FAQ

What’s a city game?

A city game is an interactive city game played through the use of tablets or smartphones with GPS connection. GPS city games can be played in any city or town, provided that the center is large enough to create a fun game. ‘Interactive’ means that the various players interact via the tablets which they use to play the GPS game, or that the player’s action in the game determines the game development. For our Guided Outdoor-games and Guided Indoor-Games, iChallenge provides all necessary game equipment and guides you trough the game. Our Non-Guided Games (=Do It Yourself-Games) can be played independently on your own devices after having read the how to-description.

What does ‘Location Based Citygame’ mean?

Your role in the GPS game will be determined by your position in the city, which is determined through the GPS connection of the tablets. Since the basic elements of our games are also location-bound, we can offer you an exploratory or exciting city game in almost every city.

What’s the difference between a Guided and a Non-Guided game?

Guided games are games where iChallenge takes care of the entire organization of your game. From the moment of your request, we will look together for the most suitable game formula for your team. We take care of the personalized or non-personalized development of your game, in the city of your choice. We provide all the necessary game material, come on site to provide the game explanation and guide the groups during the game, where we provide a fun completion. Afterwards, you will also receive the photos,… taken during the game.

Non-Guided games are standard games that you install and play in advance with a manual, without the assistance of iChallenge, although you can book this extra option. Escape Game Selfplay and Freddy’s City Adventure are currently only available for small groups, in some pre-defined cities.

#WalkTogether  floats a bit between the two worlds: this is a DIY game, which is accompanied by iChallenge, albeit from a distance and therefore completely corona-proof. These games are completely corona-proof and are therefore played in the personal bubble or individually. There is both a standard version and a personalized version of this game, ideal for remote team building! This is also suitable for large groups and is played at an outdoor location of your choice.

How does a non-guided (= DIY) game work?

Our Non-Guided games are games that you can play on your own device (tablet or smartphone) whenever you want, in your own bubble or at a safe distance from your teammates. (Completely corona-proof!). You choose the location from our pre-defined options.

After reserving a game, iChallenge will send you the detailed game description to tease and brief your teammates optimally, and a technical sheet on how to install and play the game. After having received your payment, you will receive your unique game code to start the game.

How many people you can go out with, and how many teams per game are possible, depends on the game you choose. Selfplay Escape Game and Freddy’s City Adventure are especially suitable for small groups. There is no time limit in these games, so there is certainly room for a break, although we do recommend to have extra power banks if you plan to take it easy.
Be sure to read all the information you will receive before you get started, so that you can always reach us if you have any questions. After all, there is no guarantee that we will hear the phone if you were to go out at 2 a.m. 😉 If you want assistance during your game, this can be done at an additional cost and we must determine in advance when you will play.

For an exciting Corona-proof team building we recommend #WalkTogether. Families and groups of friends who want to play a relaxed, kid-friendly discovery walk can join Freddy’s City Adventure. For those who want it all a bit more challenging, Escape Game Selfplay is the ideal corona trip!

Who can play an interactive city game?

Everybody! Our games have been developed for all possible target groups. We have developed various games based on both the concept and the content, as well as the length of the route. Our games are open to everyone: youth groups on day trips with their school or an activity with the association (youth, sports,…); Groups of friends or families who go out for a weekend, companies that want to include educational training in a playful way or to offer a relaxing teambuilding or family day, bachelor or bachelorette groups that would like to paint the city red in a different way,… With us everyone can find something to their liking!

Can kids play along?

In terms of content, our guided games have been developed for children from the age of 12, but younger children can certainly play along with a group of adults. In that case, they play for free. We don’t recommend games for groups of children younger than 12 who are not accompanied by a group of adults. From the age of 12 up to 16, each group must be accompanied by at least 1 adult per team. Be sure to keep this in mind when you organize or go on a school trip! Our indoor games were developed for 16+. But we’re not leaving the families out: especially for them we created our non-guided game Freddy’s City Adventure. A great way to get out, discover, get some fresh air en enjoy your family-time!

How accessible are the games for wheelchair users?

Wheelchair users can participate in any of our city games without problems. One GPS game is obviously a bit more suitable than the other. The choice of your city or region (coast, sea and beach towns are slightly more accessible) will also be important. Are you having doubts whether your city of choice is wheelchair friendly? Don’t hesitate to contact us, by now we know most Belgian city centers.

