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Prime 2013 BYOC Information - [Wrap Up and Feedback]
Howdy all! Just an introduction, I'm Gamma and I'll be the manager for the BYOC this year at PAX Prime. Planning is under way and I want to make sure that we have a very successful LAN this year 
When I make updates I'll post whats new in this thread, and then you can find extended info in the replies below or throughout the thread. Stay tuned for more information, right now working on getting this thread refreshed and will be adding more soon.
If you have any questions you can feel free to post or send me a PM
Thread Updates
Activities List (Preliminary) - 8/12
Case Mod Showcase Area - 8/12
Group Seating - 7/12
Old Info
Tournament Polling
Sold Out
Introduction
Coming Soon
Detailed Activities List
When I make updates I'll post whats new in this thread, and then you can find extended info in the replies below or throughout the thread. Stay tuned for more information, right now working on getting this thread refreshed and will be adding more soon.
If you have any questions you can feel free to post or send me a PM
Thread Updates
Activities List (Preliminary) - 8/12
Case Mod Showcase Area - 8/12
Group Seating - 7/12
Old Info
Tournament Polling
Sold Out
Introduction
Coming Soon
Detailed Activities List
zerzhul on
+1
Posts
Q: What does B.Y.O.C. stand for?
A: "Bring Your Own Computer" a dedicated, secure place within PAX that attendees who purchase the additional badge have the ability to bring their own computer into PAX and play with other PAX attendees! It's a gigantic LAN Party and a pretty awesome place to rest your feet when you get tired of walking around the convention!
Q: How do I purchase a BYOC Badge?
A: Badges are being sold during the PAX Prime Registration phase when you purchase your 4-Day or Single Day Badges. There is no external site for BYOC Registration and BYOC badges will be mailed to you ahead of PAX just like your Attendee Badges.
Q: How many BYOC Spots are available?
A: For Prime 2013 - Number of Seats To Be Determined - Will be similar to last year.
Q: BYOC is sold out and I didn't get a pass! Are passes set aside for later purchase? What about cancellations?
A: We do not reserve any BYOC tickets for sale at a later date, so there are no additional tickets to be sold. If there are any cancellations, we may be able to, on an extremely limited basis, offer the cancelled tickets up for general purchase. Contact registration at paxsite dot com for specific inquiries.
Q: How much does BYOC cost?
A: $35 in addition to your regular 4-Day PAX pass (or Single Day Passes, should you decide to do that).
Q: What time do you recommend (or require) people show up for BYOC check-in?
A: Check in will start at 8:00 AM, 2 hours before PAX opening on Friday. I aim to have it all complete an hour before PAX opens, to give people an hour to get their stuff hooked up and ready.
Q: What hours does the BYOC run each day?
A: Same hours as PAX. The room will have to be cleared at PAX closing. About 30min before closing there will be an in-room announcement to start wrapping up your games or whatever for the night before everyone gets kicked out at closing.
Q: Do I leave my stuff in the LAN the whole time?
A: Yes. The room is guarded all during PAX and locked up at night. We are the first ones in and the last ones out. If you must take your stuff up (like a laptop) you need to check it out at the security desk as you leave and check it back in when you return.
Q: What games are typically played?
A: Whatever is popular this year. TF2, LoL, COD4/5/6/7/etc, WoW, Starcraft 2, Portal 2, Monday Night Combat, L4D2, etc. If you want to play a game you can find others that are up for it as well.
Q: If I get a spot for the BYOC, I don't need to commit to being in there the whole time, right? Just when I feel like relaxing and playing some games with people?
A: Correct, you aren't chained to your spot in BYOC. The majority of BYOC attendees are just there in-between the PAX events that they want to go see.
Q: Can I bring my 30+ something inch monitor/TV?
A: No. The max monitor size is 27" due to power and space constraints.
Q: Can I bring my own chair?
A: No! The WSCC doesn't allow this. Please use the chairs provided.
Q: Can I bring a laptop with my desktop?
A: Yes, as long as you stay within your 30" of table space. Although remember you only get one network port and two power ports per seat and you can't use your own power strips
Q: How many monitors can I bring with one BYOC Seat?
A: As stated above, you are provided two power outlets per BYOC Seat purchased and you can not bring power strips. In addition, you may only bring One External Monitor per seat. If you purchased multiple seats, you may bring an additional monitor for each seat. Remember, Only monitors UNDER 30 inches are allowed.
Q: Does my Laptop Count as "One Monitor"?
A: A laptop is typically powered using one power connection, and therefore counts as a workstation. If you desire to bring a larger external monitor for gaming, this is allowed. (e.g. you have a 15 inch laptop, but a 24 inch monitor) Keep in mind of the monitor size limitation as well.
Q: Can I bring a switch or my own power strip to increase that?
A: NO! No outside networking devices are allowed. Any spotted will be removed.
A: Daisy chaining power strips is a HUGE NO-NO as well. Fire Marshall hates that so we need to enforce this pretty seriously. Sorry.
