1. Overview & Definitions
LOST (Last One Standing Tournament) is a real-world augmented reality (AR) mobile elimination game operated by Veygos Productions LLC. These Official Tournament Rules govern participation in all LOST tournaments, including both paid entry fee tournaments and free/points-only tournaments. By registering for or participating in any LOST tournament, you agree to be bound by these rules in their entirety.
1.1 Key Definitions
- Tournament: A structured LOST game event with a defined play area, registration window, player count, and prize structure as announced prior to registration.
- Entry Fee: The fixed monetary amount a player pays to participate in a paid tournament. Entry fees are processed via Stripe and are not bets or wagers.
- Prize: The fixed, pre-announced monetary award given to the winner(s) of a paid tournament. Prize amounts are determined and published by LOST before registration opens and do not vary based on the number of participants.
- Player: Any individual who has created a LOST account and registered for a tournament.
- Target: The specific player assigned to another player for elimination within the circular elimination chain.
- Elimination: The act of removing a target from the tournament by achieving GPS proximity and AR camera confirmation.
- Play Area: The defined geographic boundary within which tournament play is active. The play area progressively shrinks over the course of a tournament.
- Safe Zone: A designated geographic area within the play area where eliminations cannot occur and players are protected, but where health depletion applies.
- Health Meter: A gameplay attribute assigned to each player that depletes when the player is not actively trackable or is outside the play area, and recharges during active play.
2. Eligibility
2.1 Age Requirements
- Paid tournaments (entry fee required): Participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
- Free/points-only tournaments: Participants must be at least thirteen (13) years of age, in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
- LOST reserves the right to require age verification at any time. Misrepresentation of age is grounds for immediate account termination.
2.2 Know Your Customer (KYC)
All players entering paid tournaments must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity prior to their first paid tournament entry. KYC verification is required to:
- Confirm the player is at least 18 years of age.
- Prevent multi-accounting.
- Comply with applicable federal and state regulations.
- Facilitate tax reporting obligations (IRS Form W-9/1099 for cumulative winnings exceeding $600 per calendar year).
2.3 Geographic Restrictions
Paid tournaments are currently available only in the state of Utah. LOST may expand availability to additional jurisdictions as regulatory review permits. Players are responsible for ensuring their participation complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
2.4 Account Requirements
- Each player may maintain only one (1) LOST account.
- Accounts are non-transferable.
- Players must provide accurate and current information during registration.
- Multi-accounting is strictly prohibited and constitutes cheating under Section 7.
3. Tournament Structure
3.1 Tournament Types
LOST offers the following tournament formats. The applicable format is announced prior to registration for each tournament:
- LOS (Last One Standing): Winner-takes-all. The last player remaining receives the full announced prize.
- Podium: Tiered prize split. The announced prize is distributed among the top finishers according to the pre-announced payout structure.
- Bounty: Per-elimination awards. Players earn a fixed, pre-announced amount for each successful elimination.
- Podium + Bounty (Hybrid): Combines tiered placement prizes with per-elimination bounty awards.
3.2 Tournament Announcements
Each tournament listing will specify, at minimum, the following details before registration opens:
- Tournament type (LOS, Podium, Bounty, or Hybrid).
- Entry fee amount (if applicable).
- Prize amount and payout structure.
- Registration window (open and close dates/times).
- Play area boundaries.
- Minimum number of players required to commence.
- Tournament start date and time.
The announced prize amount is fixed and will not be modified after publication. LOST reserves the right to adjust the tournament start time and play area boundaries prior to the tournament start, with reasonable notice to registered players.
3.3 Registration
- Players may register for a tournament only during the published registration window.
- No late entries are permitted after the registration window closes.
- For paid tournaments, entry fees are authorized via Stripe at the time of registration. The charge is captured only upon tournament commencement.
- Registration windows do not exceed seven (7) days.
- Players may register for and participate in multiple tournaments simultaneously.
3.4 Minimum Player Threshold
Each tournament specifies a minimum number of players required. This threshold is calculated to ensure a viable and fair tournament experience. If the minimum player count is not met by the close of the registration window, the tournament is automatically cancelled and all authorized entry fee holds are released. No charges are processed.
4. Gameplay Rules
4.1 Elimination Chain
At tournament start, each player is assigned one target in a circular elimination chain. To eliminate your target, you must achieve GPS proximity to them and confirm the elimination through the AR camera. Upon successfully eliminating your target, you inherit their target, and the chain contracts. The last player remaining wins the tournament.
