Registration & Equipment

• The Dashboard:To participate and track your progress, all players must create an account on the Octopus Game Dashboard.

• Discord:You must have an active Discord account to play.

• Sign-Up & Check-In: Players can pre-register prior to the conference to get their account set up in advance, or register in person directly at the Octopus Game booth. 

  • Please note: that player tools and game pieces are available in limited supply and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, whether or not you’ve pre-registered.

    • Pre-registration is for gauging interest in hopes there will be enough supply for everyone.

• Required Gear: All players must have a mobile device with a web browser, a camera, and NFC-reading capabilities to participate (iPhone users will need to download an app for this).

  • 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.

Game Progression

• Account Creation: To participate and track your progress, all players must create an account on our web platform.

• 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): Stage one will always be found at the Octopus Game booth. You’ll scan NFC/QR and you will receive a puzzle/cipher on your device. You must solve it to figure out which physical location (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

     • Located on a sign on a table at each location. It’s teal, you shouldn’t miss it. :)

  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.

• YOU MUST RETURN TO THE OCTOPUS GAME BOOTH AFTER EVERY CHALLENGE!!!

  • The Front Woman's Directive: Hoarding solutions is strictly prohibited. You must complete the 3-Stage cycle—Solve, Interact, Verify, one challenge at a time. Attempting to batch-submit multiple challenges at once violates the game's progression rules and creates unacceptable bottlenecks at the booth. Points will only be verified sequentially.

• NFC Tracking & Achievements: Your player account will act as your dashboard. It will track your verified score, and your unlocked challenge achievements 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.

The Assassin Protocol (Mini-Game)

• The Assassin Protocol: This is our official player-vs-player mini-game. Throughout the conference, you will challenge other players head-to-head to shift the standings and climb the leaderboard. It is a highly rewarding way to test your psychological strategy against your peers.

• Playground Rules: Forget complex tech challenges. All head-to-head battles are settled using classic, universally understood playground games (e.g., Rock-Paper-Scissors, Evens/Odds, Staring Contests).

• How to Play:

  1. The Challenge: You can challenge another player anywhere, at any time, as long as you do not block hallway traffic.

  2. The Terms: Before anything begins, both players MUST verbally agree on the exact game being played, the specific rules of that game, and how many Life Tokens are being wagered.

  3. The Battle: Battles are strictly 1v1. We highly recommend grabbing an impartial third party to judge the match and keep things honest.

  4. The Spoils: The winner takes the wagered Life Tokens directly from the loser.

     1. Note: Loss of all your tokens eliminates you from the Assassin Protocol only, not the main Octopus Game. If a dispute breaks out that you cannot resolve, take it to a Guard at the Octopus Game Booth. The Guard will choose a brand new game on the spot to settle the score, and their ruling is final.

• Scheduled Booth Battles: At specific times throughout the con, we will host official "Booth Battles" at the Octopus Game Booth for high-energy, moderated PvP action.

• The Final Exchange (Friday):On the final day of the conference, there will be one last mandatory Booth Battle for all active players. If you still have Life Tokens, you are required to participate in this final exchange before scoring closes.

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 community 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.

• No Pay-To-Win (Zero Tolerance for ‘Black Market Trading’): Octopus Game is won through skill, networking, and legitimate gameplay. Buying, selling, or trading real-world money, conference merchandise, drinks, or favors for any in-game advantage—including points, puzzle solutions, physical game pieces, or challenge progression—is strictly prohibited. If you are caught attempting to buy or sell your way to the top, you will be immediately disqualified from Octopus Game and forfeit all points.

Disclaimer: Subject to Change

Octopus Game 5: Revenge of the Squid @ SAINTCON 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