Official Rules

StarCraft II – North American Challenge Tournament

Official Rules 

Welcome to the StarCraft II – North American Challenge Tournament.  These rules (“Official Rules”) set forth the rules and regulations of the StarCraft II – North American Challenge Tournament (the “Tournament”) presented by Alienware, Corp. ("Alienware") and iGames, Inc. (“iGames”).  Alienware and iGames are, collectively, the “Sponsors.”

Please read these Official Rules carefully before submitting an entry or participating in the Tournament.   These Official Rules contain important information about eligibility to enter the Tournament, the rules of the Tournament and other important information.  Please note that the rules for playing the game in the Tournament are contained in the “Game Play Rules” located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/north-american-challenge/.  The Game Play Rules are incorporated herein by this reference.

By registering for the Tournament, you accept these Official Rules and agree to be bound by their terms.  If you do not agree with these Official Rules, please do not register for the Tournament.

1.     Eligibility.  The Tournament is open only to residents of any state of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Mexico and any Province of Canada (other than Quebec) that are 18 years of age or the legal age of majority in his/her state of residence as of August 1, 2011, and who properly register for the Tournament (each a “Player”).  Each Player may be required to show proof of age and residence.  IF YOU DO NOT SATISFY THESE REQUIREMENTS, YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AND/OR PARTICIPATE IN THE TOURNAMENT.  Participation in the Tournament is also subject to compliance with the requirements specified below and in the Game Play Rules (located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/north-american-challenge/rules/). Employees of Sponsors, or any of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, or any other company or individual involved with the design, production, execution, or distribution of the Tournament and their immediate family (spouse, parents and step-parents, siblings, and step-siblings, and children and step-children) and household members (people who share the same residence at least three (3) months out of the year) of each such employee are not eligible. Participation constitutes Player’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsors' decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Tournament. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. Void where prohibited.

2.     Sponsors. The Tournament is sponsored by: Alienware Corp., located at 14591 SW 120 Street, Miami, FL 22186; and iGames, Inc., located at 201 San Antonio Circle, Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040.

3.     Tournament Period. The Tournament shall begin on August 3, 2011 at 9:00 PM Central Daylight Time (“CDT”) and end on August 17, 2011 approximately at 9:00 PM CDT (the “Tournament Period”). There are two phases of the Tournament: the tournament play up until the last two undefeated players remain (“Tournament Play”) and the finals played by the two remaining undefeated players (“The Finals”) to be held on the dates indicated below:

4.     How to Enter the Tournament.  Each Player must register for the Tournament on the event site at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/north-american-challenge/register/which requires creation of an online personal user account.

5.     Registration & Fees.  There is no fee to register for the Tournament. Registration is conducted on a first come, first serve basis until registration closes on August 1, 2011 or the maximum number of 512 Players is met.

6.     Tournament Play.  The Game Play Rules, located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/north-american-challenge/rules/, specify the rules of play for the Tournament.  As specified in the Game Play Rules, the Tournament will consist of game play among up to 512 total Players through phases of league and bracket play.

7.     Prizes.  The overall top four eligible Players (the “Winning Players”) in the Tournament (as defined in the Game Play Rules) will be awarded the prizes specified below (each a “Prize”).  Relative placement among the Winning Players will be determined based on the Game Play Rules (located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/north-american-challenge/rules/).

•      All Prizes will be awarded.

•      If a Winning Player forfeits or is disqualified for any reason, the Player is not eligible to receive their Prize. 

•      Up to 512 Players will compete in the Tournament.

•      THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE TO COMPETE FOR PRIZES.

•      No Prize substitution, except as allowed by Sponsors which reserve the right to offer a Prize of equal/greater value.

Tournament Prizes in US Dollars                                     

1st Place: $1,000.00 + One Competitor Pass to Major League Gaming (“MLG”) Starcraft 2 Event at Raleigh, NC in August 26-28, 2011
2nd Place: $500.00                                                                                                 
3rd Place: $250.00                                                                                                 
4th Place: $250.00

Total approximate value of all Prizes is $2,070.00 USD. 

