Official Rules
BRAIN BUST II (the "Challenge")
OFFICIAL RULES:
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.
1. Sponsor. The Challenge is sponsored by GameSpot, a division of CNET Networks, Inc. (235 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105) (referred to herein as "Sponsor").
The Challenge is open to GameSpot Total Access subscribers. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Your entry constitutes your full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Challenge.
2. Eligibility. You are eligible to enter the Challenge only if, as of April 16, 2008, you meet all of the following conditions:
(a) You are a legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia at least 18 (eighteen) years of age or older (and have your parent/legal guardian's permission to enter should you be a minor in your state of residence).
(c) You register for the Challenge on the www.gamespot.com Web site during the Registration Period (as defined below).
(d) You have a PC or Mac with the most recent version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari browser installed.
(e) You have a stable Internet connection.
Directors, officers, and employees of Sponsor, Sponsor's parent, and any of their respective affiliate companies, subsidiaries, agents, professional advisors, advertising and promotional agencies, or any other person or entity involved in the design, production, execution, or distribution of the Challenge, including volunteer moderators, their immediate family (parents, children, siblings, and their respective spouses), and those living in the same households are not eligible to enter or win any prizes. An "Authorized Account Holder" is defined as the natural person to whom an e-mail address is assigned by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
Your entry constitutes your full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Challenge.
3. How to Enter. To enter, you must register between April 16, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time ("PT") and April 21, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. PT (the "Registration Period") by doing the following:
(a) Log in to your registered GameSpot.com account.
(b) Visit the Web site, http://www.gamespot.com/tournaments/bbapr08/index.php, where you must click to join an open time slot.
The first 256 (two hundred and fifty-six) registrants will be accepted as contestants ("Contestants") in the Challenge. Contestants will be notified via e-mail at the e-mail address associated with their GameSpot Account about the match schedule and their allotted time slot for the qualifying round. All other registrants will be accepted on a waiting list. Wait-listed registrants may be chosen as substitutes to replace Contestants during the Challenge in the event that a Contestant is not available to participate at the time of their Challenge match or is otherwise not able to compete in a round, as determined in the sole discretion of GameSpot staff. When a substitute registrant replaces a Contestant in a match, this removes that Contestant's rights to the Challenge. In order to be chosen by GameSpot staff as a substitute player, such wait-listed registrants must check in to the Challenge Web site prior to match (subject to the schedule available in the published FAQs) during roll call, which is available 60 minutes prior to the scheduled match (the "Check-In"). GameSpot staff will send a confirmation e-mail to such checked-in wait-listed registrants if they are chosen as a Contestant. Contestants must follow the instructions provided in the notification e-mail to participate, including complying with the Check-In. Sponsor’s computer will be the official time clock for registration and gameplay.
The Challenge begins April 21, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. PT and ends May 2, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. PT (the "Challenge Period").
4. Participation and Challenge Rules: During the Registration Period, there will be 256 (two hundred and fifty-six) total Contestant time slots available for the Challenge. If accepted as a Contestant, you must abide by the following rules in order to participate in the Challenge:
(a) As of April 16, 2008, you must have a PC or Mac with the most recent version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari browser installed, and a stable Internet connection.
(b) You must sign up for a time slot.
(c) You must be able and ready to join a match to which you are assigned (provided in your e-mail notification) within the time limit given for each match. If you cannot confirm your account information upon registration sign-up, then you will not qualify for this Challenge.
(d) Any misuse of text chat as described elsewhere in the FAQ and Official Rules, such as using profane language or harassment of the GameSpot Staff and Contestants, will result in the offending Contestant's disqualification at the sole discretion of the GameSpot staff.
Restrictions on Contestants during the Challenge:
(a) Sign-ups are limited to one slot per person. You may not use multiple GameSpot usernames to enroll yourself in more than one slot for the Challenge. Contestants found to be disrupting the Challenge format in this manner will be immediately disqualified with no recourse for themselves.
(b) Any disorderly behavior disqualifies Contestants from participation, finals, or prizes. GameSpot staff are the final arbiters in all situations, and they have the final say in every situation, including with respect to the GameSpot Tournament chat room. Please refrain from using harassing, negative, or profane language in the GameSpot Tournament chat room.
(c) No cheats or hacks of any kind are to be used. Contestants will be disqualified if they are caught using any cheat or third-party "helper" applications.
(d) Taking advantage of known exploits in the trivia module is also considered cheating. If a GameSpot staff member finds that you are cheating, you will be disqualified immediately from the Challenge.
(e) The Challenge rules are subject to change at any time. If any changes to the rules occur, you will be notified through the news page and a forum post in the GameSpot Tournaments & Contest forum; a time stamp will be on any Web pages that have been revised.
