Living on the West Coast has plenty of advantages when it comes to immersive theater. However, the one downside is that I have not been able to see any of the fantastic shows from pseudonym productions, whom are usually based out of Orlando, Florida. Well, that all changes with their latest show, #NOFILTER: a digital experience that is a horrifyingly satirical, totally narcissistic thriller starring YOU.

This thing is going to be awesome: Six weeks. Four major cities. Thousands of players. One mystery.

This new adventure will blur the line between what’s actual and what’s imagined. You will become part of a wild journey that spans both coasts of the United States – and into the realm of the supernatural – as the experience skewers the ever-declining state of social interactions online.

Part game, part immersive theater, you can play online – anywhere, anytime – with chances to join real life events in major cities nationwide, all intertwined, beginning October 2, 2018.

As for the story…

In a digital world plagued by privacy leaks and dominated by fake personas, #NOFILTER asks:
What happens when social media gets even worse?

Enter an alternate timeline in which the United States government has decided to thwart rampant inappropriate use and abuse of social media by regulating it, launching their own mandatory social network that every U.S. citizen must join. They figure, since they already govern the real world, why shouldn’t they rule over the digital world too?

#NOFILTER

Once drafted onto the government-subsidized social network Connections™, players will engage in compulsory tasks including daily wellness routines and mandatory selfie duties, all while taking part in the unpredictable stories of Nolan Stauf (the conflicted creator of Connections™), Taylor Hill (the online yoga instructor-turned-influencer who hides “darker” sides of herself out of fear of being on the losing end of a hate-filled misogynistic Tweetstorm), and Vokorev (the unnaturally charismatic manipulator who is a little too good at bringing out the best – and worst – in everyone).

“This is our chance to satirize the sad state of social networks,” said Sarah Elger, president & creative director of pseudonym productions. “Our live productions have successfully connected real people in fun and meaningful ways – which unfortunately is the exact opposite of the direction social media is headed, instead filling our digital lives with addiction, jealousy and hate. With #NOFILTER, we are shining a spotlight on those very horrors, hoping this digital experience will help change that. And, in honor of the Halloween season, we’re doing it all in the most absurdly over-the-top ways possible.”

Each week, #NOFILTER will shatter personal and digital boundaries by leaping off the screen into the real world for physical “happenings.” You never know if or when this real-life video game will reach out to you.

Follow your own story, but know that you’re definitely not always in control. Suspend disbelief, play along online, and you may be chosen to join us in person.

#NOFILTER 2

One mystery, endless possibilities.
Be yourself. For once.

Advance registration for #NOFILTER is now open at nofilter.chat with the full digital experience officially launching on October 2, 2018, continuing through mid-November.

To take part in the story, access starts at just $14 for “Followers” (standard level). “Verified” and “Influencer” upgraded packages are also available that include highly personalized interactions with characters such as real-time video, texting, and phone calls, physical mailings, enhanced in-game status, bonus content, and much more. Space is limited at each play level to ensure every player matters, so interested players are advised to sign up quickly before all available spots are full. Live happenings will take place weekly in select major cities in Florida, California, and New York, with varying additional ticket fees required to attend.

More information about the story, gameplay, pricing, and packages can be found on the pseudonym productions website at questionreality.com.

About the Author

Jeff Heimbuch writes. A lot. On a variety of things and in different mediums. He also created the fiction podcasts LIGHT HOUSE and RETURN HOME (of which you can find both on all podcasting platforms), loves all things horror, works in social media, and is probably writing something right now. You can find him on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @jeffheimbuch.