8.     Winners’ Affidavit of Eligibility and Release, Etc.  Each Winning Player will be required to execute and deliver to iGames a signed Affidavit of Eligibility and Release (the “Affidavit/Release”).  In the Affidavit of Eligibility and Release, each Winning Player will (a) confirm his/her eligibility and agreement to these Official Rules, (b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, consent to use of his/her name and likeness, and (c) release Sponsors from liability in connection with the use of the Prizes.  If required by law, each Winning Player also will be required to execute Federal and State tax releases.  iGames will provide the Winning Players with the Affidavit/Release and any required tax releases at the conclusion of the Tournament Period.  Should a Winning Player not receive such documents the Winning Player may send a request to iGames at events@igames.org.  Each Winner must provide their Affidavit/Release and (if applicable) the tax releases to iGames within 14 days of the last day of the Tournament Period, or the associated Prize may be forfeited.  Each Winner will be shipped their Prize within 3 weeks from the day iGames receives from such Winning Player the completed Affidavit/Release and any required tax releases.  Prizes will be issued and mailed to the name and address indicated on the Affidavit/Release. 

•      If a Winner is under the legal age of majority in his or her state of residence, the Winning Player's parent or legal guardian must also sign the Affidavit/Release as well as comply with all other requirements imposed on Winning Players set forth herein.

•      Sales tax (if any) and income tax are the sole responsibility of each Winning Player.

•      Each Winning Player, by entering the Tournament, consents to the inclusion of his or her name on a list of Winners made available by Sponsors as indicated below.

•      Sponsors will pay the costs of delivery of each Prize.

9.     Use of Information.   Each Player consents to use of his or her name, information and image by Sponsors and MLG, their respective agents and assignees for display and publishing in any media, now known or hereafter developed, without compensation, in any and all advertising and promotional materials relating to the Tournament, and in conjunction with other promotions that may be offered by Sponsors.  The information collected to enter the Tournament will be used to contact each Winning Player. Additionally, each Player agrees that Sponsors and their agents and assignees may use this information for marketing purposes and to contact Players regarding offers, promotions and other contests related to products or services distributed by Sponsors.  In addition, any such information also may be used and disclosed as set forth in the Alienware Arena privacy policy located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/privacy/.

10.  General Release.  Sponsors, MLG and each of their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies, and all of their respective officers, directors, agents and employees (collectively, “Released Parties”) will not be responsible for: (a) technical failures of any kind, including, but not limited to telephone, electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet, or any other computer and communications related malfunctions or failures; (b) any Tournament disruptions, injuries, losses or damages caused by events beyond the control of Sponsors; or (c) any technical or human error such as typographical, printing, or administrative errors in any materials associated with the Tournament; or (d) the use of any Prize.

11.  Other Terms.

•      To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Tournament and these Official Rules will be governed, construed and interpreted under the laws of the state of California, USA.

•      These Official Rules are subject to any requirements/limitations imposed by the Federal Communications Commission.

•      The Tournament is subject to applicable Federal, state provincial and local laws and regulations.

•      Players agree to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of the Sponsors, which are final and binding in all respects.

•      Sponsors reserve the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Tournament, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsors’ reasonable control affect the administration, security or proper play of the Tournament or Sponsors otherwise become (as determined in their sole discretion) incapable of running the Tournament as planned. Sponsors reserve the right in their sole discretion to disqualify any individual found to be tampering with the registration process or the operation of the Tournament or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion, or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner.

•      Sponsors’ failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

12.  Winners List; Rules Request.  A Winners list will be available at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/north-american-challenge/ after approximately August 22, 2011 and posted until approximately September 30, 2011.  For a copy of the Winners list, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope after August 22, 2011 and before September 30, 2011 to iGames at the following address: StarCraft II – North American Challenge Tournament - Winners List, c/o iGames, 201 San Antonio Circle Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040.  To obtain a copy of these Official Rules, send a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope to iGames at the following address:  StarCraft II – North American Challenge Tournament - Rules Request, c/o iGames, 201 San Antonio Circle Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040.  VT residents may exclude return postage for Official Rules.


