Mutilation Madness
FAQ GUIDE

1.1 What is Mutilation Madness?
This is an online Team Fortress 2 Tournament for the PC. The Tournament will have thirty two (32) teams consisting of seven (7) players each playing in a variety of modes. The two final teams will compete live on GameSpot Tournament TV for over $1,400 worth of prizes.

1.2 What are the prizes for the winners?
1st Place: Each member of the first place team will receive a $200 gift card for Best Buy (approximate retail value (“ARV”) $200). The first place winners will also receive an annual GameSpot Total Access subscription. Total ARV of all First Place Prizes = $1,679.65.

2nd Place: 2nd Place: Each member of the first place team will receive an annual GameSpot Total Access subscription. Total ARV of all Second Place Prizes = $279.65.

Total ARV of all Prizes: $1959.30

1.3 When is the Tournament?
Registration for the Tournament begins November 6, 2007 and closes on November 12, 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. The Tournament matches will begin on November 12, 2007 and end on November 16, 2007.

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.

Qualifying Round
Monday - November 12, 2007
Match 1 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 5 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 6 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 7 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 8 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 9 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 10 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 11 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 12 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 13 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 14 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 15 - 7:00 p.m. PT
Match 16 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Preliminary Round
Tuesday - November 13, 2007
Match 1 - 2:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 3:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 5 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 6 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 7 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 8 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Quarterfinal Round
Wednesday - November 14, 2007
Match 1 - 4:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 3 - 6:00 p.m. PT
Match 4 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Semifinal Round
Thursday - November 15, 2007
Match 1 - 5:00 p.m. PT
Match 2 - 7:00 p.m. PT

Finals
Friday, November 16, 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.

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 your confirmed team plays in the Qualifying Round.

2.1 Who can sign up for Mutilation Madness?
The Tournament is open to all GameSpot Registered users. 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 2.3 of this FAQ.

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

• PC that meets the recommended published requirements to run Team Fortress 2
• Team Fortress 2
• Stable broadband Internet connection

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.

a) When registration opens, sign up on the GameSpot website for a team. There will be thirty two (32) team rosters to choose from, and two hundred twenty four (224) total player slots. Wait-list slots are also available at the time of registration.

b) 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")

c) 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.

d) The GameSpot Admins will be present in the game for each 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 user name. This is tied to your GameSpot User account and you must have this to register. Once you are registered, you will be required to utilize your GameSpot username you registered with as your in-game name on the Tournament server. Your in-game name in Team Fortress 2 must match the username you registered with in the tournament or you will be removed from the tournament.

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. You must check in on the Tournament site before your time slot. Read on 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 timeslot at all times until registration closes. 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.

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 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.

3.5 When do I designate a team leader?
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.

4.1 What are the server settings?

Game Type: Reference the maps below
Friendly Fire: Disabled
VAC: Enabled
Class Restrictions:
2 - Soldiers
2 - Scouts
2 - Pyros
2 - Sniper
1 - Medic
1 - Heavy
1 - Spy
1 - Demoman
1 - Engineer

Maps
• Qualifier Round - ctf_2fort map
  Description: Two 15 minute halves, the team with most points after 30 minutes wins the match. If it's still tied after 30 minutes, the match goes to sudden death overtime, where the next flag cap wins the match.
• Preliminary Round - cp_dustbowl map*
  Description: Play to 3 points or 30 minutes. The team with the highest score after 30 minutes wins the match.
• Quarterfinals Round - cp_gravelpit map*
  Description: Description: Two sets played to 3 points or 30 minutes. The team with the highest score after 60 minutes wins the match. Teams change to start as a different side of the map for each set.
• Semifinals Round - cp_well map*
  Description: Two sets played to 3 points or 30 minutes. The team with the highest score after 60 minutes wins the match. Teams change to start as a different side of the map for each set.
• Final Round - cp_granary map*
  Description: Two sets played to 3 points or 30 minutes. The team with the highest score after 60 minutes wins the match. Teams change to start as a different side of the map for each set.

* Control Point (CP) maps will be played until a team reaches the amount of points needed for a map. If a half set has reached a time limit, the scores for each set will be accumulated with the last time limit expired.

4.2 What are the match definitions for this tournament?
TOURNAMENT ROUND - Each match has a tournament round such a Qualifier, Preliminary, Quartefinals, Semifinals and Finals. When a match is played, the winning team for the match will move on to the next Tournament round.