For which occasions can I reserve a city game?

Whether you’re looking for an outing with friends in Antwerp, a teambuilding activity in Ghent, a school trip in LiègeLuik, a birthday party in Brussels or a bachelor(ette) party in Bruges, a family trip in DurbuyDurbuy, a city trip to LilleLille, it’s all possible! For whatever reason, a city game as a group activity is always fun!

We have developed some extra games for certain groups. For example, in our games you can find exclusive games for teambuildings, bachelor(ette) parties, school trips and birthday parties!

Where can I play a city game?

In Belgium and beyond

Our games can be played in every Belgian city (and large villages), from the coast to the Ardennes. The only condition is that the game area must be large enough to offer a qualitative city game. Villages with a street plan limited to 4 streets for example are unfortunately too small for a good game. Even outside of Belgium you can already play our games in many cities. For some cities in the BeNeLux we go on site ourselves, in other cities and countries we have a lot of partners who are more than happy to offer you our games. Please note that for games outside Belgium other rates and eventual additional transport costs may apply.

 

Can I also play in the forest or in a nature park?

If the desired playground is large enough, has accessible paths and can offer a good internet and GPS connection, some city games can be played in a forest or nature park. In all other cases it’s not possible. Contact us in time, so we can take a look at the possibilities together.

Can we make a game in a recreation park, private domain or business site?

If the desired playground is large enough, has accessible paths and can offer a good internet and GPS connection, some GPS city games can be played in your own business site or recreation park,… In all other cases it’s not possible. Contact us in time, so we can take a look at the possibilities for your Customized Special Event together.

Can we also play inside?

No. Our games can only be played outdoors, because the game area must be large enough and the game equipment must be able to be in constant contact with the internet and satellite network.

Where does a game start and end?

We always start in the city center. For standard, themed and PLUS games we work with fixed start and end locations in the center, which can’t be deviated from, because those locations are crucial for the game scenario. These places are always easily accessible, with sufficient parking at walking distance and near public transport.

In which languages can I play a game?

All our games are possible in French, Dutch and English.

With The Target you can also choose German. In this game each team can choose their own language on the tablet.

In the Themed, Plus, and Customized Games, a combination of French and Dutch can also be used, in which the questions and assignments will appear alternately in one or the other language. We can also set up each tablet in a different language. Be sure to tell us in advance and at the latest at the time of reservation in which language you want to play your game. Note: the game explanation is given in 1 language by the game leader, otherwise the timing can no longer be respected. If desired, your game manager can always give a short summary of your GPS game in another language.

With how many people can I play a game?

Tous nos jeux sont possibles à partir de 3 personnes.

À l’exception de The Target , tous les jeux peuvent être disputés dans une ou plusieurs équipes. Nous recommandons aux équipes ou 4 à 5 personnes de vivre une expérience de jeu optimale.

À la cible, nous jouons dans un minimum de 3 ou un maximum de 4 équipes par match. C’est pourquoi nous préférons jouer avec jusqu’à 20 personnes par match. Y a-t-il plus de vous? Pas de problème! Nous pouvons commencer plusieurs jeux en même temps!

La disponibilité

Nous pouvons autoriser jusqu’à 1000 personnes à jouer simultanément. Cependant, nous n’avons plus assez de superviseurs disponibles dans les villes où nous ne travaillons pas encore ce jour-là. Plus tôt vous faites votre  réservation , mieux nous pouvons vous garantir votre place.

When can I play a city game?

Guided Games: 7/7 from 9 am to 7 pm

Our guided indoor and outdoor games can be booked 7/7, so also on Sundays and public holidays (except for Christmas and New Year’s Day), from 9 am and we start at 7 pm at the latest. This end hour is set because a game takes about 3 hours, so we end around 10 pm, and we must be able to guarantee to our employees that they can get home after your game, with or without public transportion.

Non-Guided Games: 7/7 and 24/24

You can play our Do-It-Yourself games whenever you want! So if you want to plan a fun evening or night activity, you can do so without any problems. We do recommend that you read all background information about how to play the game in advance, so that you can contact us during working hours with any questions. After all, there is no guarantee that we will hear the phone when you go out at 2 a.m. 😉

 

How much time should I plan for a game?

