1. What is Snake Wars?
Hosted by GameSpot, this is an online Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Tournament for the Sony PlayStation Portable. The Tournament will feature 6 players competing in Deathmatch mode. The winning teams will compete live on GameSpot Tournament TV for $1000 worth of prizes.

2. Who can sign up for Snake Wars?
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 34 of this FAQ.

Summary of technical requirements to participate:
1. Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP)
2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
3. Stable wireless Internet connection for use with West Coast-based servers that allows you to participate in online Portable Ops matches in infrastructure mode
4. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops online account, created within the game

Please note: in order to access any online functionality within the game, players are required to play a portion of the single-player campaign. This involves between 15 and 45 minutes for most players to complete. If you have not unlocked the multiplayer component of Portable Ops, you should not register for this Tournament.

3. When is Snake Wars?
Registration for Snake Wars begins January 17, 2007 and closes on January 22, 2007. 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 except at the Admin’s discretion.

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 - January 22, 2007
Match 1 - 1:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 5 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 6 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 7 - 7:00 p.m. PT
Match 8 - 8:00 p.m. PT

Quarterfinal Round

Wednesday - January 24, 2007
Match 1 - 1:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 4:00 p.m. PT

Semifinal Round

Wednesday -January 24, 2007
Match 1 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Finals

Friday -January 26, 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. Each match consists of six players playing four 10-minute rounds of deathmatch. The three players with the highest cumulative scores at the end of the match will move on to the next round.

b. There will be no weapon, item, or team restrictions. However, to access the multiplayer component of the game, you must have unlocked it, which requires between about 15 and 45 minutes of play in the single-player campaign.

c. To join a match, enter the Campbell lobby. Select "join game" and locate the game listed under host "GSADMIN." Enter the password provided in My Headquarters when you checked in for the Tournament. The Admin will notify players in the Tournament Chat when the match is ready to begin, and he will restart the running match from within the game instance to indicate that the match is live.

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 Tournament, please contact GameSpot Admins at gameadmin@gamespot.com before relinquishing your spot.

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

f. Tournament registration will require that you use your GameSpot username. You will also provide your Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops player name used in the game in order for the host to identify the players onscreen.

g. 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.

h. Sign-ups are limited to one slot per person. You may not use multiple GameSpot usernames 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?
Mode: VR Mode
Unique Character: Add
Max Number of Players: 6
Friendly Fire: No
Eject for Being Inactive: No
Round Time: 10 Minutes
Weapon/Item Limits: No Restrictions

6. What maps will be played?
Map 1: Comm Base
Map 2: Town
Map 3: Soviet Patrol Base
Map 4: Silo Entrance

7. Will there be a seeding process?
Yes. The seeding process will automatically assign participants to the next round based on their performance in the prior match.

8. How are you scoring the Tournament?
The three players with the highest cumulative scores in the match will move to the next round. In the final match, the player with the highest score will be the first place winner; the second-highest score will be the second place winner; and the third-highest score will be the third place winner.

9. What if there is a tie?
In the unlikely event of a tie for first, second, or third place, a sudden-death tie-breaking match will be played between the players involved in the tie. Sudden death will be a 10-minute 2-player deathmatch on the Comm Base Map. The winner of this match will win the tie-breaker and the Tournament results will be adjusted accordingly.

10. 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 Tournament Chat or changes to the rules as stated below in section f.

b. Please refrain from using harassing, negative, or profane language in either the Tournament Chat or the game instance.

c. 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.

d. Taking advantage of known exploits in the game is also considered cheating. Exploits in the game could be a variety of things. If GameSpot Admins find that you are cheating, you will be disqualified from the Tournament immediately with no recourse for yourself.

f. These rules are subject to change at any time. If any changes to the rules occur, you will be notified through the Tournament 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 Tournament 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.

11. What are the prizes for the winners?
1st Place - The 1st place winner of the Finale will receive a $600 gift card to Best Buy

2nd Place - The 2nd place player from the Finale will receive a $300 gift card to Best Buy

3rd Place - The 3rd place player from the Finale will receive a $100 gift card to Best Buy

12. 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.

13. I've registered for the Tournament. 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.

14. How do I check in for my next 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 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 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 Tournament Chat.

15. Will each player get a chance to warm up before their match?
No, it is recommended that you practice prior to your scheduled match. You must be in test-drive mode and prepared to accept the game invite no sooner than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start

16. What are the steps to join the match?
a. Load up Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops

b. Choose "Load Game"

c. Load any desired game that has progressed far enough to have unlocked the multiplayer component.

d. Once the game has loaded, open the game menu by pressing "X" and choose "match."

e. Choose "infrastructure." Once you have connected to your wireless network, agree to the game’s Terms of Use to enter the login menu.

f. Choose "log in to server" to enter the server browser.

g. Enter the "Campbell" lobby and select "join game."

h. Locate the host labeled "GSADMIN" and join the game by entering the password provided upon checking in to "My Headquarters."

i. Remain in the Tournament Chat for information on when the match will begin. When the official match is ready to begin, the host will restart the play in progress, and the match will start.

17. What happens if players don't show up for the match?
INo shows may be replaced by waitlisted players. In the event that fewer than six players are available, the match will still continue as scheduled, and the top three players will advance. Should only three players be available to match, they will need to participate in the match for scoring purposes but they will automatically advance. In the unlikely occurrence that fewer than three players are available for a match, they will automatically advance, and a waitlist player from another match with a non-qualifying score may be assigned a spot in the next round.

18. What is a waitlisted player or a substitute?
In this Tournament, GameSpot is treating wait-listed players and substitutes as the same. At any time during the Preliminary through Semifinal matches, a current player can be replaced with the one from the waitlist.

19. What if I get disconnected during my scheduled match?
If you are disconnected from the match due to technical difficulties on behalf of the GameSpot Admin, the match will be restarted without negative consequence for the players. If you are disconnected due to any other reason, such as internet difficulties or player-side technical problems, and can then not participate in the match, you will be disqualified from the Tournament. You may rejoin a match in progress. In the case of multiple player disconnects, the GameSpot Admin may reschedule for another time.

20. What type of servers will I play on?
GameSpot will host the match on the West Coast via in-game infrastructure matchmaking. GameSpot is not responsible for connection issues arising from malfunctioning matchmaking servers, difficulties arising from problems with players’ Internet connections, or other unforeseen circumstances outside of the Admin’s control. Matchmaking difficulties affecting multiple players may result in rescheduled matches at the discretion of the GameSpot Admin.

21. 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 Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops player name into your profile on the Tournament page. Your name in Portable Ops must match the name you registered with in the Tournament, or you will be removed from the Tournament, as it is the only way for the Admin to identify players within the match.

22. 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 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 Tournament Chat but are AFK or unavailable. If you want to participate, the best thing for you to do is be available.

23. Do I have the option to choose my scheduled match for rounds after the Preliminary Round?
To keep the Tournament process consistent, you will not be able to pick a time slot after your confirmed match in the Preliminary Round.

24. 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. Many substitute players will be eager and ready to take your time slot, so if you want to play, you must show up.

25. How are you preventing players from cheating?
Because this is a PlayStation Portable Tournament, there is very little room for cheating from programs or 3rd-party helpers. GameSpot Admins will be in the game instance, ensuring that players are conducting themselves with honor.

26. What if I have a dispute about the match?
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.

27. 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 Tournament make a decision on your complaint.

28. Will this Tournament affect my online ranking?
No. The server setting for this online Tournament does not involve ranked matches.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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, as it is not possible for them to make this available to you at this time.

32. 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.