5.Challenge Format & Server Settings.
Each round will consist of a specified number of Contestants answering trivia questions using the proprietary GameSpot trivia module. To access the module, you must check in for roll call. To check in, make sure you are logged in to GameSpot.com, then simply visit the My Headquarters page in the Trivia Challenge page and click on the "Check in" button to let us know that you're ready to play. You'll then see instructions on how to enter the GameSpot chat room for roll call. Official GameSpot Staff will be identified with their names listed in green in the GameSpot Tournament chat room.
Once you check in, the trivia module will become available for play. You will be presented a series of 10 questions in the category indicated in the round title. Each question will have four multiple-choice answers from which to choose. Your score will be based on your answering correctly, as well as how quickly you provide the correct answer. The trivia game cannot be stopped or paused once you start, and you have only one chance to play the round; you will not be able to play again.
The Final Showdown will be a fluid, game show-inspired trivia face-off. Contestants will answer a variety of questions. The Contestant who answers the most questions correctly in the shortest amount of time will be the winner of the Challenge.
For the finals, the two Contestants with the highest scores in the Elimination Phase 4 will have the opportunity to be flown to the GameSpot studios in San Francisco to compete live, on air, for the top prize. During the final match, we plan to start promptly at 4:00 p.m. PT, and we expect the match to be played within a reasonable schedule. However, exact start times may vary based on the needs of the live GameSpot Trivia Challenge TV broadcast.
If a tie occurs, the tie breaker format will be dependent on the Elimination Phase. Elimination Phase 1 through 3 will allow the tied Contestants to move on to the next Tournament phase. Elimination Phase 4 will use the tied Contestants’ composite scores based on previous performance to break any ties and determine the scores of any tied Contestants. Should either of the two Contestants with the highest scores from the Elimination Phase 4 not be eligible or able to attend the live taping of Trivia Challenge TV, the Contestant with the next-highest score will be chosen. The travel prize will be awarded to the Contestants with the two highest scores in the Elimination Phase 4 who are available to attend.
Should none or only one of the four contestants in the Elimination Phase 4 be available to attend the Final Showdown live, contestants from the prior rounds will be chosen based on their scores from that round.
Trivia game settings are as follows:
April 21, 2008 - Elimination Phase 1: Questions will be about Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City. The top sixty-four (64) Contestants move on to Elimination Phase 2.
April 22, 2008 - Elimination Phase 2: Questions will be about Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The top sixteen (16) Contestants move on to Elimination Phase 3.
April 23, 2008 - Elimination Phase 3: Questions will be about Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The top four (4) Contestants move on to Elimination Phase 4.
April 24, 2008 - Elimination Phase 4: Questions will be about Grand Theft Auto I and II games and media. The top two (2) Contestants move on to the Final Showdown.
May 2, 2008 - Final Showdown: Questions will be about Grand Theft Auto games in general.
6. Prizes.
The two Contestants with the two highest scores in the General Round will each receive one travel package to San Francisco, CA, to participate in the live taping of the Trivia Challenge TV finals on Friday, May 2, 2007. Package will include one round-trip economy-class plane ticket (from the nearest major continental US city to the San Francisco International Airport) (approximate retail value ("ARV") $600), and one night of single-occupancy hotel accommodations (room rate and related taxes only) (ARV $250) (Total ARV of travel prize = $850) (Total ARV of all travel prizes = $1,700).
The first-place winner from the Final Showdown will receive a $1,000 gift card to Best Buy (approximate retail value ("ARV") $1,000) (Total ARV of Challenge 1st place winner prize = $1,000).
Total ARV of all prizes = $2,700.
Limit one (1) prize per entrant. Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded. Gift cards are redeemable for future purchases in any US Best Buy retail location or online at BestBuy.com for merchandise or services only. Not redeemable for cash. Not a credit or debit card. Not valid as payment on Best Buy credit card. Purchases deducted from gift card until balance reaches zero. No expiration date, no fees. Subject to terms contained on gift card.
Prizes will be awarded "as is" with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied by Sponsor. Prizes are not transferable, redeemable for cash, or substitutable by winners. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of comparable or greater value, at its sole discretion. Winners are solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes (including all applicable income and withholding taxes), as well as all other costs and expenses associated with prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided. All prize details are at Sponsor's sole discretion. Actual value of prize depends on the city of departure, time of travel, any airfare fluctuations, and any difference between the stated ARV and the actual value, if any, will not be awarded. All other expenses (including without limitation transportation to and from departure city, gratuities, incidental expenses, insurance and meals) not expressly stated herein are the sole responsibility of finalists. Travel arrangements will be made through the travel coordinator designated by Sponsor. Travel dates are to be determined and trip must be taken on dates and times designated by Sponsor or prize will be forfeited. Travel restrictions may apply and frequent flyer miles may not be available. One or more stopovers may be required on air transportation. Once travel is booked, no changes or cancellations will be accepted. No extensions or exceptions shall apply or be available. All travel is subject to availability and finalist is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary and required travel documents. Sponsor shall not be responsible for any lost or stolen tickets or similar items once they are in the winner’s possession. Sponsor shall not be responsible nor liable for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitutions or any act or omissions whatsoever by the air carriers, hotels or others providing services or accommodations, including loss or damage to baggage.