Q: Can I charge my iPhone, Android, iPad or other gadgets using power provided to my BYOC Seat?
A: No, you are only given two power outlets for all of your stuff. If you need to charge your phone or other device, bring a USB cable.
Q: Do I need to bring a network cable?
A: Yes. You will need a network cable to hook your computer up to the network switch at your table. Bring around a 25ft cable otherwise, depending where you are sitting, the switch may be out of your cables reach.
Q: Can I bring *insert friend/Girlfriend/spouse/random person here* in BYOC with me?
A: No, Sorry. To ensure the security of everyone's personal equipment in a busy area such as PAX, only BYOC attendees are allowed into the BYOC room.
Q: Is there Internet in BYOC?
A: Yes there will be, although it will be locked down to prevent things like torrenting and throttled so not one person can use up all the bandwidth.
Q: But... how am I supposed to get my computer there?
A: Drive it! An alternate option which I have used to attend LANs that are far away, is to ship yourself your computer/monitor to your hotel you are staying at. If you call them and say you have a package coming they will hold it for you until you check-in. Just ship it back to yourself when PAX is over. There is a FedEx Office in the WSCC!
Q: Can I bring my xbox/playstation/nintendo console?
A: Sorry, no consoles allowed in here. This is a PC LAN. You cant being a console in addition either, those things use up a lot of power.
Q: Can I Bring a cooler in for drinks/snacks?
A: Yes but only small personal coolers /w no ice (use the frozen gelpacks). If it has more than one handle and/or wheels then it wont be allowed in (think lunch sized cooler).
Q: Can I email you my question?
A: Yes! Feel free to email PC Questions to pax_pc at paxsite dot com
All information is subject to change as thats the nature of the convention beast.
Gaming Events
Game of the Hour (or more)
Vapok
Folks, there is an escalator in the Conference Center that goes up to the Main Expo hall. Please note that this entrance will open later than the Queue Room Expo Entrance and that no queuing will be allowed in the PC Room for the Expo Hall. If you intend on queuing up in the morning to see the Expo Hall, please go to the Queue Room. This is to prevent people from line hacking their way into the Expo Hall before everyone else that has been waiting patiently in the queue room.
Vapok
BYOC and the PC Room as a whole, will be in the exact same location and configuration as last year.
Vapok
Same here. I imagine we just have to be patient, these guys are working on a lot of things, and are also possibly at PAXAUS right now.
I've updated the Group Seating this morning. There were a few requests with questions that I've replied to.
@Zerzhul, You have no idea how bad I wanted to go to Aus. Unfortunately, it was just cost prohibitive for me to go. Maybe next year I'll Kickstart my journey to PAX Aus.
Anyways, Sorry about the slow response.
Vapok
Vapok
If you sent an email prior to this post, and you're group is not represented, please send another email (or PM me).
Vapok
Ok everyone, I'd like to know what you all are interested in playing for Tournaments. Instead of a poll, make a post and tell me the following:
- Payload/Payload Race/CTF
- CP is for BABIES!
- Because it will be a TF2 tournament that isn't Capture Point - Novelty! (maybe? possibly?)
Primary:
Game:-Age of Empires 2:HD Edition
Format:-1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 Random Civilizations, Random Map, Black Forest,(Size depends on party size),standard resources,200 pop cap, normal reveal map, standard starting age and victory, team together and locked teams.
Why you want this as a tournament:-Age of Empires 2 is an amazing game and a blast to play. Game does not take incredible amount of time to play, and it is easy to grasp the concept of game play.
Why others will want this as a tournament:-People love Age of Empires 2 and want to prove their skill on a personal or team level.
Secondary:
Game:-FTL: Faster Than Light
Format:-One full day to obtain a High score with any ship on Normal mode (proven by screenshot with time stamp)
Why you want this as a tournament:-This game does take some time (hence the day timer) but it is simple and something to do over time. The goal is not hard and they can always retry to get the best score they can if they happen to do bad the first time.
Why others will want this as a tournament:- This game is cheap, easy to grasp, and with some luck and perseverance, everyone has an almost equal chance of winning, with multiple tries.
format: 1v1 competition or team tournament with captains mode or all random
why: PAX will take place several weeks after full release and only a few weeks after The International so hype levels for the game should be at maximum, plus the game is fun.
other why: it's free to play so anyone can download it, plus it can satisfy the serious business skills people
Format: 5v5
Why me: Good team based objective gameplay. I also worked on it a few years back on backend stuff so I have quite a bit of nostalgia.
Why others: Something different and not the same old games.
Passes: ☑ ▬ Hotel: ☑ ▬ Flight: [color=red]☑[/color]
I agree with him. oh, and bf3 but I'm sure you don't need reasons for that one.
Hey @sizzlersam, Shoot me an email: "vapokrocks" over at gmail
Vapok
Format: 5v5 Single Elimination
Why you want this as a tournament: It's not hardcore like the official Riot-sanctioned ones, so non-pro players like my friends and I can get our asses whooped participate for fun.
