Game Play Rules

StarCraft II Battlegrounds Winter Season Tournament - North America

Official Rules

No Purchase Necessary. A Purchase Or Payment Will Not Increase Your Chances of Winning.

Welcome to the StarCraft II Battlegrounds Winter Season Tournament - North America. These rules (“Official Rules”) set forth the rules and regulations of the StarCraft II Battlegrounds Winter Season Tournament - North America (the “Tournament”) presented by iGames, Inc. (“iGames” or "Sponsor").

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 www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs/rules. 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 , residents of Mexico, and any Province of Canada (other than Quebec) that are 13 years of age or older as of February 26, 2012 and who are invited to the Tournament (each a “Player”).  Each Player may be required to show proof of age and residence. Minors must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the Tournament.  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 at www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs/rules. Employees of Sponsor, or any of its 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 Sponsor's 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.       Tournament Period

The Tournament shall begin on March 3, 2012 at 1:00 PM Central Standard Time ("CST") and end on March 13, 2012 at approximately 8:00 PM CST (the “Tournament Period”). There are two phases of the Tournament: the tournament play up until the last two (2) undefeated Teams (“Tournament Play”) and a “Championship,” which is play between the last two (2) undefeated Teams and the two (2) defeated semi-finalist Teams to determine the top three (3) overall Teams to be held on the dates indicated below:

Phase

Start Date and Time

End Date and Time 

Tournament Play

March 3, 2012, 1:00 PM CST

March 3, 2012, 8:00 PM CST

Championship

March 13, 2012, 7:00 PM CST

March 13, 2012, 11:59 PM CST

3.       How to Enter the Tournament

Participation in this Tournament is by invitation only.  Sponsor will invite 32 Players (each a “Player”) based on the Player’s ranking in the StarCraft II Battlegrounds for North America at the end of the Winter Season. Teams will be invited by an email invitation sent to the Player’s email address as listed on his/her Alienware Arena profile.  Teams can view their current ranking in the StarCraft II Battlegrounds for North America at www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na/standings/. Teams are required to check in at www.alienwarearena.com for their first scheduled match no later than 15 minutes past the initial match time.  The Tournament bracket and scheduled match times will be posted at www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs no later than Wednesday, February 29 at 11:59PM CST.

4.       Registration

There is no fee to register or compete for prizes. Players that are invited to participate can register as indicated in section 3, “How to Enter the Tournament” and according to the instructions provided in the email invitation sent to the invited Players.  

5.       Tournament Play

The Game Play Rules, located at www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs/rules, specify the rules of play for the Tournament. As specified in the Game Play Rules, the Tournament will consist of game play among a maximum of 32 total Players through single-elimination brackets during the Tournament Period that culminate in a Championship when only 2 undefeated Teams remain. If a Player is not able to participate in the Tournament, for any reason, on the date(s) and time(s) as outlined in these Official Rules or the Game Play Rules www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs/rules, the Player will automatically forfeit the match and be eliminated from the Tournament.  The Tournament will be run in English.

6.       Prizes

The top 1st – 4th placing Players (the Teams that competed in the Championship) will be awarded the prizes specified below (each a “Winning Player” or together the "Winners"). Relative placement among the Players will be determined based on the Game Play Rules www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs/rules.

  • 1st Place: $800
  • 2nd Place: $400
  • 3rd Place: $200
  • 4th Place: $100

For all Prizes: Prizes are non-transferable and no substitution will be made except as provided herein at the Sponsor's sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute the listed prize for one of equal or greater value for any reason. Sponsor will pay the costs of delivery of each prize. Winners are responsible for all taxes and fees associated with prize receipt and/or use. Sales tax (if any) and income tax are the sole responsibility of each Winning Player. If a Winning Player forfeits or is disqualified for any reason, such Winning Player is not eligible to receive their prize. The total approximate retail value of all prizes is $1,500.

