1. What is Capital Punishment?
Hosted by GameSpot, this is an online Gears of War Tournament for the Xbox 360. The Tournament will have 32 teams consisting of 3 players each playing in Execution mode. The two final teams will compete live on GameSpot Tournament TV for over $1000 worth of prizes.

2. Who can sign up for?
The Tournament is open to GameSpot Total Access subscribers. You must be 17 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 42 of this FAQ.

Because this game is played online on the Xbox 360 platform, you are required to have your own Xbox Live account and must be ready to join your match within the time limit given. If you do not have an Xbox Live account or cannot confirm your XBL information upon sign-up, you will not be able to sign up for this Tournament.

Game Server Note: Because this is played online via Xbox Live matchmaking, there is no guarantee that each match will be able to start at the specific time scheduled. All rescheduled matches are at the discretion of the GameSpot admins.

Summary of technical requirements to participate:
1. Xbox 360 with hard drive
2. Gears of War for the Xbox 360
3. Stable Internet connection
4. Active Xbox Live Account
5. At least one available slot on your Xbox Live friends list

3. When is Capital Punishment?
Registration for Capital Punishment begins April 4, 2007 and closes on April 9, 2007. 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.

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 GameSpot's My Headquarters.

Qualifying Round
Monday - April 9, 2007

Elimination Round
Match 1 - 12:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 1:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 5 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 6 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 7 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 8 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Tuesday - April 10, 2007

Match 9 - 12:00 p.m. PT
Match 10 - 1:00 p.m. PT
Match 11 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 12 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 13 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 14 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 15 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 16 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Wednesday - April 11, 2007

Match 1 - 12:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 1:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 5 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 6 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 7 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 8 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Thursday - April 12, 2007

Match 1 - 12:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 1:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 3:00 p.m. PT

Thursday - April 12, 2007

Match 1 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 5:00 p.m. PT

Friday, April 13, 2007

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.

4. What should I know before I sign-up?
a) When registration opens, sign up on the GameSpot website for a team. There will be 32 team rosters to choose from, and 96 total player slots. Wait-list slots are also available at the time of registration.

b) The match will be a 3 vs. 3 Execution. Players will also be joined by two GameSpot admins, one on each side. A team member should execute the admin player within 10 seconds of the start of the round. There will be two matches, with the number of rounds needed to win the match set at 7. If a different team wins each match, there will be a third playoff match in which the number of rounds needed to win is set at 3.

c) To join a match, players will receive a game invite from a GameSpot admin. Players should be connected to Xbox Live and be available to accept the game invite no later than 15 minutes before the match is scheduled to begin. In order for the GameSpot admin to invite you to the match, the admin must add you to his XBL friends list, and you must accept the friend invitation. Be sure you have at least one available slot on your friends list prior to the match.

d) To determine which team begins as Cog or Locust, the team leader of the team in the upper slot as listed on the tournament schedule for that match will call heads or tails in the tournament chat room. The team leader that wins the toss will choose whether to play as Cog or Locust for the first match. When the first round is done, another game will be created. Teams should switch sides. In the case of a third match, teams will play with the factions they chose in the first match.

e) The custom cycle option will be chosen. All of the maps shipped with the retail game will be included in the rotation.

f) There are no "group signups"; it is a first-come, first-served situation. If you would like to get all of your friends on the same team as you, we advise that you plan ahead and sign up together when registration opens.

g) Tournament registration will require that you use your GameSpot username. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider prior to registration:
- Decide the team you want to join
- Discuss with potential teammates the time you want to play in your preliminary match
- Plan ahead with your potential teammates to sign up together when registration opens
- Choose a particular team name or preferred individual number and provide it to the GameSpot admins (more details follow under "team names")

h) GameSpot will not be involved with any movement of players after they have signed up for a particular spot. If you want to switch places with another player, you will need to do so at your own risk. GameSpot cannot guarantee you a position in an official team roster if you decide to utilize the "withdraw" button. 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 Tournament, please contact the GameSpot admins at gameadmin@gamespot.com before relinquishing your spot.

i) Sign-ups are limited to one slot per person. You may not use multiple GameSpot usernames and/or Xbox Live gamertags to enroll yourself in more than one slot within a Tournament. Players found to be disrupting the Tournament format in this manner will be immediately disqualified with no recourse for themselves.

