) -
the FAQ isn't actually linked anywhere on the website that's visible. I don't really understand why the instructions seem like an afterthought. I almost didn't download the app because the website doesn't make it clear what this is, why to use it, and how to use it. The first two are now getting address, but the HOW is still a big mystery. A Help/Faq link on the website would be much more appreciated than a link on the iPhone app. -
Agreed with Jessica. Considering the amount of positive press Gowalla has received, you'd think getting this done properly would be a priority. Apparently, AlamoFire feels adding a video to the homepage resolves this problem. -
Jessica/Huuuze: We do agree. We're working on getting that up very soon.
The FAQ promised 6 months back was in fact delivered and linked on the website, but was unlinked when some of the app-use changed significantly. We hope to have the revised version up and running. -
Inappropriate?Yay... congrats!!! (Now to ask more questions to e-x-p-a-n-d the FAQ.) One of the questions that I've seen floating around is ...
Are there "points" to the icons? What would make me pick one up over another?
(Thanks for adding this. Have a great weekend!!)
I’m happy
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Each icon has a issue number. Lower the number, the better. So ideally you would want to pick up the lower numbered icons first. Soon you will be able to see the issue number of an icon before you pick it up at a spot. -
Do you mean points as in score or point as in meaning? : )
Like Keegan said, the number is the actually issue number of the icon. In theory I guess lower is better, but numbers like 100, 1000 or whatever could be cool too. -
Inappropriate?Josh,
Yes.. I was wondering if there was some "score" associated with the "numbers" tagged on the icons. Sorry for the confusion.
KJB
I’m happy
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Inappropriate?It's been SIX MONTHS since AlamoFire indicated they would link this information on the homepage. They create the FAQ and then fail to advertise it anywhere on their own website.
Instructions on how to play your game should not be afterthought.
I’m tired of this nonsense.
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Huuze — there was an FAQ. Since the release of our new app two weeks ago, it is completely outdated. So we took it down. We're working on a new one. We're sorry it's not out there yet. It's not nonsense. It's just the way things are sometimes. -
I guess it's a difference of opinion. If I were producing a game, I'd make sure the instructions were available at launch. I realize you guys are busy with Packrat AND Gowalla, but imagine if you bought Monopoly and it only came with a game board, dice, some fake money, and a set of small metal game pieces. You'd have no idea how to play it. -
Take a breath. Let it out. Nice and slow.
Posting the same complaint multiple times in the same thread within 3 minutes is what I would consider nonsense. The game is not that difficult to figure out, even if you've just installed it 17 minutes ago. Additionally, the basics of what I posted above more than handles what one would need to successfully play Gowalla. -
Yes, I overposted. However, I don't think anyone would debate the FAQ should be posted on the homepage. -
I think a 5 paragraph summary would suffice and isn't too much to ask. We're in a race here with FourSquare and can't afford to fall further behind. -
Inappropriate?You may think the FAQ is completely outdated, but when I was finally able to find a link to it, my questions/problems were answered. It was pretty much a case of "too little, too late," but it addressed the problem of why I was unable to check-in to a location.
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Inappropriate?Also, in response to taking the FAQ down, I think a better decision would have been to leave the link or the tab visible on the website and put up a note stating that the FAQ was being updated and would be back soon.
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Amen. An excellent point and a more reasonable solution. -
Inappropriate?While I'm sure many of you will disagree with me on this, I like the fact that the game doesn't impose a lot of detailed instructions. For me, learning how to play was not only part of the fun, but the reason I got so hooked on it.
When I was a kid, I learned how to play a card game called Mau. Nobody tells you how to play Mau. You watch until you think you know the rules and decide when you want in. The goal of the game is to get rid of your cards, but you're penalized with extra cards for not following all the intricate rules. It's both infuriating and addicting.
Gowalla is a very simple game to jump into and start playing. Even if you have no idea what it's about, you can pick it up very quickly. Without instructions to go off of, you'll make mistakes like vaulting items without realizing you can't get them back out. That's sort of like getting penalized in Mau. Depending on how long you've been playing, how many people in your city are playing, and how many spots have been created in your area, the strategy of the game will vary. Traveling away from your home base will also change the way you play the game.
In the end, it's just that...a game. A free and very fun one! If someone told you how to hit all the warp zones in Super Mario brothers, would it have been as enjoyable? Of course not. The more you play the more you'll learn.
The End.
I’m enjoying the game.
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I agree! It's fun to be in discovery mode rather than competition mode. I'm excited for new features to come, but for the moment this app is so well-designed that I can just sort of figure it out on my own without reading a long list of rules and regs. -
I agree with you guys in terms of checking in and collecting items...but some simple guidelines for new spot creation would save the Gowalla crew a TON of time on the back-end. There is thread after thread after thread of requests for the merge and/or deletion of duplicate spots. I've only recently started playing, but the duplicates in my area (which are occasionally even re-occurring) are already driving me crazy. -
Inappropriate?I also think that there should be a few guidelines at least. For example - when should you check in? Anytime you pass some spot, or only if the spot is your destination and you stay there for some time? For example I pass a bridge every day, the bridge is a spot, should I check in every day?
Also, should one create a spot for work and for home? If Gowalla is an application to show others cool places - probably not. If Gowalla is an application to show others where you are - probably yes. Which one is it? -
That is up to you to decide. (that answers all 5 of your questions :P)
More seriously, the game is what you make of it. In my opinion (and devs, tell me if I'm totally wrong) there aren't any specific instructions for that sort of thing deliberately so people can play it in their own style.
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