Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to the myriad of common inquiries about The Game at UCSF. If your question is not answered here, please remember logistics, requirements, and rules are explicitly outlined throughout the website. If you still have questions, let us know via the Contact Us page.
1) What is The Game at UCSF?
Besides being a life-defining experience, The Game is an overnight, Bay Area-wide amazing race, scavenger hunt, brainteaser, puzzle solving, road race, sightseeing tour all-in-one. Please see the About page for more details. No experience is necessary to play.
2) When is The Game?
The Game begins promptly at 4:30pm on Saturday, April 18, 2009 in HSW-300 on Parnassus Campus. Do not be late.
3) How many clues are there?
Game Control will not reveal the answer to this question. While this information may help you pace yourself, Game Control believes this is part of the fun of The Game. Remember, if you are not making progress on a clue in 15 minutes, call live Game Control for a hint.
4) When does The Game end?
The Game is scheduled to end approximately at noon on Sunday, April 19, 2009. Depending on how efficiently you are able to move through each clue (read: how smart you are), your team's end time may range anywhere from the early morning to lunchtime on Sunday. Game Control has worked tirelessly to make The Game accurate of the expected finish time.
5) Do I have to play all night?
No, especially if you are too tired and it is unsafe to drive more. Of course, part of the unforgettable experience of The Game is the all-nighter delirium you feel when you solve the later clues. It is our hope that every team begins with the goal of finishing the entire Game. Game Control doesn't like quitters (just kidding), and just remember that we will be staying up all night to help you!
6) What if my team wants to continue, but we're too tired?
Stop, call Game Control immediately and take an emergency nap. Drowsiness is Red Alert!!!
7) Will The Game stay within San Francisco?
Most likely not, so plan on some driving! And some amazing sightseeing!
8) What does my team get if we win?
Pride, bragging rights, and the intellectual satisfaction of knowing that you are smarter than everyone else at UCSF.
9) Is there a fee to play The Game?
There is currently no fee.
10) When should I register?
Now! Space is limited. Earlier registration is essential in helping us make The Game at UCSF as best as possible.
11) What is Game Control, and who is running The Game?
UCSF Game Control is the entity that runs The Game. Game Control is comprised of a secretive group of UCSF students and affiliates with years of in-depth knowledge and experience with The Game. Some of our identities will be revealed when The Game begins. We have been planning The Game at UCSF since Fall Quarter 2007.
12) What is a Home Base, and why does my team need one?
A Home Base is a person with dedicated internet access whom you can call at any point during The Game as a resource. Unless you somehow have an EVDO card, mobile T1-speed internet access, a 3G iPhone, or a Gphone, this person will be invaluable in terms of researching and finding things on the internet. This can range from directions to looking up cyphers for clues. A Home Base is not required, but is highly recommended.
13) Who can be on my team?
Any registered UCSF ASUC or GSA student. Intra- and inter- school and year teams are encouraged.
14) How many members can my team have?
The number of team members is limited to the number of seat belts in the team car (i.e. 4-5 players). One car per team.
15) Can my non-UCSF friend play?
Because The Game at UCSF is funded and sponsored by University of California entities, such as the ASUCSF, only registered UCSF students are allowed to play due to liability issues.
16) Can my UCSF student friend play?
The Game at UCSF is currently by the Associated Students of UCSF and the Graduate Student Association at UCSF. Therefore, all registered UCSF ASUC and GSA students are allowed to play. This includes students from the schools of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry, and graduate programs.
17) Why do you ask all those "ridiculous" questions on the registration form?
This FAQ #17 is the only ridiculous question on The Game at UCSF website. Everything is requested for a reason and is, therefore, required.
18) I've registered, when and how do I find out more information?
Game Control will contact you via email, so check frequently. Follow the directions, no matter how basic or esoteric they may seem. The website will also be updated with essential Game registration and playing information on the Teams, Mission, Prepare!, and Live! tabs as The Game approaches, so be sure to check back often.
19) I've registered online, is there anything more I need to do besides showing up at 4:30pm in HSW-300 on Saturday, April 18?
You must register in-person at the Student Activity Center (SAC) in Millberry Union 108 West between Monday, April 6 and Thursday, April 9 from 7:30am until 5pm. In-person registration is required and involves signing the waiver form and having UCSF student ID, your driver's license and proof of team car's insurance photocopied.
You can also begin gathering materials and equipment. A list of Prepare! items will soon be posted on the website.