WARNING: GameSpot will not tolerate or allow harassment of any player that signs up for a spot on a team. It is a first-come, first-served situation. All GameSpot Total Access subscribers are eligible to participate and we want to ensure that all players have fun and enjoy the experience. GameSpot does NOT support or have an option for an entire group or clan to sign up as one. Do not ask us for this feature as it is not something we plan on implementing at this time.

5.What are the Tournament settings?
First 2 rounds:
Game Type: Execution
Selected Map: Custom Cycle
Number of Rounds: 7
Bleed-Out Duration: 20
Round Duration: 5
Friendly Fire: Yes
Weapons Swapped: None

Third Round (if necessary):
Game Type: Execution
Selected Map: Custom Cycle
Number of Rounds: 3
Bleed-Out Duration: 20
Round Duration: 5
Friendly Fire: Yes
Weapons Swapped: None

6. What maps will be played?
A custom rotation will be set that includes all maps included with the retail game Gears of War, and will not include any downloadable maps. The map order is subject to change and will not be published in advance.

All GameSpot Tournaments conclude with a live broadcast of the final match. Because we must capture live footage from the match in progress, we must be able to spectate the match. In order for admins to spectate in Gears of War, they must join the game as players and then die to enter spectate mode. While it is only necessary to have a spectator on each team for the finals broadcast on Tournament TV, we want all matches to utilize the same format. This allows both the players and the admin to get used to the format prior to the final match.

The maximum number of players per team in Gears of War is 4. This then means that the remaining 3 will be the actual competitors.

8. Why does someone on the team have to kill the admin players?
The starting weapons in a Gears of War match don’t include a weapon that a player can use to immediately commit suicide. Therefore, we must ask that a player on each team immediately execute the spectating player as soon as the round begins. The spectating player is easily identified because the gamertag will begin with "GSAdmin." If you accidentally kill an actual teammate, the match will not be restarted, and the round will count, so be careful.

If a team forgets to execute the admin player, that team will automatically forfeit the entire match. Do not forget to execute the admin player in each round! The reason for this is simple: a round cannot be restarted in Gears of War, only the entire match. A team could potentially manipulate a rule that allows the match to be restarted, so it is necessary for us to assign a loss to a team that fails to execute the admin player within 10 seconds.

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

10. What should I know about open registration?
a) Once you have registered for a timeslot, use the "vote for leader" option in GameSpot My Headquarters. Your designated leader will continue to set up your team structure and be the single point of contact for GameSpot to communicate with your team. Note: It is not required that all players choose a leader, but the ones who do are more likely to get a leader they desire.

b) Team Names will initially be called "Team 1, Team 2, etc..." until the team leaders have contacted the GameSpot admins with their preferred team name that we will utilize as their team name for this Tournament. If a team fails to provide the GameSpot admins with a team name by the start of competition, the GameSpot admin has the right to name the team whatever is fitting or appropriate.

c) Keep an eye on your Team roster. If anyone withdraws from your timeslot, make sure you have waitlisted players before registration closes. Post a message in the GameSpot Tournaments forum for other players to join your timeslot. Wait-listed players are also considered substitutes and will be allowed to replace players during the Tournament, provided that a rostered player is not able to compete in a match or round. Please note: When a substitute replaces a player on the roster, this removes the rostered player's rights to the confirmed roster.

11. What is the format and guidelines for a given match?
a) The designated team leader of your match MUST join the GameSpot Tournament chat at least 15 minutes before your match is to begin. If the designated team leader of your team does not appear for roll call at LEAST 15 minutes BEFORE your scheduled match time, your team may be disqualified with no recourse for yourself or your teammates. Disqualification for being late is at the sole discretion of the GameSpot admins.

b) It is important that all members of a team be ready and prepared before their match begins. GameSpot cannot make exceptions for participants who are unprepared.

c) GameSpot recommends that each team determines a communication method to discuss strategies, work out team roster details, etc.

