Ottawa MegaGames is running their 2019 version of Watch the Skies - Cold War II: Extraterrestrial Boogaloo - a megagame about alien activity on Earth.

The event takes place on March 9th, 2019, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The venue will be the Diefenbunker Museum, in Carp, Ontario.

NOTE that the ticket cost includes lunch!
As we will be several stories underground and the cafeteria has been closed since the 1970s, a packed lunch will be provided. Dietary restrictions are no problem--just let us know!

E-mail us at OttawaMegaGames@gmail.com with any questions, thoughts, or concerns.

It is the year 2030. After the United-States/Russia War of 2024, China and India have emerged as economic and ideological leaders. But a mysterious presence lurks at the edge of our solar system...

Players will participate in groups as nations, world media or aliens, with individual players taking on the roles of heads of state, military, scientists, diplomats and more. Megagames focus on communication, player interaction, and hidden or missing information. They take elements of board games, role playing games, and live action games to create a unique full-day experience.


FAQ

Q: Wait... People do this for fun? 

Yes they do--all over the world! The blog Shut Up & Sit Down made a fabulous documentary of their first experience... as well as a two-part documentary of their second! (Click here for Part II).

Still not convinced (or short on time)? Check out this inspiring, short video of Megagames at PAX.

The UK group Megagame Makers have been going strong for over twenty years, and featured in such newspapers as The Independent.

McGill professors have been hosting megagames for fun and learning for more than fifteen years, where the PaxSims blog is the nexus for all things simulation and gaming. Be sure to check out the (in)famous student-made short on Rex Brynen's annual Brynania Civil War simulation.

Or, for the educationally minded, a video on the EnTRUSTed Hospital Simulation.

Megagames are also used for facilitation work with governments, corporations, international organizations, NGOs, and universities by people such Rex Brynen, Vince Carpini, Tom Fisher, and Jim Wallman.

So... what are you waiting for?!

Q: Sounds fun, but why is it $65?

This time around, we decided to bring you a) an exciting new venue and b) a packed lunch. The added cost goes directly to the venue and your meal. We aren't making any money off this event, we just want you to have an unforgettable time!

Q: Ok, but what is a Megagame?

A: Megagames are unique experiential games for 30 to 300 players - part model UN, part board game, part live-action role play - and all fun! They are driven by narrative rather than victory points, and often built as lifelike simulations of the real world with a fantastical twist. Megagames are written to make the players feel, think, experience, and learn.

Megagames are sweeping the globe as the newest, most unique experiences a gamer can find.


Q: What is Watch the Skies?

A: Watch the Skies is the world’s most-played Megagame. Teams representing the human governments of the world confront a mysterious threat: aliens - kept secret from the public since 1948, and coming to earth in ever-larger numbers. But what do they want? Can you stop them? And, can you keep human society functioning in the meantime?

Q: But I’ve never done this before!

A: Don’t worry, neither had we. You’ll be a pro in no time.

We will send you an information package 1-2 weeks before the event date for you to review game mechanics, your role, and background storyline.

Megagames are designed to be learned on the fly, just like real life. They are about experiencing a storyline, rather than mapping out a path to victory. In a Megagame, it is much better to die a legendary death that your friends, new and old, will tell tales of for all time, rather than attempt to beat everybody in a race to the finish.

Above all, experienced players and the control team (aka, the game facilitators) are very nice. We won’t let you do anything too silly- unless you want to!


Q: Do I need to buy tickets in a team?

A: It's recommended you find a team to play with before you buy tickets, but if you don't have a group, you can buy an individual ticket. We recommend looking for a team that has some tickets already bought and joining them.

Also, send us a message at OttawaMegaGames@gmail.com and we will make sure you’re connected with new or old friends.


Q: What happens if I buy a ticket and can't attend?

A: Unfortunately, we will not offer refunds for this event. Please let us know if you cannot attend or if you find someone to go in your stead to ensure that all roles are included


Q: When should I show up? How long is the event?

A: Registration will begin at 08:30. All players should be ready to play by 09:00!

Watch the Skies runs on a strict timeline, so please be on time. We will be out of the venue by 16:30. If you’d like to continue spending time with us all, we have a reservation at The Swan at Carp restaurant (108 Falldown Lane, Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0.)


Q: What will I do for food and hydration?

A: We'll have a half hour break for lunch. Given the pace and location of the game, a lunch box is included in the price of admission. We are ordering lunches from the Diefenbunker’s preferred caterer: The Swan at Carp restaurant. Lunches will consist of a sandwich, fruit, dessert, and a drink. There are vegan and gluten free {insert other options} options. {Please let us know at OttawaMegaGames@gmail.com if you have specific dietary needs.}

We recommend drinking plenty of water. There are water coolers (for water bottles) and water fountains (with potable well water) in the gaming area.

We have a reservation at The Swan at Carp restaurant to relax and meet up after the game. Select appetizers and water are included. There’s a drink and supper menu if you are interested.


Q: Are costumes required?

A: No, but they are encouraged. Some people find it more fun to have science conferences in a lab coat, or go to the UN in a tie. However, we ask that you be culturally conscious when dressing from a different nation; we're playing characters, not caricatures. Please be considerate of strong scents as some players might be chemically sensitive.


Q: What should I bring?

A: Bring a copy of the briefing and the rules for each section, a water bottle and small snack. As we said, costumes are welcomed but not required.

Most importantly, bring an open mind and a thirst for adventure!


Q: How accessible is this game?

A: The Diefenbunker has stairs and an elevator from the main floor (level 400) to levels 300 (main gaming floor) and 200 (cafeteria location.) Also note that most roles in this game require players to be mobile throughout the day, but at least one role per team could be stationary. If you have specific accessibility concerns the control team would be happy to help and we encourage you to reach out to us, through FB or email, before the event so we can make this a better experience for you.


Q: Photo and or videography

A: Please note that there will be periodic photo and videography at this event. By purchasing a ticket for the event, you consent to potentially being photographed and videotaped and possibly having a photograph or video of you used and shared by Ottawa MegaGames. Please let us know if you have specific concerns.

Q: Respect

A: We are so proud to bring you this event, and we want to make sure every player gets an engaging and fulfilling experience. This requires the cooperation of all players to make this fun for everyone. If you are found to be disrupting the event by harassing other players, including racist, sexist or otherwise bigoted remarks, you will be reprimanded as the game control sees fit, up to and including expulsion from the game without refund. The Diefenbunker also reserves the right to remove individuals who are not respectful (e.g. moving/altering components of the museum) of the museum environment. 

Q: Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

A: Contact the Ottawa Megagames team at OttawaMegaGames@gmail.com, on the Ottawa MegaGames FB page, or the Watch the Skies FB event page.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to let us know! We like to think we’re pretty friendly people and will do whatever we can to help.