Bombs Away!
FAQ GUIDE

1.1 What is Bombs Away?
Bombs Away is an online GameSpot Tournament for the Bomberman Live game on the Xbox 360 system. The Tournament will have ninety-six (96) players, each playing in battle mode. Six players will compete live on GameSpot Tournament TV for $500 worth of prizes.

1.2 What are the prizes for the winners?
First Place: The first-place winner will receive one (1) $250 gift card for Best Buy.
Remaining finalists: The five remaining finalists will each receive one (1) $50 gift card for Best Buy.

1.3 When is the Tournament?
Registration for the Tournament begins January 23, 2008 and closes January 28, 2008. All participants must sign up for a player slot during the sign-up period. Participants cannot be added at any time outside of the registration window. The Tournament matches will begin January 28, 2008 and end February 1, 2008.

1.4 What is the Tournament schedule? Below is the complete Tournament schedule. If you have registered for the Tournament, you can verify the date and time of your next match by visiting My Headquarters.

Monday, January 28, 2008
Elimination Round
Match 1 - 11:00 a.m. PDT
Match 2 - 11:30 p.m. PDT
Match 3 - 12:00 p.m. PDT
Match 4 - 12:30 p.m. PDT
Match 5 - 1:00 p.m. PDT
Match 6 - 1:30 p.m. PDT
Match 7 - 2:00 p.m. PDT
Match 8 - 2:30 p.m. PDT
Match 9 - 3:00 p.m. PDT
Match 10 - 3:30 p.m. PDT
Match 11 - 4:00 p.m. PDT
Match 12 - 4:30 p.m. PDT
Match 13 - 5:00 p.m. PDT
Match 14 - 5:30 p.m. PDT
Match 15 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
Match 16 - 6:30 p.m. PDT

Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Preliminary Round
Match 1 - 12:00 p.m. PDT
Match 2 - 1:00 p.m. PDT
Match 3 - 2:00 p.m. PDT
Match 4 - 3:00 p.m. PDT
Match 5 - 4:00 p.m. PDT
Match 6 - 5:00 p.m. PDT
Match 7 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
Match 8 - 7:00 p.m. PDT

Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Quaterfinals Round
Match 1 - 4:00 p.m. PDT
Match 2 - 5:00 p.m. PDT
Match 3 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
Match 4 - 7:00 p.m. PDT

Thursday, January 31, 2008
Semifinal Round
Match 3 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Friday, February 1, 2008
Finals
Match starts at 4:00 p.m. PT (TBD*)

* 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 Tournament TV broadcast.

1.5 Do I have the option to choose my time slot after the Qualifying round?
In order to keep the Tournament process consistent, you will not be able to pick a time slot after you play in the Elimination Round.

2.1 Who can sign up for Bombs Away?
The Tournament is open to GameSpot Total Access subscribers. You must be 13 (thirteen) years of age or older and a resident of the 50 United States (including the District of Columbia) or Canada (excluding the province of Quebec). For further information about GameSpot's residency requirements for this Tournament, please go to question 2.3 of this FAQ.

2.2 What are the technical requirement to participate?
Here is a breakdown of what you need to participate:

• Xbox 360 with hard drive
• Bomberman Live arcade game for the Xbox 360
• Stable internet connection
• Active Xbox Live Account and your gamertag
• Two available slots on your Xbox Live friends list

2.3 Why is this Tournament for U.S. and Canadian residents only?
Because each country has its own laws regarding sweepstakes, tournaments, and contests, we can include only US and Canadian residents (other than residents of Quebec) for this specific event. Regarding Quebec residents in particular, this province has very stringent rules governing the types of tournaments, contests, and sweepstakes that can occur (or which residents of Quebec can participate). These include required filing fees, French-translated documents, and certain documentation, which would be overly burdensome for CNET Networks to provide for our events. However, we're always looking for new Total Access subscription benefits that all of our subscribers can enjoy. Each Tournament may have different requirements, so stay tuned for future events.