Note for designated team leaders: Once you have joined the GameSpot Tournament chat, you will receive additional instructions from the GameSpot admins. After the Tournament has concluded, all team communications and functions will rest solely on the designated team leader and players. GameSpot assumes no responsibility for any actions or situations that arise within the team after the Tournament has ended.

d) Getting into the game: When it is time for your match, you will check in through GameSpot’s My Headquarters, log into chat, and simply wait for a GameSpot admin to tell you when you can join the game. The GameSpot admins may assist you in assuring you are on the correct team. Make sure you know the GameSpot username for all of your teammates so that you can easily place yourself on the appropriate team and save the GameSpot admins time preparing the match.

12. What other restrictions are there?
a. Any disorderly behavior disqualifies contestants 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 Tournament chat. Please refrain from using harassing, negative, or profane language in either the Tournament chat or 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 3rd 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 allow you to 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 email, there will be a post in the Tournament news page, and a Tournament forum post. Depending on the circumstance, a time stamp will be also be on any Web pages that have been revised.

13.What are the prizes for the winners?
1st Place: Each member of the 1st place team will receive a $250 gift card for Best Buy (approximate retail value (“ARV”) $750).

2nd Place: Each member of the 2nd place team will receive a $100 gift card for Best Buy (approximate retail value (“ARV”) $300).

14. 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. You must check in on the Tournament site before your time slot. Read on for more details about the check-in process.

15. Do I have to be in a Gears of War clan to sign up in this Tournament?
Every Total Access subscriber has a chance to sign up for the Tournament and to create or be part of his or her own team. You are not required to know everyone on the team you choose; however, we do feel it is in your best interest to find people whom you know fairly well for the best competitive experience. For more information about how teams are formed, read question 19 below.

16. 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.

17. How are you scoring the Tournament?
Each game will consist of 2 matches, and the winning team will be the first to win 7 rounds. Once the first match is over, a second one will be played with the factions reversed. If the same team wins both matches, it will advance to the next round.

In the event that each team wins a match, a third match will be created, and teams will play as the factions they played in the first match. In the third match, the first team to win 3 rounds is the winner, and will advance to the next round.

18. What if there is a tie?
As mentioned above, in the event that each team wins a match, a third match will be created, and teams will play as the factions they played in the first match. In the third match, the first team to win 3 rounds is the winner, and will advance to the next round.

19. What is a roster?
A roster is formed when a group of individuals register and fill up a time slot in a GameSpot Tournament. Members of the team may or may not already know each other. A person who is on the waiting list for a team has the opportunity to join if someone from the team does not show up for or cannot attend a particular match. To practice or discuss strategies, the team has the capability of communicating through GameSpot's My Headquarters. Wait-listers can be called upon by the team leader at any time during the event as substitutes.

20. What is the difference between a wait-lister and a substitute?
In this Tournament, GameSpot is treating wait-listed players and substitutes as the same. Substitutes will be allowed to replace players during the Tournament, provided that a rostered player is not able to compete in a match or round.

21. Can our team freely swap out players with substitute players?
When a substitute replaces a player on the roster, this removes the rostered player's rights to the team. A substitute who is added to the roster is then considered a confirmed teammate. This means that the new replacement has all rights to continue the Tournament, and the teammate removed no longer has these rights. If a player is removed from a roster, the player can join another team as a substitute. However, a player from a team that is eliminated in the Tournament is not allowed to join another team as a substitute thereafter. If any teammate harasses a new replacement from the roster, Tournament staff must be involved and notified by the new replacement. However, freely swapping out players isn't beneficial for a team. If your team wins the final match, only the players on the current roster will be able to receive a prize. No substitutes/wait-listers or former confirmed players will be eligible for any prizes, even if they played all matches during the Tournament but did not participate in the final match.

22. Will each team get a chance to warm up before their match?
No. The private match will be created 15 minutes before each match. 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.

23. What are the steps to join the match?
a. Load up Gears of War.

b. You will receive a friend invite (if this is your first match in the Tournament) and a game invite from GSAdmin1. Note that you may receive the friend invite up to a day in advance of the Qualifying match. To accept the invites, access your messages by pressing the center controller button and selecting the messages button. Here, you may accept the friend and game invites.

c. After accepting the game invite, you will enter the pre-game lobby. Once both teams are assembled and have entered the game, the GameSpot admin will announce via Xbox Live voice chat and in the tournament players chat that the game is about to begin. At this time, the admin will begin the game. Once the game has begun, it is considered official.

d. Once you are in the game, it is imperative that you execute your team’s admin player, easily identified by a gamertag that begins with “GSAdmin.” You must execute this player within 10 seconds of the beginning of the match to avoid forfeiting the match.

