Razorhurst: a GPS based game !

Darlinghurst in the 1920s and 30s was ground zero in a gang war over illegal alcohol, known as sly grog.  Some of the most terrifying criminals in Australian history rioted with cut-throat Razors earning the zone the infamous title Razorhurst. Now the dark world of Razorhurst is resurrected as an exciting game using GPS.

Razorhurst, by Richard Fox, starts from 5th of July 2009
at the East Village Hotel in Darlinghurst.

Runs: 5 to 31 July 2009
Sunday to Thursday, 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Start: East Village Hotel, 234 Palmer Street, East Sydney, NSW
Cost: Free.

The game interface combines video re-enactments with archival photos, animation, maps, ambient sound and voiceovers. The player's movements are tracked by satellite and dynamically updated in the virtual world of Razorhurst.  To become a feared gangster they must scour the streets for sly grog, dodge gangsters and visit the hospital.

Razorhurst is fun for anyone, but it's definitely aimed at serious gamers! Whilst it's seeped in local histories, it's first and foremost about fulflling the mission.  You've got to be quick on your feet to get away from virtual danger, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes because the whole circuit covers a lot of ground.

The GPS devices are collected from the East Village Hotel (formerly the Tradesman's Arms) in Darlinghurst.  From this central location players venture to destinations marked on their map to collect bottles for return the Tradesman's Arms.  En route they encounter gangsters and other characters from the world of Razorhurst triggered by their location.  The interface displays the player's position on the map, time remaining, game statistics and messages.  Razorhurst is evoked through photos, video, music and sound.

Game time is approximately 1-hour and winners return to the pub with the GPS for a well-earned drink.  Losers might be shortly delayed at the original site of St Vincent’s Hospital recovering from a virtual "attack" on the dark streets of Razorhurst.

Image courtesy of Chris Dessaigne

Visit the Razorhurst website by Richard Fox

Local weapons expert Ray Floro writes on the use of the cut-throat razor

All players receive a $3 Strait Dry Gin on completion of the game,

thanks to our Tasmanian sponsor Strait Drinks