7.       POTENTIAL WINNERS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE TOURNAMENT.

8.       Winners’ Certificate of Eligibility and Release, Etc.

Winners will be required to execute and deliver to iGames a signed Certificate of Eligibility and Release (the “Certificate/Release”) which can be found at www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs. In the Certificate 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) to the extent permitted by applicable law, release Sponsor 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 Winners with the Certificate/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@igamesinc.com. Each Winning Player must provide their Certificate/Release and (if applicable) the tax releases to iGames within 14 days of their being sent to that Winning Player by email, or the associated prize may be forfeited. Each Winning Player will be shipped their prize within 4 weeks from the day iGames receives from such Winning Player the completed Certificate/Release and any required tax releases.  If a Winning Player 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 Certificate/Release as well as comply with all other requirements imposed on Winning Players set forth herein. Prizes will be issued and mailed to the Winning Player or the parent or legal guardian (if the Winning Player is under the legal age of majority in his or her state/region of residence) and address indicated on the Certificate/Release. Each Winning Player, by entering the Tournament, consents to the inclusion of his or her name on a list of Winners made available by Sponsor as indicated below.

9.       Use of Information

Each Player consents to use of his or her alias and score by Sponsor, its 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, worldwide and for a duration of 10 years from the ending date of the Tournament. The information collected to enter the Tournament will be used to contact each Winning Player. Additionally, each Player agrees that Sponsor and its agents and assignees may use his or her name, contact information (email, address, phone), scores, alias, game account and image  for marketing purposes and to contact Players regarding offers, promotions and other contests related to products or services distributed by Sponsor. In addition, any such information may be used and disclosed as set forth in the Alienware Arena privacy policy located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/legal/privacy/.  Please note that by participating in the Tournament and accepting these Official Rules, you acknowledge and accept the use of your data for the purposes set out above and that your personal data may be transferred and stored in the United States.  If you wish to request that we no longer use your information to provide you services contact us at contact@alienwarearena.com. We will retain and use your information as necessary to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. We will respond to your request within 30 business days.

10.    General Release

As far as permitted by applicable law, Sponsor and each of its respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies, and all of their respective officers, directors, agents and employees will not be responsible for any of the following insofar as they are beyond their reasonable control: (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 Sponsor with the exception of personal injury or death caused by negligence; or (c) any technical or human error such as typographical, printing, or administrative errors in any materials associated with the Tournament. Unless prohibited by the applicable law, you acknowledge that the prizes will be awarded “as is” and that the Sponsor makes no warranty, guarantee or representation of any kind, expressed or implied, concerning a prize or regarding the use, value or enjoyment of the prize. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded.

11.    General 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.  Each Player agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Tournament or the prize awarded and all issues and questions concerning the validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction sitting in Santa Clara County, California, USA, and all Players agree to Santa Clara County as the venue for any legal action without regard to conflict of laws doctrine. Some jurisdictions will not recognize the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Santa Clara County, USA, in which case the above clause on jurisdiction may not apply to you. Any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Tournament and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, never shall include consequential, incidental or punitive damages, and in no event attorneys’ or experts’ fees. Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.
  • 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 Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects.
  • Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend, and/or modify the Tournament, or any part thereof, if any fraud, technical failures, or any other factor beyond Sponsor's reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Tournament or Sponsor otherwise becomes incapable of running the Tournament as planned, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual found to be tampering with the entry 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. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Tournament may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such persons to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any terms of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

12.    Winners List; Official Rules Request

A Winners list will be available at www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs after March 30, 2012 and posted until May15, 2012. For a copy of the Winners list, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope after March 30, 2012 and before May 15, 2012 to iGames at the following address: StarCraft II Battlegrounds Winter Season Tournament - North America - Winners List, c/o iGames, 201 San Antonio Circle Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA. To obtain a copy of these Official Rules for free please visit www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs or to obtain a copy by mail, send a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope to iGames at the following address: StarCraft II Battlegrounds Winter Season Tournament - North America - Official Rules Request, c/o iGames, 201 San Antonio Circle Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA.

13.    Sponsor

iGames, Inc., 201 San Antonio Circle, Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA.

