As instructional designers and educational technologists, we are always looking for new and innovative ways for motivating learners and engaging them in learning experiences. In the virtual space, it is particularly challenging to create learning games and simulations that are contextualized and properly motivate the learner to achieve learning outcomes. Alternate reality games can create the type of learning experience that elicits intrinsic motivation in relevant and authentic contexts. In the last couple of years, Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) have been popping up more and more frequently on the internet as components of marketing campaigns, in promotional materials, and from independent sources. Can ARGs be leveraged for educational purposes? ARGs are relatively new to the instructional world with few organizations implementing them for instructional purposes. The session will discuss how ARGs could be a powerful instructional strategy. It will outline key concepts behind building and implementing an alternate reality game. It will introduce participants to ARGs, how they compare/contrast to other simulations and games, and what examples currently exist. Participants will then learn how ARGs can be used in their training programs and curricula. They will be shown actual examples of ARGs used for education as well as tips for creating their own.