Brainium Metro Pursuit

Vancouver is the birthplace of Brainium Club, and we love it for its walkability and stunning views of the vast Pacific Ocean on one side and the towering North Shore mountains on the other. We wanted to share our love for the city with you through an engaging, mind-stimulating series of games that will not only challenge your brain but also allow you to explore the city. Discover hidden gems, delve into the rich history, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Vancouver with us.

With “Brainium Metro Pursuit,” you will see the city from an unexpected perspective and connect parts that might seem disparate. We will introduce you to little-known or undeservedly overlooked picturesque corners and, of course, give you the opportunity to “feel the city under your feet” — to immerse yourself in the dynamics of everyday life in this wonderful place we call home.

Unlike traditional quests, this game focuses on exploring the city itself and offers various ways to define checkpoints. These can include addresses, local names, city landmarks, schematic maps, photos, combined descriptions, and urban puzzles.

All our games will emphasize sustainable and active transportation methods, promoting a healthy and eco-friendly experience. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to ensure fair play and an enjoyable experience for all participants.

When is the game held?

  • We are planning to hold multiple games throughout the year. While the overall game structure remains the same, each game will differ in its location. Some might include other parts of Metro Vancouver, surrounding areas, and even parks. Some games may also be themed according to the season.
  • Information about each game will be published on our channels well in advance. Subscribe and stay tuned to ensure you don’t miss any important updates.
  • Some games might include a prequel. Each team can solve prequel questions to earn bonus points. Prequels are usually released a week in advance, and the questions are not time-sensitive.

How is the Game Structured?

  • The game revolves around participants locating, reaching, and solving designated city landmarks, or “checkpoints,” set by the organizers in the shortest time possible.
  • Although the general location of the game will be known in advance, the exact starting point, or “ground zero,” will be announced to participants a day before the game starts.
  • The game begins on the announced date at the start time assigned to each team.
  • The game is divided into stages, with each stage having its own starting point and consisting of multiple checkpoints.
  • At the ground zero of each stage, teams will receive all the required information to complete that stage.
  • Teams must complete the previous stage to move on to the next one.
  • It is up to each team to decide the route and sequence in which they will complete the checkpoints. However, teams will be met by ambassadors at the beginning and end of each stage.
  • Generally, it is not required to complete all checkpoints to finish a stage; however, each successful checkpoint counts towards identifying the winning teams.

What is a “checkpoint”?

A checkpoint is a designated city landmark set by the organizers. Checkpoints can be identified by various means such as addresses, local names, city landmarks, schematic maps, photos, combined descriptions, and urban puzzles, etc..

To complete a specific checkpoint, the team must:

  • Identify its location
  • Visit it
  • Perform the required actions
  • Take a team photo at the location

Checkpoint actions might include, but are not limited to:

  • Answering location-specific questions, such as counting elements or entering a word or phrase found on a plaque, etc.
  • Scanning a QR code
  • Meeting an ambassador
  • Taking a picture
  • And more

Sometimes, it may be necessary to alter the action plan as the game progresses. Teams will be notified of such changes immediately.

If, for any reason beyond the team’s control, they are unable to fulfill an action,, they must notify the game administrators right away.

Registration Details:

  1. Deadline: Registration closes one day before the event date to allow for final preparations. Advance registration is STRONGLY recommended and, at times, REQUIRED. Depending on the volume of participants and the specifics of the game, registration at the beginning of the event (aka “at the door”) might not be possible.
  2. Process: Register online through the event website. Fill out all required fields, including team name, member details, and contact information. All teams and each player on the team must be registered before the game begins.
  3. Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with event details and instructions upon successful registration.
  4. Changes: Any changes to team composition must be communicated to the organizers at least 24 hours in advance. Additional team members and substitutions might not be allowed without advance notice and approval.
  5. Cancellation: Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the event to be eligible for a refund. No cancellations or refunds will be allowed within 24 hours of the event.

What materials are the teams provided with?

  • At the beginning of each game, the team will verify all participants.
  • Each team member will receive a player passport and an identification item, such as a backpack, t-shirt, or bandana, which must be worn throughout the game.
  • Each team will be given a tracking device, such as an Apple AirTag or similar (a small security deposit may be required in case the item is lost or stolen), and/or will use a specific app on one of the phones.
  • Each team will be provided with a map, a list of checkpoints for the stage, historical and cultural context information, and an action plan for each checkpoint.
  • The team will receive contact information for the game administrators and ambassadors.
  • Specific games might include additional materials as needed.

Does the game require visiting paid attractions?

  • No, the game will not typically require admittance to any paid venues.
  • Some checkpoints might include cafes and bars. While purchasing is not mandatory, they can be a great place to take a break and enjoy a little rest.
  • Some venues might even provide freebies to our participants. Your player passport will help you access these perks.

What Modes of Transportation are Allowed?

Vancouver is a city with excellent infrastructure for walking and biking, and all our games will be designed with this in mind.

  • Prohibited Transportation: The use of cars, motorcycles, taxis, and fully electric vehicles, including electric scooters and other e-devices, is prohibited and will result in disqualification.
  • Allowed Transportation: Public transportation is allowed, although we will try to avoid the need for it in our game planning. Additionally, you can use bicycles, rollerblades, and other city-approved personal transportation devices. Only e-assist bikes of category I and e-devices for individuals with disabilities are permitted. E-assist bikes of category I are defined as bikes that provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stop providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph.
  • Declaration of Transportation: The chosen method of transportation by the team must be declared at the start of the game. This declaration will not impact scoring unless specifically mentioned in the game rules.

