1. What is Infantry Wars Tournament?
Hosted by GameSpot, this is an online single-elimination Battlefield 2 Tournament for the PC. The Tournament will have 16 teams consisting of five players each playing in Conquest mode. The winning will fly to an exclusive GameSpot After Hours event in San Francisco to play against other players at the live event.

2. Who can sign up for Infantry Wars Tournament?
The Tournament is open to GameSpot Total Access subscribers. 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 Tournament, please go to question 39 of this FAQ.

Game Server NOTE: GameSpot will be hosting the servers used in this event. GameSpot will make these servers available in advance of the tournament for players to test their connection speed and practice in.

WARNING: Should your team succeed to GameSpot After Hours event and should you decide to participate in the event, you MUST be legally and physically able to fly on an airplane to the event in San Francisco, CA on the date specified. If you are 18 or over but considered a minor in your state of residence, your parent/legal guardian must sign an affidavit granting their consent for you to accept the prize. If all five members of your team cannot fly for any reason, GameSpot may choose a replacement team/team member at their discretion to play at the GameSpot After Hours event.

Summary of technical requirements to participate:
1. PC capable of running Battlefield 2
2. Battlefield 2 retail game with patch version 1.4 installed
3. Stable Internet connection for Tournament Servers based in the Central U.S.

3. When is the Infantry Wars Tournament?
Registration for the Infantry Wars begins September 6, 2006 and closes on September 11, 2006. All participants must sign up for a player slot during the sign-up period. Participants cannot not 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 My Headquarters.

Preliminary round

Monday - September 11, 2006
Match 1 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 6:00 p.m. PT

Tuesday - September 12, 2006
Match 5 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 6 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 7 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 8 - 6:00 p.m. PT

Quarterfinals

Wednesday - September 13, 2006
Match 1 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 6:00 p.m. PT

Semifinals

THURSDAY - September 14, 2006
Match 1 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 6:00 p.m. PT

Finals

Frkday, September 15, 2006
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 16 team rosters to choose from, and 80 total player slots. Wait-list slots are also available at the time of registration.

b) 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.

c) 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")

d) 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 GS Admins at gameadmin@gamespot.com before relinquishing your spot.

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?
Game mode: Conquest
Number of Rounds: 2
Time Limit: 20 minutes
Ranked Server: No
Punkbuster: Enabled
Maxplayers: 16
Spawntime: 15s
Ticket Ratio: 100
Friendly Fire: Off
Auto Balance: disabled
Other: infantry only, no commander, stationary guns allowed, unlockable weapons will be disabled.

6. What maps will be played?
Preliminaries: Strike at Karkand
Quarterfinals: Sharqi Peninsula
Semifinals/Final: Mashtuur City

7. 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. It is required that the elected team leader email GameSpot Admins at gameadmin@gamespot.com NO LATER than Monday, September 11 2006 at 10:00am PT. We need this email from the elected team leader for confirmation of your appointment and to your request to change the team name. If the GameSpot Admins do not receive an email from your team leader, your team runs the risk of being removed from the Tournament.

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.

8. 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 20 minutes before your match is to begin. If the designated team leader of your team does not appear for roll call at LEAST 20 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) Once both teams are fully assembled in the game lobby for their match, the GameSpot Admin will ensure all players are ready and then the match will begin.

c) 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.

d) 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.

e) 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 a server. 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.

f) Matches will consist of two-20 minute rounds. The first team to reduce their opponent?s tickets to zero, or who has the most tickets at the end of the time period wins the match. Each team will play as United States Marine Corps (USMC) and Middle Eastern Coalition (MEC) for a round.

9. 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. Spectator mode is reserved for GameSpot Admins only; no player should ever be in spectator mode.

e. 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.

10. What are the prizes for the winners?
The first place team will be flown out to San Francisco, California to GameSpot?s After Hours event where they will have the opportunity to play against other players.

11. 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.

12. Do I have to be in a Battlefield 2 squad 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 16 below.

13. Will there be a seeding process?
No, the tournament will not have a seeding method. Scheduled matches will be automatically determined when played.

14. How are you scoring the Tournament?
Score is determined by whichever team has either reduced their opponent?s tickets to zero or has the most tickets at the end of the Round time limit. Tickets are considered as points when results are displayed for each round.

15. What if there is a tie?
Ties are extremely rare for Battlefield 2 games, however if there is a tie, the team with the highest total number of kills minus deaths will be named the winner of that Round.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Will each team get a chance to warm up before their match?
No. The private match will be created 30 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 are asked to join the server.

20. 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.

21. What happens if some of my teammates don't show up for a match?
If your team does not consist of 3 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. If I get disconnected, may a substitute take my place?
No. If you can reconnect to the server before the match finishes, you can continue to play on with your confirmed team. If a confirmed team has fewer 3 players on their team from a server disconnect, the team will have no more than 5 minutes to get at least 3 confirmed players back into the server. No substitutes from outside the confirmed team will be accepted after a match has begun. If more than 4 players are disconnected from the server on opposing teams, the match may be rescheduled based on the Admin?s discretion.

25. What type of servers will I play on?
GameSpot will provide high speed and robust game server functionality during this tournament. These unranked servers are hosted by GameSpot in the Central U.S. and we will have complete control over the machines during the events. GameSpot is not responsible for lag, connectivity issues or anything else related to your online experience during this tournament.

26. Can I use voice or text chat during the match?
Team text and voice chat is accepted, but global text chat will be used only by the GameSpot Admins. Any team member participating in the tournament that uses global text chat may be disqualified at the discretion of a GameSpot Admin.

27. How do I check in for my next match?
To participate, you must check in at least 30 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.

28. 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 Battlefield 2 profile name on the Tournament page. Your Battlefield 2 profile will be the name you will need to use on the server.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. Do I have the option to choose my time slot for the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, or Finals?
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 preliminary round.

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

33. 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.

34. 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.

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

36. Will this Tournament affect my online ranking?
Yes, the server we will be playing on is a ranked instance and therefore will count towards your overall online ranking for this game.

37. Is the developer/publisher involved?
Yes, we are working with EA for this Tournament.

38. Can I get a copy of the video GameSpot records of my match?
No. GameSpot cannot make available 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, it is not possible for them to make this available to you at this time.

39. Why is this Tournament 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 tournament may have different requirements so stay tuned for future events.