MATCH - Review the map for each Tournament Round to understand how the match will be played.

SET - Each team playing once on the offensive side and once on the defensive side.

SIDES - There are two different sides; RED and BLUE. When you choose a side there is always an offense and defense, which is dependant on each map.

SUDDEN DEATH - This will occur if there is a tie in the game, and the game will no longer allow any respawns. The team that has the players left standing will be the winners of a match.

4.3 What should I know about the format?
a) Recording Demos - It is in your best interest to record demos of your match in case you need to file a dispute.

b) In-game names - Players must have the same in-game name as their GameSpot username. However, clan tags are allowed.

4.4 What if there is a tie?
A tie may happen in one of two ways, which will be dependant on a map:

• If a tie happens on a Control Point map, Sudden Death will occur. Much like the last man standing approach, the team that doesn’t lose all of their players will win the match.
• If a tie happens on a CTF map, both teams individual player points will be totaled to determine the winner for the match.

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

4.6 What if I don’t like the Tournament 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 the Tournament. 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.

4.7 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.

5.1 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.

5.2 What is the difference between a wait-lister and a substitute?
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.

5.3 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.

5.4 How do I vote for a team leader?
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.

5.5 How do I request a team name change?
Team Names will initially be pre-named with the team number until the team leaders have contacted the GameSpot admins at gameadmin@gamespot.com with their preferred team name that we will utilize as their team name for this Tournament. Asking for a team name change in live chat may be overlooked by the GameSpot Admins due to running matches on schedule. 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.

5.6 What should I do if a player on my roster has not answered my private messages?
GameSpot recommends that each team determines a communication method to discuss strategies, work out team roster details, etc. If a player has not been communicating with you, contact the GameSpot Admins with your concerns. It is also best to have a variety of waitlist players signed up during registration to avoid a player who does not communicate or show for their scheduled match.

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 1 hour prior to their scheduled match. Important: Be sure to add all of the GameSpot Admins to your friend’s list before your match. This will ensure that all of your scheduled matches start on time for the duration of the Tournament. The GameSpot Admins include; GameSpot1, GameSpot2, GameSpot3 and GameSpot4.

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

NOTE: The player can find the Admin’s PlayStation Network name by going to My Headquarters. If you do not see a PlayStation Network name then ask the Admin through GameSpot Tournament chat. Be sure you have at least four available slots on your friends list prior to the match.

c) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS IN CHAT - Once you have joined the GameSpot Tournament chat, you will receive additional instructions from the GameSpot Admins. After the match 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) JOIN A MATCH - The server name and password will be located in My Headquarters 60 minutes prior to your scheduled match. Once you have joined the server, the GameSpot Admin may assist you to make sure that you are on the correct team. It is advised that you know the GameSpot usernames 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. NOTE: While ingame, you are required to use your GameSpot Username to ensure that the GameSpot Admin, your teammates and other players know who you are in the game.

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. All players must check in for roll call before their scheduled match. 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 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.

6.4 What type of servers will I play on?
GameSpot will provide high speed and robust game server functionality during this Tournament. These servers are located in the Central United States. GameSpot is not responsible for lag, connectivity issues or anything else related to your online experience during this Tournament. GameSpot will make these servers available in advance of the Tournament for players to test their connection speed and practice in. If you have any questions about the game servers, please contact gameadmin@gamespot.com.

6.5 Do I have to be in a Team Fortress 2 clan to sign up for this Tournament?
Free registered and paid subscribers have a chance to sign up for the Tournament and to create or be part of his or her own team. Every GameSpot registrant 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 5. TEAMS, ROSTERS & SUBSITUTES listed above.

6.6 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.

6.7 What happens if some of my teammates do not show up for a match?
If your team does not consist of at least 6 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.

6.8 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 Tournament match, you will not be eligible for the prize.

6.9 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.

6.10 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 6 players on their team in the game, the team will have no more than 3 minutes to ensure that at least 6 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 6 players remain in the game on each opposing team due to disconnections, the match may be rescheduled based on the GameSpot Admin’s discretion.

6.11 Can I use voice or text chat during the match?
You may use third party applications such as TeamSpeak or Ventrillo to communicate with your teammates. However, any misuse of 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.

6.12 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.

6.13 Will this Tournament affect my online ranking?
No. The match is unranked and will therefore not affect your stats on the PS3 leaderboard.

6.14 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.

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 48 hours or more after a final event has closed will be disregarded.