 

Alienware Arena North American StarCraft II Battlegrounds

Game Play Rules

These rules (these “Game Play Rules”) set forth the rules of game play for the Alienware Arena North American StarCraft II Battlegrounds (the “Tournament”) presented by iGames, Inc. (“iGames”).  iGames is the “Sponsor”. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

1.6.  Map - One StarCraft II virtual environment on which Players compete. All Matches in the Tournament will be played using the following Map pool:  Shakuras Plateau, Tal'Darim Altar, Metalopolis, Xel'Naga Caverns, GSL Terminus SE, MLG Shattered Temple, GSL Antiga Shipyard , GSL Bel’shir Beach (Winter), GSL Dual Sight, GSL Daybreak

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

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

1.9.  Penalty - A punishment enforced by an Official for a violation of the Game Play Rules.

1.10.  Player - Any participant who meets the eligibility requirements and properly registers for the Tournament.

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

2.       Tournament Match Structure.

2.1.  Tournament Play Phase: The "Tournament Play" phase will consist of online play with the PC game StarCraft II. Up to 32 invited Players will be sorted into Single-Elimination (as defined below) brackets based on their ranking at the end of the StarCraft II Battlegrounds Winter Season. Players can view their current ranking in the StarCraft II Battlegrounds for North America at www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na/standings/. 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 4 Matches in this phase, dependent upon the total number of registered Players and how many consecutive Matches a Player wins. Play will continue until only two undefeated Players remain. All Matches will be a best-of-three, except for the Matches between the final four undefeated Players which will be best-of-five Matches.

2.2.  Championship:  The "Championship" will consist of online play with the PC game StarCraft II. The two losing semi-finalist Players will play each other in a best-of-five 3rd Place Match to determine the 3rd place Player in the tournament and the two winning semi-finalist Players will play each other in a best-of-five Championship Match to determine the 1st and 2nd place Players in the tournament.

3.       How to Win. 

3.1.  Tournament Play:  Players will be sorted into brackets based on their ranking at the end of the StarCraft II Battlegrounds Winter Season to play Matches against the other participating Players. Players can view their current ranking in the StarCraft II Battlegrounds for North America at www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na/standings/. 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. After the semi-final round between the final four undefeated Players, the last four Players will advance to the subsequently Championship.

3.2.  Championship:   The four finalist Players from the Tournament Play will compete in the Championship. The two losing semi-finalist Players will play each other in a best-of-five 3rd place Match to determine the 3rd place Player in the Tournament and the two winning semi-finalist Players will play each other in a best-of-five Championship Match to determine the 1st and 2nd place Players in the Tournament.

4.       Match Scheduling.  

4.1 Tournament Play Schedule: Tournament Play Matches will be held starting from March 3, 2012 1:00 PM CST until approximately 8:00 PM CST or later on March 3, 2012. Matches will begin at every 1.5 hour interval as long as the preceding Matches in the brackets are completed. Matches in the Tournament Play will proceed ahead of schedule if the Players are available and if so directed by an Official.

Saturday, March 3, 2012 1:00 – 8:00 PM CST
Match 1 at 1:00 PM CST (best-of-three)
Match 2 at 2:30 PM CST (best-of-three)
Match 3 at 4:00 PM CST (best-of-three)
Match 4 at 5:30 PM CST (best-of-five) 

4.2 Championship Schedule: Championship Matches will be held from 7:00 PM CST until approximately 11:59 PM CST or later on March 13, 2012.

Matches in the Championship will proceed ahead of schedule if Players are available and if so directed by an Official.

3rd Place Match: Tuesday, March 13 at 7:00 PM CST
Championship Match: Tuesday, March 13 at 9:30 PM CST

4.3 Match Start Time: All Players must check-in on www.alienwarearena.com within 15 minutes of each of their set Match times. Forcing a Player to wait is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike and thereby is subject to enforcement of a Penalty by an Official, up to and including Match Forfeit unless Players can reasonably demonstrate that a technical difficulty with the check-in system is the cause of the problem and the Player is in contact with an Official promptly for assistance.