2.4 Anything else I should know about before I sign-up?
(a) When registration opens, sign up on the GameSpot Web site. There will be ninety-six (96) total player slots available to choose from. Waiting list slots are also available at the time of registration.

(b) Tournament registration will require that you use your GameSpot username and will request that you enter your Xbox Live gamertag. Space is limited, so all players should decide which time slot they will join before registration opens.

(c) Sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you and your friends would like to join a time slot, we advise that you plan ahead and sign up when registration opens.

(d) One GameSpot Admin will be present in the game. After the match has started, the GameSpot Admin will suicide the player. However, after you have played your match, please confirm your score with the GameSpot Admins via the GameSpot Tournament chat room. This will ensure that they report the accurate score for your match.

3.1 Can I use a name other than my GameSpot profile user name?
The name you register under on the Tournament page is your GameSpot username. This is tied to your GameSpot Total Access subscription, and you must have this to register. Once you register, you will insert your Xbox Live gamertag on the Tournament page.

3.2 I've registered for the Tournament. What do I do next?
You will receive an e-mail confirming your registration and time slot. It will also contain instructions for your next match. Read section 6.1 for more details about the check-in process.

3.3 What should I do after I have registered for a timeslot?
Keep an eye on your time slot at all times until registration closes. If a time slot is not available, register as a wait-list player. Wait-list players are also considered substitutes and will be allowed to replace players during the Tournament, provided that a player is not able to compete in a match or round. Please note: When a substitute replaces a no-show player for a match, the player's rights are transferred to the substitute player.

3.4 If I am put on the waiting list, how will I know if I am able to get in the Tournament?
You will receive an e-mail stating that you are able to participate. Because many Tournament players do 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 who may be seeking a replacement for your time slot. NOTE: When you check in, make sure to join GameSpot chatroom and let the GameSpot Admins know you are there. There are situations when GameSpot Admins are looking for replacements in the GameSpot Tournament chatroom, but they are unavailable. If you want to participate, the best thing for you to do is be available.

4.1 What should I know about the format?
A match will be played in battle mode. The players with the highest scores will move on to the next Tournament round. Up to three games should be expected to determine the three players with the highest scores during the Elimination, Preliminary and Quarterfinal rounds.

4.2 What are the server settings?
Tournament Settings for Elimination Round, Preliminary Round, and Quarterfinals Round
Game Type: Battle
Number of Players: 6 (set to 7 for Admin)
Time Limit Per Round: 3 minutes
Number of Wins: 3 wins
Position: Random
Scavenger: On
Revenge: Super
Sudden Death: On
Power-Up Set: Intermediate
Power-Up Setting: Burnable
Power Downs: On
Skulls: Off

Semifinals Round and Finals
Game Type: Battle
Number of Players: 6 (set to 7 for Admin)
Time Limit Per Round: 3 minutes
Number of Wins: 5 wins
Position: Random
Scavenger: On
Revenge: Super
Sudden Death: On
Power-Up Set: Advanced
Power-Up Setting: Burnable
Power Downs: Default to power-up set
Skulls: Off

Maps
Elimination Round: Big Top (mode-Normal)
Preliminary Round: Big Top (mode-Arena Feature)
Quarterfinals Round: Ghost Town (mode-Arena Feature)
Semifinal Round: Lost World (mode-Arena Feature)
Final Round: Classic (mode-Arena Feature)

Match Definitions

Match: A match can have one to three games depending on ties that may happen among players. The three players with the highest scores will move on to the next Tournament round.

Game: A full game is played when one player reaches three wins.

Score: The number of wins in a given game. Frags are not considered as a score.

Win: A player can win a match by having one of the three top scores.

Tie: If a tie occurs, the Admin will create another game with the same map and settings. If another tie occurs, another game will be created. The maximum number of games that can be created is three.

