God Emperor

Ten thousand years ago, the God Emperor descended into the world, with Their infinite golden army. In a single night, They slew the demon who ruled here and built the mountains from its bones. Ever since, the God Emperor has ruled with an iron fist ever since: perfect, infallible, eternal.

You know this because everyone says so, in public. There’s nothing to contradict it. The God Emperor burnt all the written records.

But, now, you hear blasphemy whispered behind closed doors, and defiance spilling out over tankards. The God Emperor has grown weak. They make few decrees and are seen little. Their infinite army is now but a few stragglers, sickness plagues the land, and the common people are fermenting for revolt. Even the old religions, almost completely forgotten, are re-sprouting like trees after a fire.

You are a member of a Noble House. As the God Emperor has weakened, you have grown strong, and you know the truth that must be spoken: even gods can die.

Your house will rise. You will wage war, you will play politics, and you will wait in the shadows. You will bring down the God Emperor. You will become the God Emperor.

What is a megagame?

A megagame is a physical game that is played out on an epic scale - there’s more players in one big venue, strategising and negotiating to create a majestic, interwoven narrative over a full day, all facilitated by a dedicated team who are there to make sure that no matter who wins, everyone enjoys the game.

A megagame is closely related to a board game, but includes aspects of simulation games (like a Model UN), role-playing games and wargames. A key aspect of megagames, is a dedicated facilitation team who adjudicate the rules, keep the game running and integrate the crazy ideas and wild schemes of players into the narrative.

How does God-Emperor play?

Five players join together as a Noble House, to plot, backstab and fight over the course of the day to topple the current and eternal God-Emperor and become the new (also eternal) God-Emperor.

Each turn, your team will split up and try to grab power in one of the three core areas of the game:

• The War map: a strategic game of territory control and fragile alliances, spanning across the continent.
• The Court: a simulation of a small council, wherein you negotiate with other courtiers to pass laws favourable to your house, and tactfully present your proposals to please the God-Emperor
• The Underground: an intricate card game of hidden intentions and wild schemes.

In between turns you will gather back with your House to manage the affairs of the realm, create alliances through marriage, and settle feuds through duels.

What makes God-Emperor special?

God Emperor offers player a unique game of strategy, politics and drama

• Your players are your pawns. Instead of set roles, players can go wherever they want, allowing your team to pivot across the three core areas
• The role of God Emperor is played by a member of the facilitation team, adding a touch of grand theatre to the event. In most games, a player will eventually take the throne and the stage.
• A dark and silly universe full of mystery to explore

God Emperor was designed by our very own Jack McNamee, and first run by Brisbane Megagames in 2016. Since then, it has bee run across the nation and around the world. This version of God Emperor takes on feedback from player and organisers from the long history of God Emperor, and delivers a freshly polished game that is as divine, majestic and cruel as the eponymous God Emperor.

New feature in this run

• A big digital dashboard displayed at the event, displaying timing and key game information, to help players keep track of what's going on
• Powerful positions appointed by the God Emperor that push players into the spotlight
• Extra narrative threads exploring the mysteries before and behind the God Emperor

About the day

• The event will start from 9:30am, and we'll wrap up at the venue around 5pm (but will meet up for an optional debrief later)
• There will be lunch break around 12:30pm of 30-45 minutes
  • You can pop out and get some lunch from one of the local restaurants (we recommend ordering ahead to make sure you're back on time)
  • You can bring lunch and heat it up in the kitchen
• The event will be held at Hamilton Town Hall which has the following features:
  • Accessibility: 1 dedicated accessible parking space, accessible entrance, disabled access toilet
  • Limited kitchen
    • Fridge, microwave and kettle
    • No cutlery or crockery. Please bring your mug for tea or coffee
  • Public transport
    
    • Bus 300 stops just outside, running from Cultural Centre station
    • Catch the ferry to Bretts Wharf, 250m walk to the venue
    • Please note, trains do not run on the Doomben line on Sunday
  • On-street parking only: there's limited parking available, so please allow for time to find a spot and walk to the venue 
• Afterwards, we'll plan to have a debrief at a local pub or restaurant. We will let you know the location prior to the event (but it's likely Hamilton Hotel).

Purchasing a ticket

• We'll ask you a few questions when you sign up. You can preview these questions by adding a ticket to your cart.
• The game is played in teams of 5.
  • You can get together a team of 5 people to play with, or we'll put you in a team.
  • You can purchase a single ticket just for yourself, we'll ask you for the name of your team mates.
  • You can purchase multiple tickets for multiple people, you will need to answer the questions on their behalf.
• We'll be in touch via email with more details about the game and the event. Please ensure you've provided your email correctly.
• By purchasing a ticket and attending the event, you are agreeing to abide by our Code of Conduct.

Ticketing policy

Read our full ticketing policy to understand the conditions of purchasing. Below is a summary.

• Player Age: Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Contact: Provide valid email addresses for yourself and anyone you sign up. Email is our preferred method of communication.
• Unable to Attend: Notify us as soon as possible if you cannot attend.
• Transferring Tickets: Notify us as soon as possible with the details of the person receiving your ticket.
• Refunds: If you cannot attend and cannot transfer your ticket, we will attempt to resell it. If successful, we will issue a refund. If not, we may not be able to refund your ticket, especially if notified close to the event.
• Concession: We do not validate proof of concession. This price point is to enable access to our events.

Safety and inclusion

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all players. Our Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for volunteer and participant behaviour and the consequences for unacceptable behaviour. By attending our events, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. 

As an overview, we strive to uphold the following principles at our events:

1. Respect and Inclusivity: Treat all participants with respect, kindness, and consideration. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

2. Safety and Comfort: Ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Any form of harassment, discrimination, or violence will not be tolerated.

3. Fair Play: Engage in fair play and uphold the integrity of the game. Cheating, exploitation of game mechanics, or disruptive behaviour undermines the experience for everyone.

Who is behind this madness?

We are Brisbane Megagames, a semi-organised collective of people who love creating epic experiences through the medium of in-person games. Before the great plague of 2020, we ran several MegaGames in Brisbane, including several runs of the iconic Watch the Skies and the first run of God Emperor, designed by our very own Jack McNamee. Since then God Emperor has been run across Australia and around the world.

We are a not-for-profit organisation (currently playing the bureaucracy megagame to make that official). Everybody who is running God Emperor is volunteering their time, on the day and before, with many hours of preparation. All ticket proceeds for God Emperor go towards covering the cost of the event and towards organisation administrative costs. Please consider making an extra donation by buying a team member a drink at the pub afterwards.

We’re excited to be bringing MegaGames back to Brisbane in 2024, and have plans for more games, more often.