Why others will want this as a tournament: A ton of people play it, and it's fun!
Thank you for setting this up @Vapok!
@meloncollie | steam hiokaybye
Both of these +1! Both are low/no-cost, so more people can join in.
@meloncollie | steam hiokaybye
+1
The Best in Terms of Pants on JCCC3
Format: 1v1 Arena, Projectiles Only. FT10
Why you want this as a tournament: Because I
Why others will want this as a tournament: Tribes is super fast, super fun and super satisfying to hit mid airs
Game: Divekick
Format: FT3
Why you want this as a tournament: Because Divekick and it should be out by 8/20 on Steam
Why others will want this as a tournament: Casual, fast learning curve, maximum hype
http://www.astrolox.com/2013/05/31/valve-steampipe-reverse-proxy/
I do my best to update everything before going, but sometimes Steam doesn't update things until you hit Play, or an update comes out during PAX, or I discover a new game at PAX that I don't have installed yet.
That is the idea. We first started using a Steam squid proxy back at EAST 2013, and it worked wonders, so we're hoping to use it again (fully seeded) for Prime. I can't confirm that will happen, but I know that is the idea.
Vapok
Sorry, been a busy week for me at my real job. So, I'll get to them soon, but rest assured, you're in the queue.
Vapok
Format: Teamplay, 4v4? (anything 3v3+ works well) on maps like Urban4, ActCity3, Urban, Urban2, TeamJungle, Beer
Why you want this as a tournament: Maybe it's nostalgia talking, but this is still my favorite team shooter.
Why others will want this as a tournament: Take a game like Counter-Strike and add ridiculous strafe-jumps, kicking weapons out of people's hands, and throwing knives. Bleeding and limping require self-bandaging, which makes you temporarily vulnerable and encourage teamplay. Top it off with Quake 2 graphics that could run on a potato, and it's just plain hilarious fun.
Ahh, those were the fun days...
Format: Wanted
Why you want this as a tournament: Because I havent played it yet and think it would be cool to play with people
Why others will want this as a tournament: Because they like Assassin's Creed's Wanted game mode
Game: Battlefield Bad Company 2
Format: Any
Why you want this as a tournament: Because some of us prefer Bad Company 2 over BF3
Why others will want this as a tournament: Because some of us prefer Bad Company 2 over BF3
As posted by ToastedTrigger - (This is the game of my childhood!)
Game:-Age of Empires 2:HD Edition
Format:-1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 Random Civilizations, Random Map, Black Forest,(Size depends on party size),standard resources,200 pop cap, normal reveal map, standard starting age and victory, team together and locked teams.
Why you want this as a tournament:-Age of Empires 2 is an amazing game and a blast to play. Game does not take incredible amount of time to play, and it is easy to grasp the concept of game play.
Why others will want this as a tournament:-People love Age of Empires 2 and want to prove their skill on a personal or team level.
As posted by contrefait - (Good Fun Free Game!)
Game: Dystopia
Format: 5v5
Why me: Good team based objective gameplay. I also worked on it a few years back on backend stuff so I have quite a bit of nostalgia.
Why others: Something different and not the same old games.
FTL: Faster Than Light sounds like it could be fun!
Also I'm always up for some a League of Legends LAN!
Kerbal Space Program Demo - You can invent pretty much anything for this one, past tournament used highest landspeed and highest g's experienced. I would suggest highest velocity overall.
Alien Swarm - 1st level, brutal difficulty, you have 2 hours. Fastest team wins.
New Ideas
Airmech - Stock (striker) mech, 2v2 or 3v3 round robin
FTL - ToastedTrigger's idea is awesome
Never played that one. For me, the most hilarious mod was QPong, where it's basically like playing soccer with a huge metal ball. You have to shoot it towards the enemy's goal, but if the ball rolls into you it gibs you. They made a Quake 3 version too. Hmm, that might work as a tourney game too... I think I'm more fond of AQ2 though.
Format -- 3-6 players on pc or iDevice, one server per ship; PvP or NPC shipt kill count or really anything
Why you want this as a tournament -- this game lets you be the bridge crew of a starship suspiciously like the Enterprise. Someone is the captain and gives the orders. There is a red alert button. It's completely awesome.
Why others will want this as a tournament -- Artemis needs so many people that it's hard to play at home, whereas a con is perfect for making new friends and crewmates. People who wouldn't be otherwise able to play it can be introduced to a fantastic game. Also, who doesn't want to be captain of a starship? (I myself prefer Science and Communications.)
During the occasional pause for technical difficulties with Artemis, (basically inevitable) I suggest Spaceteam, which is an iDevice (and now Android!) game which is to Artemis as Galaxy Quest is to Star Trek and primarily consists of shouting hilarious technobabble at your friends. Leads to great team-building for your real spaceship, and is pure fun.