ATLANTIC RIM is a non-profit activity organized by PAXsims and cosponsored by the Gamers' Guild of McGill, the McGill Political Science Students' Association, and other student groups.

...and are they prepared for the deadly peril that might now be lurking offshore?

Can local, provincial, and federal officials pull together to coordinate an effective response?

The electrical grid has been shattered. Hospitals are overwhelmed. Survivors are fleeing to safety.

In this all-day crisis game, approximately one hundred participants will assume the roles of police, fire departments, medical services, municipal leaders, public utilities, Canadian Armed Forces personnel, the Coast Guard, the provincial and federal cabinets—and even a nefarious local corporation.

This year, a mysterious meteor shower has struck the Atlantic coast of North America. Many coastal communities, including parts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, have been devastated by the resulting tsunami.

Last year, Quebec and Ontario faced a zombie apocalypse from south of the border .

FAQs

People do this for fun?

Yes they do, all over the world! For details of past McGill megagames, see this page at PAXsims.

Megagames can be used for serious purposes too. Game designers Rex Brynen, Tom Fisher, Vince Carpini, and Jim Wallman do game design and facilitation work for governments, international organizations, corporations, NGOs, and universities. Past participants in McGill megagames have included not only students, but also researchers, aid workers, government officials, and members of the armed forces—from Canada and elsewhere.

What prior experience do I need?

Absolutely none, other than a willingness to enjoy yourself with a hundred or so other treacherous, scheming people in a very large room.

Can I be part of a group with my friends?

If several of you register and want to be part of a group, email us (megagame@brynen.net) and let us know who you all are and we'll try to do our best to accomodate you. Also let us know if you have role preferences. We can't guarantee anything, however—it depends on how many requests we get. Such group requests must be received by February 1.

What will I do for food?

We strongly suggest that you bring a lunch. There are food outlets nearby, but given the pace of the game we don't advise disappearing to eat.

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

A refund will only be issued up to 30 days before the game.

However, you can sell your ticket to someone else and transfer your registration to them. If so, please let us know so we can update our information.

When should I show up?

We will start the game at 10h00, so try to be at the site by 09h30 at the latest to allow time for registration.

How will I get briefing materials and rules?

These will be emailed to participants a week or two before the game.

What should I bring?

Bring a copy of the briefing and the rules. Although there is certainly no requirement to “dress” for your role, some players like to do so.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Contact Professor Rex Brynen at megagame@brynen.net. Please includes the subject line "ATLANTIC RIM."