All our games will emphasize sustainable and active transportation methods, promoting a healthy and eco-friendly experience. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to ensure fair play and an enjoyable experience for all participants.

How are the points calculated?

How are the points calculated?

  1. Earning Points: You earn points for each checkpoint you solve correctly, with the exception of bonus checkpoints. The number of points awarded for each checkpoint may vary based on its complexity; some checkpoints will give you more points, while others will give you less.
  2. Winning the Game: The goal is to collect the most points by the end of the game.
  3. Tiebreakers: If two or more teams have the same number of points, the winner will be determined by the team that solved the checkpoints in the least amount of time.
  4. Bonus Checkpoints: Games might have prequel and some stages may include bonus checkpoints. While these do not add points to your score, they can reduce your total time or provide other benefits. For example, if your team and another team have the same points and completed the stage in the same time, but your team also completed a bonus checkpoint that subtracts 30 minutes from your total time, your team would win the stage.
  5. Penalties: If a team violates the rules but the infraction is not severe enough to warrant disqualification, the game administrator may apply penalties. These penalties could involve deducting points or adding time to the team’s total.
  6. Administrator’s Discretion: In some rare cases, the game administrator may decide to grant a team extra points or a time bonus

Is it a team quest?

  • Although the challenge can be completed individually, it is much more fun as a team.
  • The ideal team size is 4 people, with a recommended maximum of 6.
  • The entire team should work on the challenge together and take a picture of the whole team at each checkpoint.
  • A game ambassador might decide to meet with the team at some point, and it is required to assemble the entire team within 5 minutes.
  • Additional players are not allowed to join the team once the challenge starts.
  • If, for any reason, one of the members decides to leave, game administrators must be notified.

Can kids participate?

  • Of course!
  • The game is perfect for a family adventure. We recommend including kids in your team for their out-of-the-box thinking and amazing creativity.
  • However, children younger than 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Technology Requirements:

  1. Devices: Each team should have at least one smartphone or tablet with internet access. Laptops are optional but recommended for research and communication.
  2. Apps: Teams must download specific apps (e.g., Google Maps, a messaging app, and any event-specific app) as instructed by the organizers.
  3. Connectivity: Ensure all devices have reliable internet connectivity, either through mobile data or Wi-Fi.
  4. Chargers and Power Banks: Teams should carry portable chargers or power banks to ensure their devices remain charged throughout the event.
  5. Software: Ensure that the operating systems and software on all devices are up-to-date to prevent compatibility issues.

Other Requirements:

For in-person city games, each team must have the following:

  1. A functioning writing tool (pen, marker, pencil)
  2. An ID document for each participant

In addition to the above, the following are highly recommended:

  1. A map
  2. A flashlight
  3. Portable batteries for charging mobile devices
  4. Comfortable shoes and appropriate transportation equipment (bike, rollerblades, scooters, etc.) based on the chosen mode of transportation

Please note that specific games may have additional equipment requirements for the team or each participant. Participants are responsible for providing all the above-mentioned equipment themselves.

What will be waiting at the end of the event?

Each stage and the entire challenge will have winning teams, recognized with cheers and valuable prizes. We will strive to organize a small event or gathering at the end of each game to celebrate the participants and winning teams, though it might not always be possible.

At the conclusion of the event, we will verify and finalize the points for each team and update the leaderboard accordingly. This ensures accurate results and fair recognition for all participants.

Safety and Emergency Protocols:

Disclaimer: Event organizers are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or other incidents that occur during the event. Participants are responsible for their own safety and well-being.

Here are some of the things to consider:

  1. Emergency Contacts: Ensure every team has a list of emergency contacts, including event organizers and local emergency services.
  2. First Aid Kits: Teams should carry a basic first aid kit.
  3. Emergency Meeting Points: Designate and communicate specific meeting points in case of emergencies.
  4. Lost Team Members: Establish a protocol for reporting and reuniting lost team members, including a contact number for the event coordinator.
  5. Weather Conditions: Monitor weather forecasts and communicate any changes to the schedule or precautions needed.
  6. Personal Safety: Encourage participants to stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid risky behaviors.
  7. Health and Well-being: Advise participants to stay hydrated, take breaks, and notify organizers immediately if they feel unwell.

Team Composition and Substitutions:

  1. Team Size: Each team should consist of 4-6 members to ensure effective collaboration and participation.
  2. Roles: Assign specific roles within the team, such as navigator, researcher, timekeeper, and communicator, to streamline tasks and responsibilities.
  3. Substitutions: Teams are allowed to substitute members before the start of the game. Substitutions must be communicated to the event organizer at least 24 hours in advance.
  4. Late Substitutions: In case of last-minute emergencies, substitutions can be made up to one hour before the game starts, provided the organizer is notified.
  5. Team Leader: Each team should have a designated leader who will be the main point of contact with the organizers and responsible for team coordination.
  6. Backup Plan: Have one or two backup members who can step in if a team member is unable to participate.

Penalties and Rule Violations:

  1. Minor Infractions: Minor rule violations, such as incorrect use of allowed transportation methods, will result in a time penalty or point deduction. Specific penalties will be determined by the game administrator based on the severity of the infraction.
  2. Major Infractions: Major rule violations, such as using prohibited transportation or cheating, may result in disqualification from the game.
  3. Time Adjustments: For minor infractions, time penalties may include adding 5-30 minutes to the team’s total time.
  4. Point Deductions: Point deductions for rule violations will be clearly outlined before the game starts.
  5. Warnings: Teams may receive warnings for minor infractions. Repeated violations will lead to penalties.
  6. Administrator Discretion: The game administrator has the discretion to enforce penalties and make decisions on rule violations to ensure fair play.