06/25/06

Rules and Regs

We are pretty laid back in the Video Game Room. We've only got a few simple rules to follow, and some pretty common sense policies. However, we're very serious about enforcing these rules, because all of them are for your safety and protection. Plus, all of these systems and games are the personal property of Staff members, who are putting their stuff on the line for you to play with all weekend long. Respect us, and we will respect you.

Violation of any or all of these rules will result in your ejection from the VGR. Some of them can even get you kicked out of the con, if you work hard enough.

1. No food or drink is allowed in the VGR at any time. This is very important, because we've got tons and tons of electronics in the room, and none of them work well with soda and ice cream poured into them, regardless of what the manual tells you.

2. No roughhousing. We all know you're actually the guy that Ryu is based on. We believe you, so there's no need to demonstrate your Dragon Punch.  If you fatality your friends, you will be ejected from the VGR, and into the loving arms of Con Security.

3. Do not abuse any games, systems, peripherals, or Staff members in the VGR. The VGR is filled with the personal equipment of the Staff. When the con is over, we have to take that stuff home and still play with it somehow. In the past, we've lost a ton of equipment because people couldn't play nice with it. Because of that, some things are never coming back. So don't mistreat anything we own, or you will be removed from the VGR, never to return.

4. No unattended children under 12. While you're at home, it's often useful to put Junior in front of the Nintendo for a few hours while you do the laundry. When you're at a convention, it's an extraordinarily bad idea. We have an entire room to baby sit, and we cannot watch your children as well. Any children found wandering the VGR by themselves will have their heads filled with nonsense for our own entertainment, and you will be reported. This rule applies whether you're an attendee, guest, merchant, or hotel staff member.

5. No outside games, systems, or peripherals.  This is the rule I get the most flak about. Everyone wants to bring in their personal copy of Castlevania, or use their memory card for Soul Calibur, or their joystick to play Tekken. But what if someone steps on it? Or steals it? Whose fault is it? Mine, even if you swear you won't blame me, the State of Colorado will. I haven't got the cash to replace your goods. I encourage you to use your equipment in your hotel room, or even better, your own home. When you're here, you play with my toys.

6. No stealing. This isn't so much a rule as a law. No one who has stolen anything from the VGR has ever been heard from again. We think flying monkeys kidnapped them.

7. No whining. This rule needs some clarification. I am entirely open to suggestions, feedback, requests and opinions. I'm an open-minded guy. But if we're running a game you don't like, or using a controller you don't like, or generally feel victimized by the unfairness of something or other, we don't want to hear it. The VGR, the convention, and the world at large do not owe you anything. If you are dissatisfied with the content of the room, feel free to leave it. But we don't want to hear you bitching.

The Golden Rule of the Video Game Room:

Pass that Controller

We've got a lot of games and systems in here, as well as arcade stand ups and Tournament centers. But there's thousands of attendees, and we don't have one controller for each person. At $40 a controller, it's too expensive. So we must enforce this simple rule: when you have played a game for a while, look around and see if someone else wants to play it. If someone is standing there waiting for it, offer it to them. If they refuse, you're all good. Otherwise, sit and wait your turn, or play something else. And in time, you will find that that person or someone else will eventually pass it back to you, and you'll again be playing that wonderful game, possibly even sharing the experience with a new friend (or getting schooled). But, if you selfishly hog the controller, and never pass to anyone else, no one gets to play, especially you, when the Staff tosses you out on your butt.

Staff Members and Volunteers

We are currently all full up on Staff and Volunteers for the VGR. Many people would like to help, and we really appreciate this, but we only have so many jobs. If you would still like to help out with the convention, contact Loreena, the NDK Volunteer Coordinator. There are many other deserving areas that could use your help. Give 'till it hurts.

Duke of the Dance: DJ Bullock

VGR Mom: Sarah

Lord of Technology: JD

Master of Lists: Fozzy Bear

VGR Crier: All Powerful Bob

Nefarious Henchmen: Harold & Pat

Hidden Boss: The Shogun of Shodown

Final Boss: BakuDan