4.2 Health Meter
Each player has a health meter that governs their continued participation in the tournament. The health meter functions as follows:
- Depletion: A player's health depletes when the player is not actively trackable (device offline, app closed, loss of connectivity), when the player is within a designated safe zone, or when the player is outside the current play area boundaries.
- Recharge: A player's health recharges during active, in-bounds tournament play.
- Elimination by Health Depletion: If a player's health meter reaches zero, that player is automatically eliminated from the tournament. Their target is reassigned to their tracker, and the elimination chain continues as normal.
The health meter system replaces any traditional disconnection or inactivity policy. Players are responsible for maintaining an active and trackable state throughout the tournament.
4.3 Shrinking Play Area
The tournament play area progressively shrinks over time. Players who are outside the current play area boundaries will experience health depletion. The shrinking play area is designed to promote active gameplay, prevent stalling, and drive the tournament toward a natural conclusion. There is no fixed maximum tournament duration; the shrinking mechanic ensures resolution.
4.4 Safe Zones
The following locations are designated as safe zones where eliminations cannot occur:
- Schools and educational institutions.
- Hospitals and medical facilities.
- Cemeteries.
- Places of worship.
- A player's registered home base.
While eliminations are suspended within safe zones, a player's health meter will deplete while they remain in a safe zone. Safe zones are intended as temporary refuge, not as a strategy for extended play avoidance.
4.5 Speed Threshold & Vehicle Safety
LOST is designed to be played on foot. When the app detects that a player is moving above a designated speed threshold, the AR camera functionality is automatically disabled. This is a built-in safety mechanism. Players must not attempt to play LOST while operating a motor vehicle, bicycle at high speed, or any other mode of transportation that could pose a safety risk. Attempts to circumvent the speed threshold constitute a violation of these rules.
4.6 Tournament Resolution
- A tournament concludes when one player remains (LOS/Podium), or when all elimination bounties have been awarded (Bounty), or when one player remains and all bounties are settled (Hybrid).
- In the rare event that a clear winner cannot be determined (e.g., simultaneous final eliminations or system anomaly), the announced prize will be split evenly among the remaining players.
5. Entry Fees & Prizes
5.1 Entry Fee Processing
- All entry fees are processed through Stripe. Apple Pay is available as a payment method through Stripe.
- Entry fees are authorized at registration and captured upon tournament commencement. If the tournament does not commence (e.g., minimum player threshold not met), the authorization hold is released and no charge is processed.
- Entry fees are not bets or wagers. LOST tournaments are games of skill as defined under applicable law.
5.2 Prize Structure
- Prize amounts are fixed and pre-announced before registration opens for each tournament.
- Prize amounts do not vary based on the number of participants.
- Payout ratios range from 60% to 85% of total entry fees collected, depending on the tournament.
- The specific prize amount and payout structure (winner-takes-all, tiered, bounty, or hybrid) are published in the tournament listing.
5.3 Prize Disbursement
- Prizes are disbursed via Stripe Connect Express. Winners must complete Stripe Connect onboarding (if not already completed) to receive prize funds.
- Prize disbursement occurs after a forty-eight (48) hour review period following tournament conclusion. This review period allows LOST to verify tournament integrity and conduct anti-cheat review.
- LOST reserves the right to delay disbursement beyond 48 hours if an active investigation into tournament integrity is underway. Players will be notified of any extended review.
5.4 Tax Reporting
Players are responsible for all applicable taxes on prize earnings. LOST will issue IRS Form 1099 to any player whose cumulative prize earnings exceed $600 in a calendar year. Players must provide a valid W-9 upon request.
6. Refund Policy
6.1 Tournament Cancelled by LOST
If LOST cancels a tournament for any reason (including but not limited to server issues, integrity concerns, or failure to meet minimum player threshold), all players will receive a full refund. For tournaments that had not yet commenced, the authorization hold is released. For tournaments where entry fees had been captured, a full refund is issued via Stripe.
6.2 Player Voluntary Withdrawal
- Before tournament start: If a player withdraws before the tournament commences, the authorization hold on their entry fee is released. No charge is processed.
- After tournament start: If a player voluntarily withdraws after the tournament has commenced, no refund is issued. The player's entry fee is forfeited, the player is treated as eliminated, and their target is reassigned to their tracker.