StarCraft II – North American Challenge Tournament

Game Play Rules 

These rules (these “Game Play Rules”) set forth the rules of game play for the StarCraft II – North American Challenge Tournament (the “Tournament”) presented by Alienware, Corp. ("Alienware") and iGames, Inc. (“iGames”).  Alienware and iGames are, collectively, the “Sponsors.” These Game Play Rules are part of the Official Rules located at north-american-challenge-2/rules and are incorporated therein. Please read the Game Play Rules carefully before submitting an entry or participating in the Tournament as these Game Play Rules contain important information about the rules and format of the Tournament. 

1)       Definitions.
a)       Disputes (or Disputed) - A controversy over a Match where Players disagree and present to an Official for a decision. 

b)       Disqualification - The removal of a Player from the Tournament by an Official for violation of either the Official Rules or these Game Play Rules. 

c)       Forfeit - Surrendering a Match to the opposition, either voluntarily or by the ruling of an Official due to Player violation of the Official Rules or Game Play Rules.  

d)       Handle - A Player pseudonym used for identification during the Tournament. 

e)       Disconnect - When a Player drops unexpectedly from a Match due to connectivity issues. 

f)        Match - One StarCraft II session of play, consisting of either best-of-one, best-of-three, or best-of-five Maps, depending on the round of play.   

g)       Official - The designated individual(s) presiding over the Tournament and responsible for enforcing the Official Rules and these Game Play Rules. 

h)       Penalty - A punishment enforced by an Official to a Player for a violation of the Official Rules or Game Play Rules. 

i)        Player - Any participant who meets the eligibility requirements and properly registers for the Tournament (as explained in the Official Rules). 

j)        Warning - A verbal or written indication from an Official to a Player that continued or subsequent actions could result in a Penalty.  

k)       Winning Player - A Player that finishes the Tournament with placement (as described in the Official Rules located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/north-american-challenge-2 which makes the Player eligible for a Prize. 

2)       Tournament Match Structure.  

a)       Tournament Play:  Tournament Play will consist of online play with the PC game StarCraft II. Up to 512 Players will be randomly seeded into Single-Elimination (as defined below) brackets. Players will be assigned Matches against other Players based on their position in the brackets. Each Player will be scheduled to play a minimum of 1 Match and up to 7 Matches, dependent upon the total number of registered Players and how many consecutive Matches a Player wins. Play will continue until only two (2) Players remain. 

b)       The Finals:  The Finals will consist of online play with the PC game StarCraft II. The two undefeated Players from Tournament Day will play against each other in a best-of-five Match to determine the winner of the Tournament. Players in The Finals will provide their full name, game nickname, phone number, email address, hi-res photo, and biographical information for MLG broadcasting purposes. 

3)       How to Win.   
In Single-Elimination, Players are randomly placed into brackets to play Matches against the other participating Players. Upon losing a Match, a Player is eliminated from the Tournament. The Match winners advance in their bracket to play another Match against another undefeated Player with the same number of Match wins. When only two Players remain undefeated, those two Players will compete against each other in The Finals to determine the overall winner of the Tournament.  

4)       Match Scheduling.  
4.1 Chat Lobby: All Players must join an in-game chat room (based on the bracket they are assigned to) for the full duration of their participation in the Tournament in order to remain in contact with opponents and Officials.

Bracket A - H channel: arena-1
Bracket I - P channel: arena-2

4.2 Match Start Time: Players must be online through StarCraft II's online Battle.net service by the scheduled Match times and actively in communication with their opponents to begin. Forcing other Players to wait is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike and thereby is subject to enforcement of a Penalty by the Official, up to and including a Match Forfeit for delays that exceed 15 minutes. 