4.2 Match Scenarios
Example 1: Three Games Are Played

Below is a possible scenario that will require three total games. The first game results are as follows:
Player1 wins 3
Player2 wins 2
Player3 wins 2
Player4 wins 2
Player5 wins 0
Player6 wins 0

Player1 has won the game, but three players have tied for second place. To determine the top three players, another game will be played by only the players who have tied. Player1 will leave the match and receive a win score of 3. Player2, Player3, and Player4 must play another game. Player5 and Player6 have lost the match, so they must leave the game. The GameSpot Admin will create another game for Player2, Player3, and Player4. The second game results are as follows:
Player2 wins 3
Player3 wins 2
Player4 wins 2

Player2 has won the game, but two players have tied. To determine the third-place player, another game must be played with Player3 and Player4. Player2 will leave the match and move on to the next round with a score of 3. The GameSpot Admin will create a final game between Player3 and Player4. The third game results are as follows:
Player3 wins 3
Player4 wins 2

Player3 has won the third game and will receive a score of 3. The match results page will show that Player1, Player2, and Player3 move on to the next Tournament round.

Example 2: Two Games Are Played
Below is a possible scenario that will require a two-game (2-game) match. The first game results are as follows:
Player6 wins 3
Player1 wins 2
Player2 wins 2
Player3 wins 2
Player4 wins 2
Player5 wins 0

Player6 has won the game, but four players have tied for second place. Player6 will leave the game and receive a score of 3. Player1, Player2, Player3, and Player 4 must play another game. The GameSpot Admin will create another game for the four players. The second game results are as follows:
Player1 wins 3
Player2 wins 2
Player3 wins 1
Player4 wins 1

Player1 and Player2 move on to the next tournament round because they are the two players with the highest scores. The match results page will show that Player6, Player1, and Player2 move on to the next Tournament round.

Example 3: One Game Is Played
Below is a possible scenario that will require one (1) game match. The game results are as follows:
Player1 wins 3
Player2 wins 2
Player3 wins 1
Player4 wins 0
Player5 wins 0
Player6 wins 0

Player1, Player2, and Player3 have the top three scores, and no players have tied. The match results page will show that Player1, Player2, and Player3 move on to the next Tournament round.

4.3 Is there a losers' bracket?
There will not be a losers' bracket in this Tournament.

4.4 What if I don't like the Tournament format?
If you have questions regarding the match format, you should e-mail them to gameadmin@gamespot.com. However, be advised that a lot of people will want to play in the Tournament. If you do not like the Tournament format as published, you should not register, and you should leave the slot free for those interested in playing in the Tournament as described.

4.5 What other restrictions are there?
(a) Any disorderly behavior disqualifies players 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 the GameSpot Tournament chat room. Please refrain from using harassing, negative, or profane language in the GameSpot Tournament chat room and the game instance.

(b) No cheats or hacks of any kind are to be used. Players will be disqualified if they are caught using any cheat or third-party "helper" applications.

(c) Taking advantage of known exploits in the game is also considered cheating. Exploits in the game could be a variety of things, such as bugs that let you hide under obstacles or objects in the game to gain invulnerability. If a GameSpot Admin finds that you are cheating, you will be disqualified from the Tournament immediately with no recourse for yourself.

(d) These rules are subject to change at any time. If any changes to the rules occur, you will be notified through e-mail, there will be a post on the Tournament news page, and there will be a Tournament forum thread. Depending on the circumstance, a time stamp will also be on any Web pages that have been revised.

4.6 Will there be a seeding process?
No, the Tournament will not have a seeding method. Scheduled matches will be automatically determined as current matches are played, so choose your time slot wisely.

5.1 How is a match formed?
A match is formed when a group of individuals register for a time slot in a GameSpot Tournament. A person who is on the waiting list for the time slot has the opportunity to join if someone from the match does not show.

5.2 What is the difference between a wait-list player and a substitute player?
GameSpot treats wait-list players and substitutes as the same. Substitutes will be allowed to replace players during the Tournament, provided that a player cannot compete in a match.

