Built step by step.
Tested in the real world.
404 Places starts in Gothenburg because the first version needs focus.
The goal is not to launch everywhere at once. The goal is to prove that the loop works:
- Can we make players move?
- Can we send measurable visits to partners?
- Can rewards be handled safely and transparently?
- Can the platform create value for both players and local venues?
Game concept defined
Core idea, player loop, lore direction, reward structure, and partner model are defined. The game is built around real-world movement, puzzle solving, location discovery, and collectible ERR fragments.
Gothenburg beta map seeded
The Gothenburg beta is built around 3,356 seeded real-world locations and 7 place archetypes. The map is live and players can discover signal nodes throughout the city.
Core game loop live
The full player loop is built and field-tested: open a portal run, locate signal nodes on the map, solve location-based puzzles on-site, collect ERR fragments, and extract them to your vault before the run timer expires. Geofence validation, server-side puzzle validation, and the backpack/vault extraction cycle are all active.
Signal systems & beta refinement
Seven signal archetypes are distributed across the city, each with its own error code identity and puzzle difficulty ceiling. Clearance-based progression, hidden signal detection during portal runs, and difficulty pacing are active. The platform is being refined through closed outdoor beta sessions.
Economy: Bits, Reward Points & shop
Two parallel systems. In-game: players earn Bits for every ERR fragment extracted to the vault, spendable on powerups and convenience items. Real-world: players earn Reward Points (RP) through exploration — backed by a transparent SEK fund and redeemable for physical products in the shop. Neither can be purchased. Both are earned by playing. How Reward Points work →
First partner pilot
The first commercial validation step is a small local partner pilot in Gothenburg. Target: cafés, shops, galleries, activity venues, cultural spaces, and other safe public-facing locations. Goal: prove that the game can create real visits and useful partner data.
Youth movement pilot & city expansion
After Gothenburg validates the core loop, the next layers are a youth-focused movement pilot (schools, youth organizations, municipalities) and city-by-city expansion. Each new city gets seeded locations, partner onboarding, reward infrastructure, and campaign support.
Want 404 Places in your city?
Gothenburg is the first city. When the beta proves the concept we expand — one city at a time. Sign up below to be notified when your city goes live and get an exclusive Founding City in-game bonus when it launches.
Built around local value, not pay-to-win.
404 Places should make money by creating real value for partners, sponsors, and cities — not by forcing players into unfair spending loops. The economy should support movement, discovery, and reward claiming.
The core principle: players should never need to pay to win real-world rewards.
Local business partnerships
Local businesses can pay to become active Partner Nodes during a beta, campaign, or season. They receive visibility on the map, reward campaign tools, and visit and claim statistics.
Guided city layers
Brands, municipalities, property owners, tourism actors, or local organizations can sponsor missions that guide players toward selected areas, themes, or events.
"Discover 5 independent cafés." · "Walk the river route." · "Find 3 culture nodes this weekend." · "Complete the youth movement challenge."
Controlled, transparent rewards
Partners can offer controlled rewards with clear limits. The system should track claims so partners know exactly what happened.
100 free coffees · 50 product samples · 20 event tickets · 10 limited collectibles · 15% discount for completed missions
Cosmetic and convenience only
Optional purchases can exist, but they should be cosmetic, convenience-based, or collection-focused. They should not give unfair access to real-world rewards.
- Profile customization
- Cosmetic badges
- Extra lore packs
- Season passes for story content
- Premium visual themes
- Pay-to-win mechanics
- Paid access to deterministic partner rewards
- Gambling-style reward loops
- Dark-pattern monetization
A city activation platform
If the model works, 404 Places could be licensed or packaged for cities, schools, youth programs, events, tourism campaigns, shopping districts, and local business networks. The product becomes more than a game: a lightweight city activation platform.
A transparent real-world reward layer
The Reward Fund is a SEK pool filled by partner contributions, shop purchases, and campaign sponsors. Every Reward Point a player earns represents a real fraction of this fund. When a player claims a product with RP, the fund covers the fulfilment cost. The current fund balance is publicly visible — players and partners can verify that every claim is backed by real money. See live fund status →
Four questions this beta needs to answer.
Can a location-based game create measurable partner value?
Can a phone-based game make young people choose outdoor activity instead of passive screen time?
Will local businesses pay for verified visits, transparent reward campaigns, and player engagement?
Can one city beta become a repeatable city-by-city platform?
That is the roadmap.
Not hype.
Not a promise.
A testable plan.
Help build the Gothenburg beta.
We are looking for local partners, reward sponsors, and strategic collaborators who want to test a new way to connect games, movement, and local commerce. If you run a café, shop, gallery, activity venue, cultural space, youth project, local campaign, or city initiative — we would like to talk.
Send us a message.
Whether you're interested in becoming a partner, investing, or just want to know more — fill in the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.