1. What is Brain Bust?
Hosted by GameSpot, Brain Bust is an online trivia challenge open to all eligible Total Access Members. The challenge will feature 256 players competing for the top prize.

2. Who can sign up for Brain Bust?
The challenge is open to eligible Total Access Members. You must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the United States to participate. For further information about GameSpot's residency requirements for this challenge, please go to question 26 of this FAQ.

Summary of technical requirements to participate:
-PC or Mac with the most recent version of Internet Explorer, Safari, or Firefox installed

3. When is Brain Bust?
Below is the complete challenge schedule. If you have registered for the challenge, you can verify the date and time of your next match by visiting GameSpot's My Headquarters.

Day 1 - Monday, May 14, 2007

FPS Round. Questions will be about first-person shooters. The top sixty-four (64) players move on to the RPG round.

2:00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m PT - (256 players)

Day 2 - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 RPG Round. Questions will be about role-playing games. The top sixteen (16) players move on to the Classic Gaming Round.

2:00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m PT - (64 players)

Day 3 - Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Classic Gaming Round. Questions will be about classic games. The top four (4) players move on to the General Round.

2:00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m PT - (16 players)

Day 4 - Thursday, May 17, 2007

General Round. Questions will be about games in general. The top two (2) players move on to the Final Showdown.

2:00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m PT - (4 players)

Day 5 - Friday, May 25, 2007

Final Showdown - 4:00 p.m. PT - (2 players)

* For the finals, the two players with the highest score in the General Round will 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.

Should either of the two players with the highest scores from the General Round not be able to attend the live taping of Trivia Challenge TV, a player with the next highest score will be chosen. The travel prize will be awarded to the players with the two highest scores in the General Round available to attend. Should none or only one of the four contestants in the General Round be available to attend the Final Showdown live, contestants from the prior rounds will be chosen based on their scores from that round.

4. What should I know before I sign-up?
Here is some helpful information you may want to consider prior to registration:

a. Each round will consist of a specified number of players answering trivia questions using the proprietary GameSpot trivia module. To access the module, you must check in for roll call at least 15 minutes before your assigned time slot. To check in, make sure you are logged in to GameSpot.com, then simply visit the My Headquarters page in the Trivia Challenge area 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. Late arrivals and no-shows will give up their time slots to those on the waiting list. NO EXCEPTIONS! Official GameSpot Admins will be identified with their name listed in green in Challenge Chat.

b. Once you check in, the trivia module will become available for play. You will be presented a series of ten 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 answering correctly, as well as how quickly you provide the correct answer. The game cannot be stopped once started, and you only have once chance to play the round, as you will not be able to play again.

c. The Final Showdown will be a fluid game-show inspired trivia face-off. Contestants will answer a variety of questions. The player that answers the most questions correctly will be the winner of the Challenge.

d. There are no reserved sign-ups; it is a first-come, first-served situation. GameSpot will not be responsible for players who give up their spots voluntarily due to promises made by other non-GameSpot Admins. If you have questions about losing your spot in the Challenge, please contact GameSpot Admins at gameadmin@gamespot.com before relinquishing your spot.

e. If you do not show up to participate in any round for which you are scheduled, you forfeit your place within the Challenge and cannot compete in any other round.

f. The two players with the highest scores in the General Round will be flown to the GameSpot studios in San Francisco to compete live on air for the top prize. Tournament TV will consist of another series of trivia questions. The winner of the Final Showdown will be the prizewinner.

5. What is the round format?
Each round consists of a pool of players playing for the highest score. The trivia module will automatically score your performance based on how many questions you answered correctly, and how quickly you did so. Each round will include a total of ten questions in the specified category, of roughly the same difficulty level.

6. Will there be a seeding process?
No. Because each round is a pool and not a timed match, each round’s schedule will be randomly determined.

7. How are you scoring the Challenge?
The GameSpot trivia module assigns a score to players based on giving a correct answer, and how quickly the player answers it. Once all players answer and the scores are calculated, the winners will be determined in each round.

8. What if there is a tie?
In the case of a tie, the players involved with the tie will play another match with the same group of general questions related to general gaming. The scores from the tiebreaking round will determine the winner of the tie.

9. What other restrictions are there?
a. Any disorderly behavior, disputes, or harassment against any GameSpot Admins will disqualify a contestant from participation, finals, or prizes. GameSpot Admins are the final arbiters in all situations, and they have the final say in every situation; this includes Trivia Challenge Chat or changes to the rules as stated below in section d.

b. Please refrain from using harassing, negative, or profane language in either the Trivia Challenge Chat.

c. No cheats or hacks of any kind are to be used. Players will be disqualified if they are cheating in any manner. Questions will be pulled from a large pool of potential questions in each round, of which you will only answer ten. We will actively review each player’s account, which may include comparison of IP addresses and cookies, to ensure all players are conducting themselves with honor.

d. These rules are subject to change at any time. If any changes to the rules occur, you will be notified through the Trivia Challenge news page and a Tournament forum post; a time stamp will be on any tournament Web pages that have been revised. It is required that all participants review either the GameSpot Tournament forum or Trivia Challenge announcement page for such notices. GameSpot will not be responsible for players who do not review and make themselves aware of updates that are posted publicly and related to any changes to the official rules.

e. Trivia Challenge slots are limited to one slot per person. You may not sign up for more than one slot using separate GameSpot Total Access accounts.