We ask you to provide 3 hours in your planning per reservation. This includes an actual game duration of 2 hours, the game explanation by the game leader of about 30 min, as well as the finalisation of about 10 min. The remaining time serves to get the groups back to or from the starting point. You don’t need to schedule more than 3 hours, provided everyone is at the agreed place and time.

Can I shorten the game duration?

The game duration can be shortened, but to guarantee the quality of the games we recommend not to do this. If there’s no other option, we can certainly shorten the game duration if this has been requested in advance. As soon as the planned timing has started, we can no longer make changes to the game duration. Please note: only the effective game time can be adjusted, the time for the game explanation and the like remains unchanged.

Can I pause my game, for example to have lunch or a drink?

Guided Outdoor Games cannot be paused. As soon as a game has started on our server, the game time of 2 hours starts running. This can’t be shut down. If you drink something in between, the game time continues. The batteries of the tablets and their settings are also tuned to not last longer than the planned timing.

Guided Indoor Games cannot be paused once the game has started, as the playing time is a factor in determining the winner. During these games you can of course offer the players a snack or drink.

In the Non-Guided games you are free to choose whether or not to take a break, although some games are more suitable for this than others. You can play Freddy’s City Adventure completely at your own speed, but provide a power bank if you plan to take it easy. #WalkTogether can be played within a fixed timing, with fewer breaks allocated, or can be played over 1 week. For Selfplay Escape Game you get 3 hours of play time, although the game can certainly be completed in 2 hours. So a small break is possible, but the game time continues.

We’re going to be late, what should I do?

At the latest the day before your city game you’ll receive the direct contact details of your game leader. If you find yourself late, notify your game manager as soon as possible. Is he/she unreachable? Then you can always reach the permanent team via +32 478 07 66 79.

Should I provide material or install apps myself?

For the Guided Citygames, you don’t need to do or bring anything. iChallenge will take care of everything. You just need to make sure that the whole group is equipped for all weather conditions, wears comfortable shoes and takes eventual reading glasses with them.

For the Non-Guided Do-It-Yourself games, you do! You play completely independently, which means that you play on your own smartphone or tablet, and you install the game app yourself based on the instructions you will receive.

Does the game leader from iChallenge participate in the game?

No, our game leader will stay at one location during your game, for you to have a return and contact point at any time.

Should I also provide game leaders myself?

If you’re on the road with a youth group, every team consisting of young people under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You should provide those chaperones yourself. For all other groups, you don’t need to provide additional supervisors, unless otherwise agreed for the customized games. Be sure to keep this in mind when you plan or organize a school trip.

How will I find the game leader?

You’ll receive the direct contact details of your game leader at the latest the day before the game and he’ll receive yours through an SMS message. Normally we tell you a clear landmark at the location where you’re expected (e.g. at the statue) for the appointment. The game leader will more easily recognize the group than vice versa and will therefore address you. If you don’t find each other immediately, you can always call one another. That’s why we ask you at the reservation to give a mobile phone number of a contact person present during the game.

 

Can we leave our bags and coats with the game leader?

No! The game leader will stay at one location in the city center but he should be mobile at all times to assist a group on site if necessary. In some games, the game leader also has an additional role in the game so he can’t pay attention to all bags and jackets.

I’m making the reservation for my team: can I still participate as well?

Absolutely! We try at all times to make the final game a total surprise for every participant! Only with the Customized Games you might have prior knowledge as an organizer and it’s possible you can’t play along.

How big is a game area and how much ground is covered during a game?

We always try to create a game area of 1 square kilometer. Between 4 and 5 kilometers will be covered during a 2-hour game within that area in the city center.

What’s the difference between the standard Operation Freddy and the Freddy PLUS game?

Standard game Operation Freddy

in the standard game Operation Freddy all questions and assignments are about the city where you play your game (or the region, like the coast, sea,…), general knowledge and trivia, and you get challenged with several fun missions.

PLUS games Freddy Teambuilding, Celebration or Bachelor(ette) party

In Freddy PLUS games we work with 3 pre-defined themes in each city.

If you choose Freddy PLUS Teambuilding, 1/3 of the questions and assignments will be about the city where you play, general knowledge and fun facts. 1/3 of the questions and assignments are specific team building assignments to learn to work together and to promote the group feeling, and you can personalize 1/3 of the questions and assignments within the teambuilding theme, based on a questionnaire you’ll receive in advance.