Xbox Live Note: Please ensure that your friends list (which will hold a maximum of 100 Gamertags) has at least one open slot before each match, as the GameSpot admin will need to add you as a "friend". This will avoid possible delays in the start time for each match.

24. I am in a clan, but none of my clan mates are GameSpot Total Access subscribers. What can I do?
There is one GameSpot subscription per individual. Therefore, each clan mate who wishes to participate in this Tournament (or any subsequent Tournaments) must sign up for a monthly or annual Total Access [link to http://www.gamespot.com/signup/index.php?case=ta] subscription.

25. What happens if some of my teammates don't show up for a match?
If your team does not consist of at least 2 players for any given match, and there are no substitutes available, you and your team will be disqualified from the Tournament. Therefore, it is extremely important that you communicate and practice with your team and ensure you are communicating with all substitutes in case anything should come up for a teammate.

Be advised that if your team is disqualified due to no-show players in the Qualifying Round, the GameSpot admin will attempt to find you room on another team’s roster if you so desire. However, GameSpot cannot guarantee a place for players willing to play that are disqualified due to the no-shows of their teammates.

26. Are no-shows during the final match still eligible for the prize?
Even if you are on the confirmed team roster, if you do not show up and participate in the final match, you will not be eligible for the prize.

27. If I do not show up for a match, can I still play in the finals if my team is still competing?
We encourage all players to play during their assigned matches. However, when a substitute replaces a player on the roster, this removes the rostered player's rights to the roster.

28. If I get disconnected, may a substitute take my place?
No. If you can reconnect to the game instance before the match finishes, you can continue to play with your confirmed team. If a confirmed team has fewer than 2 players on their team available in the game, the team will have no more than 3 minutes to ensure that at least 2 confirmed players for their team are in the game. No substitutes from outside the confirmed team will be accepted after a match has begun. If fewer than 2 players are remain in the game on each opposing team due to disconnections, the match may be rescheduled based on the GameSpot admin’s discretion.

29. What type of servers will I play on?
GameSpot will not provide any server functionality during this Tournament, as 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.

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

31. 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 chat channel 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 by their green font to their name in Tournament chat.

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

33. 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 chat and let the GameSpot admins know you are there. There are situations when GameSpot admins are looking for replacements who are in Tournament chat, but they are AFK or unavailable. If you want to participate, the best thing for you to do is be available.

34. What do I need to do during roll call?
We have an automated roll call system that will allow you to 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.

35. Do I have the option to choose my time slot any round after the Qualifying Round?
In order to keep the Tournament process consistent, you will not be able to pick a time slot after your confirmed team plays in the Qualifying Round.

36. Is there a loser's bracket?
There will not be a loser's bracket in this Tournament.

37. 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 contestant (one who did not show up or was somehow otherwise disqualified) will be granted a win for the match.

38. How are you preventing players from cheating?
As the game is for the Xbox 360 platform and played via Xbox Live, it would be very difficult to cheat. Players are expected to play and communicate with honor.

39. 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 why you are disputing the match, other players involved in the dispute, 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.

40. Will this Tournament affect my online ranking?
No. The match is unranked and will therefore not affect your status on the Gears of War leaderboard.

41. Can I get a copy of the video GameSpot records of my match?
GameSpot generally posts video capture of highlights from round prior to the final rounds. This highlights video is posted in the GameSpot Tournaments forum, as well as on the main tournament page for a given tournament. However, we cannot make complete match footage for any events other than the Finals, which are always archived on the site for users to download after the event has concluded. Please do not ask GameSpot admins for copies of the video footage from your match, as it is not possible for them to make this available to you at this time.

42. Why is this Tournament for U.S. and Canadian residents only?
Because each country has its own laws regarding sweepstakes, tournaments and contests, we're only able to include U.S. 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 occur in Quebec (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 benefits that all of our subscribers can enjoy. Each Tournament may have different requirements so stay tuned for future events.