5.3 Can players swap out of a match with substitute players?
When a substitute replaces a player for a match, this removes the player's rights to the Tournament. A substitute who is added to the match is then considered a confirmed player. This means that the new replacement has all rights to continue the Tournament, and the player who was removed no longer has these rights.

6.1 What should I expect to happen for my scheduled match?
a) ROLL CALL - Players will sign in for roll call by using the My Headquarters tab. A player can check in for roll call one hour prior to their scheduled match.

b) JOIN GAMESPOT CHATROOM - After checking in for roll call, players will join the GameSpot Tournament chat at least 15 minutes before the match begins.

c) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS IN CHATOOM - Once you have joined the GameSpot Tournament chat room, you will receive additional instructions from the GameSpot Admins.

d) JOIN A MATCH - In order for the GameSpot Admin to invite you to the match, you must add the GameSpot Admin's Xbox 360 gamertag as a friend. It is advised that you log in to Xbox Live at least one hour prior to your match and accept or invite the GameSpot Admin gamertag. Note: You can find the GameSpot Admin's Xbox Live gamertag by going to My Headquarters. If you do not see the GameSpot Admin's gamertag listed in My Headquarters, then ask for this information in the GameSpot Tournament chat room. Be sure you have at least two available slots on your friends list prior to the match.

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 through My Headquarters to let us know you are available.

6.3 How do I check in for my next match?
To participate, you must check in 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 Tournament 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 Tournament chat room or 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 by the green font to their name in the GameSpot Tournament chat room.

6.4 What type of servers will I play on?
GameSpot will not provide any server functionality during this Tournament, since it is played through the Xbox Live matchmaking system. GameSpot is not responsible for lag, connectivity issues, or anything else related to your online experience during this Tournament.

6.5 Will players get a chance to warm up before their match?
No. The private match will be created 15 minutes before the match begins. At this time, the GameSpot Admins will have roll call. There is no warm-up time, so practice plenty before you accept the game invite.

6.6What happens if my opponents do not show up for a match?
If your match does not have at least three players checked in for roll call at least 15 minutes before the scheduled match time, wait-list players may join the match. If there are no wait-list players for your match, the GameSpot Admins will allow the players who checked in for roll call to move on to the next Tournament round with a default score.

6.7 Are no-shows during the final match still eligible for the prize?
If you do not show up and participate in the final Tournament match, you will not be eligible for the prize.

6.8 If I get disconnected, may a substitute take my place?
No substitutes will be accepted after a match has begun. The game does not allow you to reconnect if you are disconnected from the match at any time. If fewer than five players are in the game due to disconnections, the match may be rescheduled based on the GameSpot Admin's discretion.

6.9 Can I use voice or text chat during the match?
Yes, you may use Xbox 360 built-in voice functionality. Any misuse of Xbox Live voice chat as described elsewhere in this FAQ, such as using profane language or communicating gameplay information to players, will result in the offending player's disqualification.

6.10 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 on time for a scheduled match, you will be disqualified and ineligible to win any prizes. An opponent scheduled to face a disqualified player (one who did not show up or was otherwise disqualified) will be granted a win for the match.

6.11 Can I get a copy of the GameSpot video records of my match?
We cannot create match footage for any events other than the finals, which are always archived and available for download after the event has concluded. Please do not ask GameSpot Admins for copies of the video footage from your match, because it is not possible for them to make this available to you at this time.

7.1 How are you preventing players from cheating?
GameSpot Admins will be monitoring gameplay from within the instance and will record to video any questionable actions by players for review after the match is concluded.

7.2 How do I report someone breaking the rules?
Should you have any dispute with the results of the match, the way it was handled, or any administration issue with the method in which the match was carried out, the rules or the actual event itself, you have 48 hours from the end of the final match to submit your query. Your inquiry should include the following:

• Why you are disputing the match
• Other players involved in the dispute
• The performance you have a problem with
• Any accompanying 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 24 hours or more after a final event has closed will be disregarded.