If you choose Freddy PLUS Bachelors or Freddy PLUS Bachelorettes, 1/3 of the questions and assignments will be about the city where you play, general knowledge and fun facts. 1/3 of the questions and assignments are specific but non-cliché bachelor(ette) assignments and 1/3 of the questions and bachelor(ette) assignments can be personalized within the bachelor(ette) theme, based on a questionnaire you’ll receive in advance.

If you opt for Freddy PLUS Celebration, 1/3 of the questions and assignments will be about the city where you play, general knowledge and fun facts. 1/3 of the questions and assignments are specific assignments that mainly stimulate the social gathering and you can personalize 1/3 of the questions and birthday assignments based on a questionnaire you’ll receive in advance, to make the man of the hour feel completely top-notch.

Can I personalize a standard game or change it’s start-up location?

No. Since in the standard games The Target, Escape Game and Operation Freddy we link our questions and assignments to interesting locations and sights in the city, we can’t adjust the game just like that. A standard game has a standard scenario, with fixed start, end and play points in the city center.

How does the personalization of a PLUS or Customized game happen?

The personalization of a PLUS game

After the confirmation of your reservation you’ll receive an e-mail conserning the personalization of your PLUS game for a Teambuilding, Celebration, Bachelor or Bachelorette party. In that email we provide you with a number of questions. The answers to those questions need to be sent back before the specified deadline. Based on your answers we create a unique personalized game, of which the content remains a surprise to you as a contact person as well! If you have questions regarding that questionnaire, you can always contact us by mail or by telephone. Unfortunately, we can’t meet personally for the layout of PLUS scenarios.

The personalization of a Customized game

Depending on the number of participants, desired location and desired degree of personalization of your Customized game, it’s possible we’d like to meet you personally to discuss the important matters. If you’re giving us carte blanche and you prefer to choose the start and end location yourself, the entire personalization can be done via telephone or mail. You only have to communicate a theme or substantive subject, and we do the rest!

What if it rains or snows?

Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee tropical temperatures in Belgium. Our appliances are splash proof, so in case of rainy weather and (melting) snow, we simply continue playing. Therefore, please always ask the group to equip themselves for all weather conditions.

Only with code red of the RMI, force majeure (read: tsunamis) or unsafe situations (read: dangerous icy roads on the track) we cancel our games. In case you don’t want to play anyways, the cancellation conditions apply.

Would you rather not take any risks? Then take a look at our indoor games. There is no guarantee that we can make last-minute switches to an indoor game! Know that last-minute switching to an indoor game is only possible if

  • you ask for the switch 6h in advance the latest
  • you have your own indoor location
  • the game and the game material is available at that moment
  • all conditions regarding language and group size can be combined with the new game choice.

What do I need to know to make a reservation?

Where you want to play, on what date, at what time you want to start, in which language you want to play, with how many you’ll be (approximately) and which game you prefer is crucial information to make a reservation. If you are entitled to a discount (see quotation: youth groups or police through social benefit platform) you should certainly mention it as well! If your timing deviates from the standard of 3 hours, please also mention it in advance!

When do I need to reserve at the latest?

For Customized games we usually recommend to reserve at least 4 weeks in advance, for themed games and Freddy PLUS Teambuilding, Celebration, Bachelor or Bachelorette games at least 3 weeks in advance and for standard games The Target, Escape Game or Operation Freddy at least 2 weeks in advance, so we can prepare everything in time for your GPS game and provide the necessary supervisors.

You can always submit a quotation request later, but we can’t guarantee availability. The earlier you reserve, the more likely your desired time is still available!

I have made my reservation, is everything ready for my game?

After your reservation, both online and via mail, you’ll receive a confirmation from iChallenge in your mailbox. It contains all practical information. After the confirmation email you will also receive an e-mail from our accountancy department from payments@ichallenge.be to ask you about your billing information.

If you opted  a standard game (The Target, Escape Game or Operation Freddy) or for a themed game, you’ll receive an email from the accounting department asking about your billing information, to provide you with an advance invoice for your game. Only after the payment receipt of your deposit, your reservation is final. Without further notice, everything is set for your game and we expect you at the agreed time and place. You can adjust the number of participants up to 1 week before the game. At the latest the day before the game you’ll receive a confirmation SMS with the direct contact details of your game leader.