4.3 Match Delays: A Match may be delayed from starting only if so directed by an Official, or preceding Matches in the bracket are incomplete, or the Battle.net service is universally unstable, or if a Player is encountering technical difficulties specific to usage of Alienware Arena technologies and is in contact with an Official to have their issue resolved. Under no other circumstances will a Match delay be accepted, including but not limited to personal emergencies, power outages, Internet instability, etc. 

4.4 Match Reporting:  At the completion of the Match both Players must immediately report the Match final score to an Official. Matches that go unreported for more than 10 minutes after such Match may result in a Forfeit being issued against Players in violation so that Officials can proceed with the Tournament. 

4.5 Match Schedule:  
a)       Tournament Day:  Tournament Play will be held on three different days:
 

Day 1: Wednesday, August 3 from 9:00 PM CDT until approximately 10:00 PM CDT.

Match 1 at 9:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-three) Map MLG Metalopolis, then loser picks

Day 2: Saturday, August 6 from 5:00 PM CDT until approximately 8:00 PM CDT.

Match 2 at 5:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-three) Map MLG Shakuras Plateau, then loser picks
Match 3 at 6:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-three) Map MLG Shattered Temple, then loser picks
Match 4 at 7:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-three) Map MLG Tal’darim Altar, then loser picks

Day 3: Sunday, August 7 from 5:00 PM CDT until approximately 9:00 PM CDT.

Match 5 at 5:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-three) Map MLG Testbug, then loser picks
Match 6 at 6:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-three) Map MLG Dual Sight, then loser picks
Match 7 at 7:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-three) Map MLG Xel’Naga Caverns, then loser picks
Match 8 at 8:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-three) Map MLG Metalopolis, then loser picks

b)       The Finals:   The Finals will be held at 7:00 PM CDT until approximately 9:00 PM CDT on August 17, 2011. 

Match at 7:00 PM CDT on StarCraft II (best-of-five) Map MLG Shakuras Plateau, then loser picks

5)       Sportsmanship.  All Players will be required to uphold and observe a universal level of sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to, racism, use of profanity, rude acts, vulgar acts, acts of belligerence, and disrespect of an Official.

Unsportsmanlike conduct may be Disputed and may be grounds for Player Disqualification by an Official. Rulings on unsportsmanlike actions are subject to the Official's interpretation and assessment of seriousness. If a Player is found in violation of this rule the following actions may happen:  

Minor infractions as judged by an Official: Warning 
Severe infractions or repeat minor infractions as judged by an Official: Disqualification 

Any accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct by a Player or must be brought to the attention of an Official by filing a dispute following the Match in which the alleged action has occurred for investigation by a presiding Official.  The decisions of the Officials in all matters relating to the Matches are entirely at their discretion and no correspondence or debate will be entered into with Players with regard to any Official's decision.  

6)       Game Accounts/ID. All Players are required to have access to a valid StarCraft II online account.

7)       Match Hosting Information and Requirements. For each Match, a Player will be randomly designated as the home player and will responsible for hosting and inviting their opponent. If a connection cannot be established, the opposing Player should attempt to host. 

If neither Player can successfully host, please contact an Official for assistance. If Players still cannot connect after the best efforts of an Official to troubleshoot the connection issues, then one or both Players may be Disqualified from the Tournament based on a judgment of which Player(s) is at fault, which is unfortunate but necessary to proceed with the Tournament.

8)       Match Crashes & Player Disconnects. If a Disconnection takes place within the first 5 minutes of the Match, the Match will be restarted.  If a Disconnection takes place after 5 minutes into the Match, the Player that has Disconnected will be issued a loss, unless that Disconnected Player is considered in the sole judgment of an Official to have been clearly ahead in the Match, in which case the Match will need to be replayed.

9)       Replays/Recordings. All Players are required to save replays after each Match and keep them for the duration of the Tournament as applicable. If a Player cannot provide any particular replay upon the request of an Official then the Player may be issued a Penalty up to and including Disqualification from the Tournament if the situation warrants it in the sole judgment of an Official. 

