Player Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I have to register online, why is it required?
Can I register the day of and/or decide to play in another tournament when I show up?
I cannot attend for some reason, can I have a refund?
Where is DEVASTATION being held at?
How can I become a Supporter or just get involved in some way?
Can I bring my video game set up/stuff?
What does it cost to attend DEVASTATION?
Does it cost anything to just show up as a guest or visitor?
What does my registration fee get me?
What is the deal with the raffle?
What items/prizes are in the raffle?
Are there age restrictions for DEVASTATION?
Is there a hotel we can stay at to attend DEVASTATION?
What are the prizes for winning?
What is a Guaranteed Prize Pot?
What happens if I lose my badge?
How does “team” registration work for team-based events (i.e., 2v2 or 4v4 tournaments)
Can I/my group run my own side-tournament at DEVASTATION?
What side events/tournaments/games are going to be at DEVASTATION?
What if I have another question?
What is DEVASTATION?
DEVASTATION is one of the largest and most reputable three-day gaming events in the world. The event offers participants the opportunity to not only compete in professional-level tournaments against top-level players but also enjoy exclusive games, exhibition events, expo areas, live broadcasts, and more. The event is free to attend unless you want to compete in any of the tournament events at which point you will be required to register and pay.
Why do I have to register online, why is it required?
We require online registration for two reasons: event preparation and to improve the attendee experience. First and foremost, online registrations allow us create brackets early, effectively implement our workforce, develop more accurate schedules and timelines, keep the live broadcast running smoothly, and order enough product, such as t-shirts, for you guys. Secondly, online registration helps you not to stand in line for hours while we process everyone; waiting is usually not fun. Simply put: we must require online registration to make this event enjoyable for everyone.
Can I register the day of and/or decide to play in another tournament, etc. when I show up?
The answer is “no” but yes. While you are not able to change any of the “official” event titles ran by the DEVASTATION team (see here: Official Games), you are welcome to enter and participate in any of the “day-of” open events (there are some that are Player and/or VIP-only) as well as any of the side-run, community events that are held over the weekend. As a reminder, you are able to edit your registration online at any time up until the cutoff date so even if you registered for a few titles now you can go back and add/change games until the cutoff.
How do I register to compete?
Click the following link to be taken to the online registration page for details and the registration form: Online Registration. A reminder, you need only register if you plan to compete in any of the tournament events; if you just want to come and check out the event over the weekend it costs you nothing and you may come and go as you please. Once you register online you are able to edit the games/events that you participate in by logging back in and making changes up until the cutoff date.
I cannot attend for some reason, can I have a refund?
There are no refunds or exchanges for any registration fees, services, events, or merchandise purchases. If you believe you have a circumstance that warrants some level of refund or satisfaction contact us at: info@devastationevent.com.
Where is DEVASTATION being held?
The Phoenix Convention Center, West Building Ballroom located on the Third Floor. Here is a link to the Venue Page.
How can I become a Supporter or just get involved in some way?
Contact us at: info@devastationevent.com.
Can I bring my video game set up/PC/stuff?
Yes, we will have space available for running your own casual set-ups and events. These sections are by reservation only and you must request a space. There is a section in the online registration to request and reserve spaces (even you are are just coming as a guest and do not want to pay/compete). We require you to complete the form to submit a BYOC (console) request.
What is BYOC?
Bring Your Own Controller. This means that you must have/borrow/supply your own controller/joystick/guitar to play with. We do not care if you and your buddy share one, HOWEVER, not being able to play a match because your buddy has the stick is not a valid excuse and you will be disqualified. So, share your equipment cautiously. BYOC can also stand for Bring Your Own Console, meaning supplying your own equipment for a casual/exhibition area, but for our purposes we are normally discussing controllers/joysticks for competitive play.
Where are the rules?
The rules and expectations can be found in the Player Guide. Be sure you know and understand the Player Guide in its entirety as you will be expected to follow the guidelines laid forth in there. Ignorance will not be an accepted excuse for non-compliance.
What does it cost to attend DEVASTATION?
There are three levels of attendees this year; Guests, Players, and VIPs.
Guests are free of charge all weekend.
– Grants access to the entire event for the weekend but may not participate in specific events.
Player registration fees are $35.00.
- Early-bird registrations: Until February 13th, 2010 the Player rate is discounted to $25.00.
VIP registration fees are $45.00.
- Early-bird registrations: Until February 13th, 2010 the VIP rate is discounted to $35.00.
