1. Registration & Equipment

• Sign-Up & Check-In: Pre-registration for the games will open soon. While anyone can volunteer to play, there is a limited supply of player tools and game pieces. If you pre-register, you must check in at the Octopus Game Booth by 1:00 PM on Friday. If you fail to check in by this deadline, your spot and game pieces may be forfeited and given to walk-up candidates on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Required Gear: All players must have a mobile device with a web browser, a camera, and NFC-reading capabilities to participate.

  • Recommended Gear: Having a laptop on hand can be very helpful for solving certain challenges, though it is not strictly required to complete the game.

2. Game Progression & Scoring

• Account Creation: To participate and track your progress, all players must create an account on our web platform. (Note: A full disclaimer regarding data collection and privacy will be provided ASAP).

• The Practice Challenge: Before you can access the main game, you must successfully complete the introductory Practice Challenge. This acts as your tutorial and your official gateway into the games.

• The 3-Stage Challenge System: Every main challenge in the game operates in three distinct stages that must be completed in order:

  1. Stage One (The Puzzle):You will receive a puzzle or cipher on your device. You must solve it to figure out which physical location (Village or Community) you need to travel to.

     • Return to the Octopus Game booth to verify you have the correct location. 

  2. Stage Two (The Check-In):Travel to the correct location. Once there, you must locate and scan the official Octopus Game NFC tag with your device to timestamp your arrival. The system will then give you a specific task to perform (e.g., interacting with a village, taking a specific photo, or learning a concept).

     1. NFC Location: NFCs will be located somewhere on the village sign itself.

  3. Stage Three (The Verification):Points are not awarded automatically by your phone. To secure your score, you must return to the Octopus Game Booth, present your photographic proof, and give a verbal report to a Guard to lock in your points.

• NFC Tracking & Achievements: Your player account will act as your dashboard. It will track your verified score, your unlocked challenge achievements, and your "Contacts Collected" as you use your device's NFC capabilities to share information with other players and locations.

• No Spoilers: Players are welcome to collaborate and work together. However, there is only one winner and directly posting puzzle solutions, NFC location URLs, or challenge answers on public forums or social media is strictly prohibited and ruins the game for others.

3. The Alliance Protocol

• Networking: Survival in the games requires building a network. Players are highly encouraged to tap their NFC badges with other participants.

  • Note: iPhone user must input contact information of non-player characters manually. You can thank Apple for this issue.

• Connections: Gathering contacts and forming alliances is a core component of the game. You can’t always do it alone.

  • This is just a fun way to get to know each other. There are no points associated with this part of the game.

4. The Assassin Protocol (Mini-Game)

• The Assassin Protocol: This is our official player-vs-player mini-game. Throughout the conference, you will have the chance to challenge other players head-to-head to shift the standings and climb the leaderboard. It is a completely optional but highly rewarding way to test your nerves against your fellow attendees.

• Playground Rules: Forget complex tech challenges for a minute. To keep things perfectly fair, all head-to-head challenges are settled using classic, universally understood childhood playground games. Think Rock-Paper-Scissors, Tic-Tac-Toe, Evens/Odds, or a simple coin flip. It is a test of pure psychological strategy and bluffing.

  • NOTE: Loss of all tokens eliminates you from ASSASSIN PROTOCOL only, not the main game.  

• Scheduled Booth Battles: Want to find opponents easily? At specific times throughout the con (Schedule can be found below), we will host official "Booth Battles" at the Octopus Game Booth. Come hang out, engage the Assassin Protocol, and challenge other players in a high-energy, highly social environment.

5. Code of Conduct & Guard Interaction

• Guard Assistance: The Guards (our staff) are here to facilitate a fair and enjoyable game. If you are stuck on a puzzle, confused about a location, or need technical assistance, you are permitted—and encouraged—to ask a Guard for help at the booth.

• Conference Rules Apply: Players must obey all general conference rules, venue guidelines, and village policies while playing.

• Zero Tolerance: This game is a test of observation and networking. Any harassment, physical aggression, or disruption of other conference attendees or village staff will result in immediate elimination from Octopus Game.

Disclaimer: Subject to Change

Octopus Game 5: Revenge of the Squid is currently in active development. As we finalize the mechanics, tech infrastructure, and puzzles for the conference, the rules, scoring systems, and required gear listed above are subject to change without prior notice. The final, official ruleset will be the one active at the time of your on-site check-in.