4.4 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 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.

4.5 Match Reporting:  At the completion of the Match, must report the Match winner within 5 minutes through their control panel on the Alienware Arena site. Players are required to report all scores as accurately as possible. Intentionally reporting false or erroneous scores may result in having the Match overturned (regardless if the Match was played or not). Multiple violations of this rule will result in the Disqualification of the Player from the Tournament.

4.6 Forfeits: Players will report forfeits through their control panel on the Alienware Arena site. Forfeits will be issued for the following reasons only:

- Players do not show to start a Match within 15 minutes of a scheduled Match time.
- Players that have since become inactive or were otherwise removed from the Tournament.

Players are allowed to accumulate an unlimited number of Forfeit wins during the Tournament.

5.       Player Identity and Conduct.

5.1 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 the Official by filing a dispute following the Match in which the alleged action has occurred for investigation by a presiding Official.

5.2 Player Handles: Handles may not contain profanity, racism, sexism, references to illegal drugs, or general vulgarity. Players found with offensive Handles will be contacted by an Official and asked to edit their Handle to something more appropriate.

5.3 Game Accounts/ID: All Players and participating players on a competing Player are required to have a valid StarCraft II account. Accounts associated with a player cannot be changed once registration is closed. If a player does not have an account associated yet, they can enter it at any time.

It is the responsibility of both Players to verify that the correct accounts are in use prior to beginning a Match.

5.4 Ringing: Players are not permitted to provide their accounts for use by other Players. Doing so is considered Ringing, which is pretending to be someone they are not, and will result in all violators involved being disqualified from the event.

6.    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.

7.    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.

8.    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.

9.    Game Environment Requirements.  The game environment consists of any and all files used to control or play the game. The use of any third-party application and/or program to influence of 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.

10.  Game Play:

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

Category: Melee
Mode: 1v1 (Best-of-three or Best-of-five)
Game Speed: Faster
Observers: Not allowed (unless 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.

10.2 Maps: Matches must be played on the following maps based on the round of the tournament:

Round of 32: GSL Dual Sight
Round of 16: GSL Bel’shir Beach
Round of 8: GSL Antiga Shipyard
Round of 4: Tal’Darim Altar
3rd Place and Championship Match: Shakuras Plateau

The complete Map pool is:

Shakuras Plateau

Tal'Darim Altar

Metalopolis

Xel'Naga Caverns

GSL Terminus SE

MLG Shattered Temple

GSL Antiga Shipyard

GSL Bel’shir Beach (Winter)

GSL Dual Sight

GSL Daybreak

10.3 Game Chat: 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.

10.4 Match Delays: A Match may be delayed from starting only if so directed by an Official, or preceding Matches in the bracket are incomplete. Under no other under circumstances will a Match delay be accepted, including but not limited to personal emergencies, power outages, Internet instability, etc.

10.5 Match Reporting:  At the completion of the Match both Players must immediately report the Match final Score to an Official or through the . Matches that go unreported for an extended period of time may result in a Forfeit being issued against Players in violation so that Officials can proceed with the Tournament.

11.  Match Media Coverage Guidelines.  Sponsor reserves 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.

12.    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. 

12.1 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. 

13. Dispute Rights, Requirements, and Guidelines. A Dispute is a controversy and/or difference of opinion over which Players debate and present to an Official for a decision.

13.1 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. All Disputes must be filed within 10 minutes following the completion of the Match. A Match must be reported regardless of whether a Dispute is being filed. If a Dispute is filed too late, the Dispute may be disregarded. 

13.2 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.

13.3 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.

14. Contacting Officials. Officials are the designated individuals presiding over the Tournament and responsible for enforcing the Game Play Rules and Tournament Official Contest Rules. Officials will be available to contact via e-mail, live web support, and Ventrilo through the means listed at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/sc2-na-winter-playoffs/support/.

15.    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.

16.    Use of Information.   Each Player consents to use of his or her name, information and image by Sponsors, 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 Winner.  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/legal/privacy/.

17.    General Release.  Sponsors 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; (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.