All tournament games are $15.00 each, which is put into the prize pot for the game.
What does my registration fee get me?
Guests can enter the Event and check out the expo areas, play casual matches, and participate in any events not dubbed Player or VIP-only.
Players have access to anything that Guests do as well as compete in official tournaments and any events/areas designated as Player-only.
VIPs have access to anything that Players do as well as compete in official tournaments and any events/areas designated as VIP-only.
– Walk through the online registration to see a list of some of the benefits/differences between the levels
– Not all benefits are listed on the site, of course, as we like to have some surprises
Does it cost anything to just show up, like a guest or visitor?
No, anyone may attend DEVASTATION free of charge. There are only costs associated with the Player and VIP level registrations which provide access to tournaments, special events, and specific areas reserved just for them.
What is the deal with the raffle?
Every year we hold a raffle for various items. In years’ past we have raffled off shirts, games, rare Japanese Hori joysticks, comics, gift cards, custom made arcade sticks, rare/exclusive collectables, and other items. The raffle’s proceeds are usually donated to a charity/not-for profit organization.
What items/prizes are in the raffle?
Here is a quick list of stuff you can look forward to winning in the raffle: custom-made arcade joysticks, collectable figurines, statues/busts, gift cards/certificates, shirts, comic books, novels/books, game play cards and amusement park passes, posters, and tons more.
Are there age restrictions for DEVASTATION?
No, anyone can attend DEVASTATION *. As a rule we are open to the public and all ages are welcome. If you are under 18 please have your parent’s permission to attend; we do not want any angry moms out there chewing on us because their 15 year old found their way into the Event. Parents, you are responsible for the conduct of your child(ren) and we will not be held responsible for any games/vendor/overheard conversations/content that your children may be exposed to. We maintain a zero tolerance rule for abusive or offensive behavior but we cannot be everywhere and see/hear everything and certainly are unable to censor people and games. If you feel at all insecure about the environment, and do not want to be responsible for supervising your child, it is probably best that they stay home.
* There will be an age limit imposed on any after-party or special Events where circumstances require it.
Is there a hotel we can stay at to attend DEVASTATION?
Yes, we have a Group Rate at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix across the street from this year’s venue. The room nights are a steal at $79 per night, here is all the information you need to make your reservations: DEVASTATION Hotel
What are the prizes for winning?
Tournament prizes are usually cash pots in direct proportion to the related entrants. Additionally, we have been known to subsidize the prize amounts with additional bonuses as well as our famous custom trophies/awards.
What is a Guaranteed Prize Pot?
“Guaranteed Prize Pot” means that the actual prize amount will be no-less-than the indicated amount. So, if we say there is a $10,000.00 Guaranteed Prize Pot for a game we are saying that we guarantee that there will be at least that much to win. Normal math works like this: 100 people enter a game at $15.00 a game that is only a $1,500.00 pot. Now, if we say that game has a Guaranteed Prize Pot of $10,000.00, and only those same 100 people ($1,500.00) enter, we will make up the difference to make the payout $10,000.00.
What happens if I lose my badge?
Well, you will need to immediately report to the Command Center (do not worry, you will be able to find it and, if not, a Staff member can point you in the right direction).If we see a person in the DEVASTATION area without a badge, we reserve the right to ask you to produce your access badge or exit the Event.
How does “team” registration work for team-based events (i.e., 2v2 or 4v4 tournaments)
There are two types of team events: cooperative and turn-based. Cooperative events, like Halo, allow two players to simultaneously play a match. Turn-based events are those that we modify rules to play a game not normally considered “two-player” to accommodate the team environment. Check out each game’s specific rules to determine how a particular game/event is to be ran.
Can I/my group run my own side-tournament at DEVASTATION?
Yes, however, there are some certain conditions we request that you respect. We encourage players to run side-tournaments and exhibition events during DEVASTATION; we know that we cannot hold every game that the players are interested in and we are open to expanding our own horizons. Contact us via email and let’s discuss what you have in mind info@devastationevent.com.
What side events/tournaments/games are going to be at DEVASTATION?
There are several groups that have already confirmed side-events/tournaments and, while they are not sanctioned DEVASTATION events, we want to show our support. We specifically allow these events so that the players have a multitude of options to participate in. Here is a listing of games and one of the ways to make contact with the parties running the side-event:
List unavailable at this time.
What if I have another question?
If you find that you have another question that we have not addressed here or in the Player Guide or anywhere else for that matter, please, contact us at: info@devastationevent.com.