FIRSTENCOUNTER
Set on a near future earth, players in WatchTHEskies: FIRST ENCOUNTER participate as members of eight nation teams, news media, global corporations, and aliens.
Roles include world leaders, head scientists, chiefs of defence, foreign ministers, CEOs and more.
It all began when the guests at Hotel Kamana in Lima began acting strange. Within a matter of months the entire government of Peru was behaving erratically. As if under alien influence.
UFO sightings across the globe began to spike. Governments of the world had one response: Deny.
In secret, they scramble interceptors, manipulate the media and research artifacts knowing any day now the truth will come out.
This is the story of our First Encounter.
EXPERIENCE
FAQs
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Originating in the UK, Megagames exploded into global popularity after Shut Up & Sit Down reported on an event in 2014.
Megagames combine LARPs, board games and war-games into a new genre of experience. A full day event with a larger group size.
Players are assigned specific roles and organized into teams, managing resources and working towards unique in-universe goals. Players collaborate and fight, build alliances and start wars, shaping the story throughout the day as a group.
The sky is the limit, with moderators helping you achieve whatever objectives you can dream up.
These videos may help you better understand the experience:
First Contact: 2035 Field Report TikTok
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The original, the beloved, Watch the Skies was first run by Jim Wallman in 2014. With several iterations through the years, Watch the Skies is currently administered and licensed by StonePaperScissors.
WatchTHEskies: First Encounter is an original experience by the Galleon Gaming Club, inspired by the incredible legacy of Watch the Skies by Jim, Watch the Skies: Second Sight by SW Megagames, First Contact: 2035 by Very Large Huge Games and numerous other events.
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WatchTHEskies: FIRST ENCOUNTER will run for about 8 hours.
Check in begins at 9:30am and the event will continue until approximately 5:30pm.
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In WatchTHEskies: FIRST ENCOUNTER, gameplay is asymmetrical. Some roles are more roleplay centred while others are more mechanically minded.
Closer to the event you will be sent a brief survey. Every attempt will be made to put you in a role that best suits your desired play style using this survey.
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Absolutely! Every attempt will be made to keep groups together.
Due to team sizes it may not be possible to have everyone in a larger group on the same team, but due to the collaborative nature of Megagames it’s guaranteed your group will have a fun experience and spend plenty of time together.
EVENT
FAQs
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Public Tickets: $35
Tickets are on sale now through our Eventbrite page here!
All ticket prices are Canadian Dollars.
Tickets are offered at a discounted price (via rebate) for members of the Galleon Gaming Club.
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It’s okay if you feel a little unprepared. These are some tips that can help you make the best of the day:
You will be sent a casting survey and a player guide. Complete the survey and review your guide!
Get in touch with your fellow team members! Coordinating in advance is a great way to feel prepared. A player list with name and emails will be released prior to the event.
Review the event location and start time! The Dock is located at 722 Cormorant Street. Check in is 9:30AM.
Lastly, “Eat Villagers Blog” have a great guide on preparing for a game of Watch The Skies here
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First, you’ll receive your ticket.
Closer to the event you’ll receive a casting survey to the email address you used to purchase a ticket. If you purchased multiple tickets for a group be sure to forward this survey to everyone attending!
Once casting is complete you will receive a package with a player guide and details on your role.
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Bring a lunch, snacks and water bottle! The experience will last all day and you will be unable to leave the building over lunchtime.
Paper, pen, a copy of your ruleset and a costume are also encouraged but not necessary!
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The Galleon Gaming Club is a Non-Profit organization hosting a roster of weekly gaming events throughout the City of Victoria - including this Megagame!
Members help support the club mission and receive perks like discounted tickets or access to exclusive events.
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The event is restricted to players aged 16+
All gaming experience levels are welcome!
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The Dock - Centre for Social Impact
722 Cormorant Street, Victoria BC V8W 1P8
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Limited street parking is available in front of the building.
Lot parking is available nearby at the Johnson Street Parkade.
Bike storage is available onsite. Speak to the check-in volunteer for access.
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Gameplay in a megagame can be addictive! Breaks almost always turns into an “unofficial round”. To keep an even playing field there is no scheduled lunch break.
Players are encouraged to bring food and snack throughout the event. Kitchen amenities are available.
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YES! Costumes are completely optional but fully encouraged.
Considerations:
Please be culturally sensitive.
Weapons, real or prop, are strictly prohibited.
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The following amenities are available at the event:
Bike storage
Kitchen
Power outlets (and a limited number of phone chargers)
Gender Neutral Bathrooms
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We are flattered that you’re visiting beautiful Victoria for our event!
The event is not affiliated with any specific hotel, but the following hotels are minutes away from the venue.
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The venue is fully accessible for people with mobility impairments.
There will be noise and minor player conflict that may be overwhelming for people with sensory impairments.
Please feel free to contact us for assistance with any accommodations you may require.
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Tickets are non-refundable but if you are unable to attend due to availability or illness worry not!
Contact us as soon as possible. Galleon Gaming Club will attempt to resell your ticket to the next interested player. Once sold, you will be refunded the face value of the ticket.
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Alcohol and Drug use is prohibited on the premises during the event. Intoxicated guests will be asked to leave and may be banned from future events.
Tickets On Sale Now
Contact Us
If you need more details or have a media enquiry, feel free to reach out 👽