6.3 Disqualification
Players who are disqualified for cheating (Section 7) or conduct violations (Section 8) forfeit their entry fee. No refund is issued. Forfeited entry fees are retained by LOST.
7. Anti-Cheat Policy
7.1 Prohibited Conduct
The following actions constitute cheating and are strictly prohibited:
- GPS spoofing, location falsification, or use of any tool or method to manipulate reported device location.
- Use of jailbroken or rooted devices, or any modification to the LOST application or operating system that provides an unfair advantage.
- Collusion with other players, including but not limited to coordinated target trading, intentional elimination arrangements, or sharing of target/location information outside the app.
- Multi-accounting: creating, maintaining, or using more than one LOST account.
- Circumventing or attempting to circumvent the speed threshold, safe zone protections, health meter mechanics, or any other game system.
- Use of bots, automation, scripts, or any non-human input to interact with the LOST application.
- Any other action that LOST reasonably determines to undermine the integrity of tournament play.
7.2 Enforcement
- Immediate Disqualification: Any player found to have engaged in cheating will be immediately disqualified from the active tournament. The player's entry fee is forfeited and retained by LOST.
- First Confirmed Offense: The player's account is flagged. The player may continue to use LOST but is placed on probationary status.
- Second Confirmed Offense: Permanent account ban. The player is permanently prohibited from creating or maintaining a LOST account.
7.3 Detection & Review
LOST employs automated and manual anti-cheat detection systems. All tournament results are subject to review during the 48-hour post-tournament review period. LOST reserves the right to retroactively disqualify players and adjust tournament results if cheating is confirmed after the tournament concludes.
7.4 Appeals
Players who believe they have been incorrectly disqualified or banned may submit an appeal by contacting LOST support. Appeals will be reviewed within fourteen (14) business days. LOST's determination on appeal is final.
8. Player Conduct
8.1 General Conduct Standards
LOST is a real-world game. Players must conduct themselves responsibly and lawfully at all times during tournament play. The following conduct is prohibited:
- Harassment, threats, intimidation, or abusive behavior toward other players or bystanders.
- Trespassing on private property.
- Entering restricted or prohibited areas.
- Playing while operating a motor vehicle.
- Engaging in any activity that creates a safety risk to the player, other players, or the public.
- Violating any applicable local, state, or federal law during tournament play.
8.2 Enforcement
Conduct violations are treated with zero tolerance. Players found to have violated the conduct standards above will be immediately disqualified from the active tournament and forfeit their entry fee. LOST may, at its sole discretion, impose an account suspension or permanent account ban based on the severity of the violation.
8.3 Assumption of Risk & Personal Responsibility
LOST tournaments take place in real-world environments. Players participate at their own risk. LOST is not responsible for injuries, property damage, or any other harm that occurs during tournament play. Tournaments operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no time-of-day restrictions. Players are solely responsible for their own safety, including the decision of when, where, and how to play. Players should remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
9. Skill-Based Competition
LOST tournaments are competitions of skill. The outcome of each tournament is determined predominantly by the skill of the participants. Skill factors in LOST include, but are not limited to:
- Physical movement, navigation, and spatial awareness within the play area.
- Strategic timing of pursuits and eliminations.
- Situational awareness and threat assessment (awareness of both target and tracker).
- Stealth, evasion, and concealment techniques.
- Knowledge of the play area and terrain.
- Health meter management, including strategic use of safe zones and active play.
- Adaptation to the shrinking play area.
LOST does not employ any random number generation, dice, card draws, or other chance-based mechanics to determine outcomes. Target assignment at tournament start follows a circular chain structure. LOST has obtained an independent statistical analysis confirming that skill is the dominant factor in determining tournament outcomes, consistent with the legal standards for skill-based competition under applicable state law.
10. Modifications to These Rules
LOST reserves the right to modify these Tournament Rules at any time. Material changes will be communicated to players via the LOST application and/or email. Continued participation in LOST tournaments after such notice constitutes acceptance of the modified rules. Changes to these rules do not apply retroactively to tournaments already in progress at the time of the change.
11. Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or appeals regarding these Tournament Rules, please contact:
LOST Support
Veygos Productions LLC
Email: support@getlost4fun.com
End of LOST Official Tournament Rules — Version 1.0