If you chose a PLUS Teambuilding, Bachelor / Bachelorette or Celebration, or a Customized game, you’ll receive an email from the accounting department to ask about your billing information, so that it can provide you with an advance invoice for your game. Your reservation is only after payment receipt of your deposit.

In addition, you’ll receive an email about the personalization of your game. You should answer to all these questions by email before the specified deadline. If we don’t have the necessary information on time, we’ll provide a creative completion of the assignments to be personalized.
Without notice, everything is set for your game and we expect you at the agreed time and place.  You can adjust the number of participants up to 1 week before the game. At the latest the day before the game you’ll receive a confirmation SMS with the direct contact details of your game leader.

 

Do I have to pay a deposit?

For all games, a deposit at least equal to the minimum price per reservation is requested. For large groups, the deposit is based on the number of people mentioned on your reservation. We don’t refund deposits unless otherwise agreed.

Payment of the deposit can only be done scripturally after receipt of the advance invoice, which states the requested reference.

 

How can I pay?

All advance payments can only be paid by bank transfer after receipt of the deposit invoice.

The balance can be paid on the spot in cash or by bank transfer after receipt of the final invoice

It’s not possible to pay locally with Maestro, Visa or MasterCard.

Until when can I adapt my number of participants?

When reserving your group activity, we ask for an estimate of the number of participants as accurately as possible so we can provide sufficient material for your group. We ask you to pass on the final number of participants at least 1 week before the game. We’ll give you that date in your reservation confirmation. For all games, the number we receive at least 1 week before the game will also be the minimum number to be invoiced.

You can adjust your number of participants by sending an email to info@ichallenge.be. The change is only definitive after receiving a confirmation email of the changed number.

Last-minute some people get sick: do I need to pay for them too?

In all games, we bill not less than the number of participants that were communicated at least 1 week before the game. After all, we create and personalize in function of the number passed on and also provide material for that number. We can no longer use that material for other groups, so it also needs to be reimbursed.

How and when do I receive the pictures of my game?

No sooner than the day after the game and no later than 14 days after the game, the in-game photos of your game will be mailed to the contact person through WeTransfer. He or she can download them during 14 days after sending. Since the pictures of all those games take up a lot of space on our server, we don’t keep them after sending. If you haven’t received anything after 14 days, please contact us quickly.

Attention, with The Target and Codecrackers there are no in-game photos. With the following games you will receive in-game photos: Operation Freddy, Escape Game, Freddy PLUS Teambuilding, Freddy PLUS Celebration, Freddy PLUS Bachelors, Freddy PLUS Bachelorettes, Team Me Up and the Themed Games and City Specials!

Any group photos taken by your supervisor can be found on our Facebook page.

How can I cancel, and are there costs attached to it?

You can always cancel your reservation. In some cases there are costs associated to it, which you can recuperate in whole or in part under certain conditions. You can find all relevant information in our Terms and Conditions.

Cancellation can only be done in writing via mail to info@ichallenge.be and is only definitive after confirmation by e-mail from iChallenge.

Cancellation until 15 days before the game date

You can cancel free of charge up to 15 days before your reserved game date. Cancellation can only be done in writing via mail to info@ichallenge.be and is only definitive after confirmation by e-mail by iChallenge.

Cancellation within 14 days before the game date
If you cancel within 14 days before the game date you are at least bound to a cancellation fee of € 55 incl. VAT. You can recover this amount in full if you come back to play within 2 months after the original playing date, on condition that we receive the payment of your cancellation invoice on time and correctly. Cancellation can only be done in writing via mail to info@ichallenge.be and is only definitive after confirmation by e-mail from iChallenge.

Cancellation within 24 hours before the game date

If you cancel the game date within 24 hours, you are at least bound by a cancellation cost equal to the minimum price of the game. This amount can be partly recovered if you return to play within 2 months after the original playing date, provided that we receive the payment of your cancellation invoice on time and correctly. Cancellation can only be done in writing via mail to info@ichallenge.be and is only definitive after confirmation by e-mail from iChallenge.

Cancellation by ‘no show’

If you do not show up or only cancel at the agreed time, you are bound to a cancellation cost of at least 1/3 of the quotation price and at least the minimum price of your reservation. Eventual costs already made can be reclaimed extra. Nothing can be recovered in this case.