10. What are the prizes for the winners?
1st Place - The 1st place winner from the Final Showdown will receive a $1000 gift card to Best Buy (approximate retail value ("ARV") $1000).

In addition, the two players with the highest scores from the General Round will receive one travel package to San Francisco, California to participate in the live taping of the Trivia Challenge finals. Package will include one roundtrip economy class plane ticket (from the nearest major continental U.S. city to the San Francisco International Airport) (approximate retail value ("ARV") $600), and one night single occupancy hotel accommodations (room rate and related taxes only) (ARV $250) (Total ARV of each travel prize = $850) (Total ARV of all prizes = $2700.00)

11. What do I need to do during roll call?
We have an automated roll-call system that will let you sign in to notify us of your arrival. The earliest you can check in is 60 minutes before your time slot. If you are on the waiting list, you will also need to sign in to let us know you are available to participate immediately.

12. I've registered for the Challenge. What do I do next?
You will receive an e-mail message from us confirming your registration and time slot. It will also contain instructions for your next match. Note: You must check in to My Headquarters at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled time slot. Read on for more details about the check-in process.

13. How do I check in for my match?
To participate, you must check in for roll call at least 15 minutes before your assigned time slot. To check in, make sure you are logged in to GameSpot.com, then simply visit the My Headquarters page in the Trivia Challenge area 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. Late arrivals and no-shows will give up their time slots to those on the waiting list. NO EXCEPTIONS! Official GameSpot Admins will be identified with their name listed in green in Trivia Challenge Chat.

14. What are the steps to play the match?
a. You will check in for your match as described above.

b. Once you check in, you will be prompted to begin the module.

c. Once the module begins, answer the 10 ensuing questions.

d. Once you have answered all 10 questions, the match is complete. You will be provided a score based on answering the questions correctly, and how quickly you answered them.

15. What happens if people don’t show up?
Each match is a pool of players. Unlike matches in which a group of players or multiple teams compete in a game instance, Brain Bust is available to all participants during the specified time window. As a result, no-shows will not affect the outcome of the game in any way.

16. What is a waitlisted player or a substitute?
In this Challenge, GameSpot is treating wait-listed players and substitutes as the same. At any time during the FPS Round, a current player can be replaced with the one from the waitlist.

17. What if I have technical difficulties?
If you are disconnected or otherwise experience technical difficulties due to Internet or computer difficulties outside of GameSpot’s control, the round cannot be restarted. If technical difficulties related to the GameSpot occur, rounds may be restarted at the discretion of the Admin.

18. Can I use a name other than my GameSpot profile user name?
The name you register under on the Trivia Challenge page is your GameSpot user name. This is tied to your GameSpot Total Access subscription, and you must have this to register.

19. If I am put on the waiting list, how will I know if I am able to get in the Trivia Challenge?
You will receive an e-mail stating that you are able to participate. Because players may not show up for their matches, you should always show up and sign in during roll call for the time slot requested, even if you are only on the waiting list. This will ensure you maximum visibility to GameSpot Admins and players who may be seeking a replacement for your time slot. Note: When you check in, make sure to join chat and let the GameSpot Admins and live players know you are there. There are situations when GameSpot Admins are looking for replacements who are in Trivia Challenge Chat but are AFK or unavailable. If you want to participate, the best thing for you to do is be available.

20. What happens if I make it into the later rounds but don't show up on time?
If you want to be a part of this competition, attendance and timeliness are required. If you do not show up to play within your scheduled window, you will be disqualified and ineligible to win any prizes. Many substitute players will be eager and ready to take your time slot, so if you want to play, you must show up.

21. How are you preventing players from cheating?
GameSpot has a number of methods in place to eliminate cheating from Brain Bust. These methods include IP address and cookie ID logging, a large pool of different trivia questions, and other ways of determining if a player is cheating.

22. What if I have a dispute about the game?
Should you have any dispute with the results of the game, the way it was handled, or any administration issue with the method in which the game was carried out, the rules or the actual event itself, you have 48 hours from the end of the Final Showdown to submit your query. Your inquiry should include why you are disputing the match, the performance you have a problem with and any accompanying video or demo recording, and any other pertinent data or proof to corroborate your claim. Any dispute requests must be sent to gameadmin@gamespot.com. Dispute requests received 48 hours or more after a final event has closed will be disregarded.

23. How do I report someone breaking the rules?
You can send an e-mail to gameadmin@gamespot.com explaining your situation, the nature of your complaint, and any pertinent information that would help the GameSpot Admins of this Challenge make a decision on your complaint.

24. What if the semifinalists are not available to attend the live taping of Trivia Challenge TV?
Should either of the two players with the highest scores from the General Round not be able to attend the live taping of Tournament TV, a player with the next highest score will be chosen. The travel prize will be awarded to the players with the two highest scores in the General Round available to attend.

Should none or only one of the four contestants in the General Round be available to attend the Final Showdown live, contestants from the prior rounds will be chosen based on their scores from that round. If you are a semifinalist but are unable to attend the taping of Trivia Challenge TV, you will be ineligible to win a prize, and you will be replaced by the next qualified contestant.

25. Why is this Challenge for U.S. residents only?
Because each country has its own laws regarding sweepstakes, tournaments and contests, we're only able to include U.S. residents for this specific event. However, we're always looking for new benefits that all of our subscribers can enjoy. Each event may have different requirements so stay tuned for future events.