Capture the Flags is a "mixed reality" style game that uses mobile phone and QRCode technology to create a team-based competition.
The aim of the game is capture as many of the flags as possible in the game's designated time. A flag is represented by a small QR Code symbol that looks like the image below. Each code points to a web address that the game understands and enables a player to interact with the game - most importantly they can 'capture flags'. The flags are scattered over the Peel Park Campus of the University of Salford; some are located inside buildings and some are visible from outdoors.
To play the game the first requirement is a mobile phone with QRCode reading software correctly installed (Links to QRCode reading software are listed below). Scanning any of the QRCodes on campus (there is one clearly visible in the Postgraduate Reception of the Business School on the 2nd Floor of the Maxwell Building) with a mobile phone will provide information about any game currently running as well as an opportunity to join the next scheduled game. When you join a game you will be asked for your name (this will appear on the live map of the game) asked which team you want to join and be given a 5 digit PIN to remember. You need this PIN to capture flags during the game.
Once you have successfully joined a game and have a PIN you are able to play the next game.
Once a game has started you can scan any QR Code flag you find on campus. Not all of the flags are necessarily being used in the game! If you successfully scan a flag with your mobile phone you will be asked for your PIN. Entering the PIN captures the flag for your team.
Continue finding and scanning flags to help your team win.
The one 'big' rule for the game is that you cannot personally recapture a flag that another team has captured from you. This means that you cannot 'guard' a flag but rather you have to co-ordinate and communicate with other team members to acheive the best result for the team.
Once the game has finished scanning a flag will produce a message telling you the game has ended and (maybe) the opportunity to join the next game.
Not all of the flags are easy to find. During a game the flags that can be captured and that have been captured are visible via a web browser on any computer (but not on a mobile phone) through the web page located HERE. (Without giving too many hints it may be strategic to have one member of team act as a 'controller' who communicates flags' positions to the players in the field.)
Depending on the configuration of the game only some of the flags may be visible on this map before they are captured. Also remember that although a Google Map is used it does not directly record height information and if a flag is located in a building it may be found on any of the floors.
Some of the flags are more hidden (i.e. harder to find) than others - you need to make use of the (sometimes cryptic) hints that are provided.
None of the flags are found in dangerous locations, require players to climb onto furniture or fixtures or in any way risk your personal safety. You can not rely on anyone in the buildings or the campus grounds to know of the location of the flags and you should respect the buildings you enter by not yelling or running in them.
Depending on the phone you are using will determine which software to use (and the download methods available to you). Almost all modern phones have some type of QRCode reader software available for them. The phone must have a camera!
If you have a Nokia N95 you already have the software pre-installed.
The Kaywa reader is one of the best reader for Nokia, SonyEricsson and a small number of Motorola phones - point your mobile phone's web browser to http://reader.kaywa.com - if your phone is compatible it will allow you to download the reader.
The iNigma covers most of the popular models available - point your mobile's web browser to http://www.i-nigma.mobi and the site will work out the best software automatically.
Part of a wider package of technology - Beetagg is useful for Blackberrys, iPhones and some Windows mobile devices. Download directly to your phone at http://get.beetagg.com
UpCode can also be downloaded automatically by pointing your mobile's browser to http://www.upcode.fi - this software supports some LG and BlackBerry phones.
If you have a Windows Mobile based phone you may need to look at Quickmark (unfortunately through a desktop browser). This is particularly useful for branded and exclusive phones from O2, Vodafone and Orange as well as HTC.