10)   Game Environment Requirements.  The game environment consists of any and all files used to control or play the game. The use of any unauthorized third-party application and/or program to influence or manipulate the game environment is strictly prohibited, including the use of third-party tools, graphics, textures, models, sounds, HUDs, pointers, or any other alterations. Any violations that are deemed by an Official to potentially provide a competitive advantage will result in a Disqualification of offending Players. 

11)   Game Play.

11.1 Match Settings: The settings for all Tournament Matches are as follows: 

Category: Melee
Mode: 1v1
Game Speed: Faster
Observers: Not allowed (until so directed by an Official for broadcasting or officiating)

It is the responsibility of both Players to verify that the Match settings are correct prior to starting a Match. Once a Match has begun, Players may not restart or replay due to incorrect Match Settings, unless both Players mutually agree to do so. 

11.2 Match Sets: A Match may consist of either best-of-three Maps or best-of-five Maps, as specified in the Match Schedule. 

11.3 Maps: The maps (each a “Map”) that will be used in the Tournament are:
MLG Metalopolis
MLG Shakuras Plateau
MLG Shattered Temple
MLG Tal’darim Altar
MLG Testbug
MLG Dual Sight
MLG Xel’Naga Caverns 

These Maps can be downloaded by logging onto Battle.net and searching for "MLG". 

11.4 In-Game Chat: All in game chat is permitted as long as it is done in a sportsmanlike manner. All chat should nonetheless be kept to a minimum. Chat violations fall under unsportsmanlike conduct and may be disputed, resulting in an Official enforcing a Penalty.  

11.5 Stalemate: In the case of a stalemate, where neither Player can defeat the other, the Match must be replayed in full. 

11.6 Pausing: Pausing should be used in the interest of sportsmanship. Refusing a valid pause or invalid abuse of pausing, are grounds for an unsportsmanlike conduct dispute that will be investigated by Officials.

12)   Match Media Coverage Guidelines.  Sponsors and MLG reserve the right to utilize Match broadcasting which may include any media. By registering for the Tournament, each Player consents to allow the Match game play (computer screen images) and Player's alias to be used by Sponsors and MLG. 

13)   Game Exploits and Violations.  It is illegal to intentionally utilize any game exploits for the purpose of generating a competitive advantage. Officials have discretion to determine the intention and extent of the violation and Penalty. 

13.1 Hacking:  Hacking in any form is considered a violation of these Game Play Rules and will result in immediate Player Disqualification. Hacking includes but is not limited to map hacks, unit hacks, or any third party program not deemed legal by an Official. 

14)   Dispute Rights, Requirements, and Guidelines.  
14.1 Dispute Process:  A Player has the right to Dispute any opposing Player they feel is in violation of these Game Play Rules. Disputes must be filed by contacting an Official immediately following the conclusion of a Match. A Player who is Disputed has the right to subsequently file a Dispute against the other Player as well. A Match must be reported regardless of whether a Dispute is being filed. If a Dispute is raised to an Official more than 10 minutes after a Match, the Dispute regarding such Match may be disregarded. 

14.2 Evidence Requests: If a Dispute has been filed, Officials will contact Players involved in the Dispute to request additional evidence, which may include screenshots, logs, and/or replays. If so, the Players will then be required to promptly begin submitting all requested evidence to the Official in charge of the Dispute. 

14.3 Discussion of Disputes:  Disputes should only be handled in private between the Officials and those Players directly involved. Raising a Dispute as a public matter for the purpose of appealing, criticizing, or complaining about the verdict may result in Player Disqualification and/or Match Forfeit, depending on severity and malicious intent as determined by the Official. 

15)   Contacting Officials. Officials will be available to contact via e-mail and live chat through the means listed at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/north-american-challenge-2/support/. 

16)   Exploitation of Rules.  If a Player attempts to manipulate or exploit these Game Play Rules in any way other than for its intended use, Officials reserve the right to make a final ruling on the rule in question for the given Match and\or Dispute. 

17)   Sponsors. iGames, Inc., 201 San Antonio Circle, Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040 and Alienware Corp., 14591 SW 120 Street, Miami, FL 22186.