DETROIT - s4story -- A Detroit-born puzzle collective is bringing one of the fastest-growing forms of interactive entertainment to players across the country this holiday season.

Cicada Detroit, the creators behind popular Detroit-based puzzle hunts that drew hundreds of thousands of online participants, have launched the XIXMAS Challenge — a short-form, nationwide Alternate Reality Game (ARG) running from December 16 through December 27, with the first winner receiving an RDY Element Pro R07 pre-built PC and the first 20 solvers earning a limited-edition XIXMAS beanie.

ARGs blend puzzles, cryptography, hidden websites, digital scavenger hunts, and real-world problem-solving into a single immersive experience. Once a niche internet subculture, ARGs have surged in popularity in recent years, with brands, filmmakers, and independent creators using them to tell stories and build communities in entirely new ways.

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"What started as a Detroit-focused puzzle experiment turned into something much bigger than we expected," said XIX, founder of Cicada Detroit. "We had players staying up all night solving ciphers, collaborating across forums, and uncovering hidden layers we didn't even expect. The XIXMAS Challenge is a way to bring that same excitement to anyone, anywhere — and give something tangible back with real prizes."

The challenge unfolds over 12 rounds, featuring puzzles rooted in:

• Cryptography and classic ciphers
• Steganography and hidden messages
• Code-breaking and logic challenges
• Web-based and interactive digital puzzles

Participation is free, and solvers who advance through the challenge will be eligible to win a high-end gaming computer, with additional surprises planned throughout the event.

While the XIXMAS Challenge is fully online and open nationwide, its roots remain firmly planted in Detroit. Cicada Detroit's original year-long competition drew over 280,000 visitors, generated more than 1.4 million page views, and awarded more than $32,000 in prizes, helping position Detroit as an unexpected hub for large-scale puzzle and ARG design.

"We love that this started here," XIX added. "Detroit has always been about creativity, grit, and figuring things out when there isn't a clear path. That mindset is baked into every puzzle we create."

The XIXMAS Challenge begins at December 16 at https://www.cicadadetroit.com/, with new puzzle drops scheduled throughout the run.