7. Winner's List.
The names of the prize winners can be obtained from GameSpot by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope by May 27, 2008 to Brain Bust Challenge Winner's List, c/o Jody Robinson, 235 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.
8. Selection and Notification of Winners.
All winners will be notified by e-mail or telephone at the e-mail address or telephone number associated with their Total Access GameSpot accounts. To claim their prize, winners must complete and return a notarized Affidavit and General Release and, if applicable, a W-9 form sent to winner, within three (3) days of notification. If winner is a resident of a state that deems winner to be a minor, the prize may be awarded in the name of winner's parent/legal guardian, who must also sign a notarized Affidavit and General Release on the winner's behalf and grant consent for the winner to accept the prize. Any prize notification or prize returned to Sponsor as undeliverable will be forfeited. Each potential winner may be requested to provide Sponsor with proof that he/she is the Authorized Account Holder of the e-mail address that corresponds to the registered GameSpot account used to enter the Challenge. In the event of a dispute regarding who submitted an entry, the entry will be deemed submitted by the Authorized Account Holder of such e-mail account. You are not a winner until your submission is validated and your documents are completed.
9. General Conditions and Release.
Except where prohibited by law, each winner (or winner's parent/legal guardian should he or she be a minor in his or her state of residence) consents to the use of his or her name, city and state, likeness, voice, entry, and Sponsor's right to use and publish his or her scores, proper name, and any statements made or attributed to said winner (collectively, the "Attributes") in any manner by Sponsor, its designees, and its advertising and promotion agencies in any media now known or hereafter devised for advertising and promotional purposes in connection with the Challenge without further compensation or notification, review, or approval, and releases Sponsor and its designees from all claims arising out of the use of such Attributes. Acceptance of a prize constitutes each winner's consent (or parent/legal guardian's should the winner be a minor in his or her state of residence) to have his or her name released in a winner's list that will be made available to the public. By entering this Challenge, winners (or their parent/legal guardian should they be a minor in their state of residence) agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Sponsor and any of its respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, or related companies, or their respective officers, directors, employees, or agents of the foregoing (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any liability whatsoever, and to waive any and all causes of action related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses, taxes, expenses, or damages of any kind, either at law or in equity, whether known or unknown (collectively, "Losses"), arising, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, out of or in connection with this Challenge or any Tournament-related activity, or that the winners might incur as a result of this Challenge or acceptance, possession, or use or inability to use any prize (including, without limitation, Losses related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, and defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), or for any printing, production, typographical, human, or other error in the printing, offering, or announcement of any prize, whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty, guarantee (express or implied), or other theory. Winners (or their parent/legal guardian should they be a minor in their state of residence) further acknowledge that Released Parties are not liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to any prize, including but not limited to its quality, mechanical condition, or fitness.
10. Disclaimer.
If for any reason the Challenge is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failure, or force majeure that, in the sole opinion of Sponsor, corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Challenge, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with or abuses any aspect of the Challenge, as solely determined by Sponsor, and to cancel, terminate, modify, or postpone the Challenge until a later date. Released Parties assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, or other failure of or related to the software platform on which the Challenge is played. Released Parties are not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any e-mail or entry to be received by Sponsor on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any Web site, by human error that may occur in the ability to enter a participant's entry, or any combination thereof or otherwise, including any injury or damage to participant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading any materials in this Challenge.
CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR APPLICATION OR TO UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE TOURNAMENT IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH ENTRANT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
11. Disclaimer.
(a) By entering this Challenge, you (or your parent/legal guardian should you be a minor in your state of residence) agree and consent that any information you provide upon entering may be used by CNET Networks, Inc. in accordance with its privacy policy, available at http://www.cnet.com/html/aboutcnet/editorial/privacy.html?tag=ft. If you do not want your information used in this manner, do not enter this Challenge.
(b) The Challenge and the Official Rules shall be exclusively governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without regard to conflicts of law provisions. Each entrant (or parent/legal guardian should the entrant be a minor in his or her state of residence) consents to exclusive personal jurisdiction and agrees that any dispute shall be brought in the federal or state courts located in San Francisco, California.
