A while back, EA (Electronic Arts) made a game that was very immersive
in the player's REAL life -- somewhat similar to the movie "The Game",
the game would call, fax, email, and instant-message the player over a
period of a couple of months.  I'm looking for (a) the name of that
game, and (b) articles about any other immersive games similar to
CURRENTLY in operation.

Hi jhabley,

The game you remember is called Majestic. The following are some
descriptions of the game:

"Majestic is an exclusive online entertainment experience that places
players in the center of a grand, sinister conspiracy, an unfolding
mystery-adventure where the line between reality and fantasy is
quickly blurred."
(...)
"Majestic delivers its engrossing, cutting-edge experience through
familiar devices such as the user's web browser, AOL's Instant
Messenger service, e-mail, the telephone and fax. Using these tools
the player is placed at the center of his or her own intricate
mystery, suspense thriller. The Majestic player assumes the leading
role, interacting with other characters, uncovering clues, solving
puzzles, searching for answers, resolving challenges, all which
engages the player and drives the plot forward. "

Game revolution: Majestic
http://www.game-revolution.com/previews/screens/pc/majestic/majestic.htm


"...Majestic makes you the star of a thriller that unfolds around you
-- and not just when you're seated at your PC. The game's characters
will call you on your telephone, send you faxes and e-mail, or summon
you via AOL Instant Messaging. It's up to you to advance the story by
solving puzzles using the clues you get in various media..."

CNN/SciTech
http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/fun.games/03/14/majestic.game.idg/



Below I have compiled a list of articles about other immersive games. 

-PDF file-
Avant Game: A Real Little Game
avantgame.com/ MCGONIGAL%20A%20Real%20Little%20Game%20DiGRA%202003.pdf 

-PDF file-
Hypertext:
This is Not a Game
http://hypertext.rmit.edu.au/dac/papers/McGonigal.pdf.

Join-theDots: digital immersion
http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~hmw26/join-the-dots/trajectory/000018.html

Dan Hon: The curse of massively multiplayer immersive games
http://danhon.com/articles/archive/000407.shtml

Impact Wrestling: Stanford conference puts games under the spotlight
http://www.impactwrestling.com/content.aspx?snum=606

CNet News: Online game makers seek key to profits
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-823258.html

Wired News: Talk Your Way Out of Trouble
http://www.wired.com/news/games/0,2101,62672,00.html?tw=wn_story_related



Search criteria:
EA game player's "real life" 
EA game "real life" player IM fax
"video game" similar majestic
"immersive games" Majestic
"immersive games"
"immersive game"


I hope this helps. If you have any questions regarding my answer
please don't hesitate to ask before rating it.

Best regards,
Rainbow-ga

Unfortunately Majestic fell on its face.
http://www.gamershell.com/news_BMajesticBTheEnd.shtml

you can also check http://www.unfiction.com ,
http://www.collectivedetective.com , and http://www.cloudmakers.org 
for news and information on immersive games