1. Policy
  2. Video Game Marathoning A Policy Information and Guide

This page is a chapter in 'Policy Official Book of TG Guidelines'

SECTION 1.0 - WHAT CONSTITUTES A "MARATHON" GAMEPLAY ATTEMPT?

Twin Galaxies currently defines a video game marathon attempt to be at least 12 hours or more played on single game start with no additional continues. Therefore, the rules below ONLY apply if the game meets or exceeds this threshold.

SECTION 2.0 - WHAT GAMES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MARATHONS?

Only titles that have a marathon track variation set up in the Twin Galaxies database are eligible for marathons.

SECTION 3.0 - CAN I TAKE A "BREAK" WHILE PERFORMING A MARATHON ATTEMPT?

The Twin Galaxies' policy is that there is no formalized "break" offered. Rather, the gamer is allowed to spend as little or as much time away from their game in progress as they want, mid-attempt, and must be responsible for the results of their actions.

Thus, if a gamer wishes to rest while 800 men on "Q*Bert" are lost in the process, that is their decision to do so, and at their own risk.

During these self-imposed "breaks" the gamer's attempt must remain untouched by another individual, or the game attempt becomes void. However, during this time, the controls may be adjusted / tightened providing the actions are caught on camera.

Some games have a non-glitch tactic available which allows the gamer to set up or create an artificial "break" in the action, which further allows them to enter a state where their game is in little or no danger of changing in immediate status for a period of time. Such titles would be the “pacman-type” series in which "hiding spots" allow refuge for a few minutes until the ghosts reverse directions.

Such tactics are allowable ONLY IF this situation is temporary and eventually changes on it's own accord. However, some non-glitch tactics can provide refuge for an indeterminate period of time. Using these tactics, only a fifteen (15) minute break is allowed every 3 hours.

For example, in "Tron", a gamer in the "Red Tank Wave" can hide in the top right corner for a lengthy period of time, and is therefore invalid for usage in marathon gameplay unless the gamer only does so for 15 minutes every 3 hours.

Means of pausing an arcade marathon attempt resulting from glitches, such as the freezing of the game in "Defender" and "Q*Bert" are expressly forbidden, are prohibited and would invalidate the attempt.

3.0.B - CAN I USE "PAUSE" DURING MY MARATHON?

For the home console format, using pause for any reason is not permitted.

3.0.C - IF I DECIDE TO REST AWAY FROM MY GAME, IS A 3RD PARTY PERSON ALLOWED TO WAKE ME UP?

Yes, another individual may wake you from a state of sleep. Or you can utilize a clock if necessary. Either is acceptable.

SECTION 4.0 - CAN MY ARCADE JOYSTICK, BUTTONS OR MONITOR BE FIXED MID-ATTEMPT?

Yes, providing the maintenance or replacement is captured on film. These actions can be undertaken while the gamer is on or off "break" at the gamer's own risk. Home console players cannot use a "pause feature" to switch joysticks or controller pads mid-gameplay, and must switch joysticks or controllers at their own risk

SECTION 5.0 - AM I EMPLOYING A TACTIC OR TECHNIQUE THAT INVALIDATES MY ATTEMPT?

Gamers are encouraged to consult the Twin Galaxies forums in advance of their attempt to determine for their title if any tactics they plan to use would potentially invalidate their score attempt in the view of the Adjudicating Community.

Such tactics would theoretically include usage of infinite loops in game behavior, such as can be employed in "Super Smash TV" (SNES) in the stage entitled "Buffalo Herd Nearby" in which a gamer can evade their enemies for as long as necessary via constant encirclement, providing the herd count does not fall below a certain threshold.

Point-scrabbing, hunting or leeching techniques may also invalidate your gameplay. Gamers are again encouraged to consult the Twin Galaxies forums to determine if their point-acquisition tactics are legal or banned, if known to be so, or if the tactic is not known, then it is the responsibility of submitting gamer to consult the Twin Galaxies forum community and work to determine for a fact whether the tactic(s) in question are valid point acquisition tactic(s) or not.

SECTION 6.0 - IS ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL ALLOWED TO INTERFERE IN MY GAMEPLAY ATTEMPT ON MY BEHALF IN ANY WAY OTHER THAN WAKING ME UP FROM A "BREAK"?

No. 3rd party individual(s) are not allowed to touch the game controls or dip switches in any way and exercise dominion over the gameplay in progress. The act of doing so immediately voids the marathon attempt.

SECTION 7.0 - WHAT IF MY GAMEPLAY ENDS AS A RESULT OF UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES?

Twin Galaxies acknowledges that, as with all gameplay attempts, physical interruptions can occur...cables become disconnected, video recorders stop recording, cords become unplugged, RTF cables "shift" and images become too grainy to see during home console play, or other "Acts of God" may occur.

Your final score will be recognized as that which was achieved, demonstrated and presented before the attempt ended.

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