The Big Play Frequently Asked Questions Updated 6 Jan 2006

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General Questions

1. What is a Downloadable Board Game?

2. So what is so good about Downloadable Board Games?

3. How do I download it?

4. Why is the download page so slow/not working right?

5. What does “Print and Play” mean?

6. What is a PDF file?

7. I have lost my PDF file from my PC can I have another copy?

8. Is it a Computer Game?

9. Do I need any special equipment?

10. So this is, like, a real game then?

1. What is a Downloadable Board Game?

A Downloadable Board Game is a board game that you can download to your own PC and print out on your own printer to play at home. You then cut-out any necessary components and play! ↑ TOP

2. So what is so good about Downloadable Board Games?

The Big Play design our games with ‘replay value’ in mind. We create games that can be played again and again, retaining the excitement and unpredictability time after time.

Our first release minizoomerz™ uses a customisable tile structure so that players can create their own racing tracks and circuits (a fun pastime in itself) to race across with miniature cars. By making it available as a downloadable file to print and play we have given you the ability to create your own designs, with track styles and sizes limited only by your imagination.

A traditional boxed game would give you a set number of pieces and you would be limited by what was in the box. A downloadable game gives you a PDF file on your machine so you can print extra pieces as and when you want them, building your collection of board sections to be as big as you like. ↑ TOP

3. How do I download it?

To download one of The Big Play’s games or expansions you need to go to the online store, select the product that you want to download and make any necessary payment. (Note some of our downloads are FREE). Once you have completed this you will be directed to a downloads page, you click on the relevant link and download the file to your PC.

We recommend that the first thing you do once you have a downloaded is save it to your PC in an appropriate folder so you will know where to look for it when you next want to access the file. (e.g. create a folder called The Big Play Games and keep all your downloads from us there). ↑ TOP

4. Why is the download page so slow/not working right?

Usually you should get access to your download link in a minute or two.

Sometimes when demand is high (a lot of people are requesting downloads at the same time) our server may take a little longer to process your request before presenting the download page. Try logging out and leaving it for 30minutes and trying again later.

On very rare occasions, at times of intense demand, you may find that you can’t download your file despite trying several times. The download link will be live for 7 days and accessible through your Big Play account, if after this time you still haven't been able to access your file please contact ↑ TOP

5. What does “Print and Play” mean?

“Print and Play” is a term used to describe any games that you can print from the internet (or other electronic media) from your PC on you home printer. Cut-out or assemble any relevant components and then play and enjoy, just like a regular board game (but without the trip to the shops or excess packaging).↑ TOP

6. What is a PDF file?

A PDF file is an electronic file which can be read by using Adobe Acrobat Reader (Adobe software which is available on most PCs) if you do not have or need the latest version of Acrobat Reader please got to the Adobe Acrobat Reader web pages. ↑ TOP

7. I have lost my PDF file from my PC can I have another copy?

When you purchase a Downloadable Game from our Online Store the Download link will be accessible via your store account for seven days after the purchase. You can download the file up to five times in that time period. We strongly recommend that once you have downloaded the file that you save the PDF onto your PC and make a single backup copy (for personal use only). If you have lost your file after the download period has expired then contact ↑ TOP

8. Is it a Computer Game?

No it is not. The Big Play currently produce board games available as downloadable files. See What is a Downloadable Board Game above. ↑ TOP

9. Do I need any special equipment?

You will need a computer and a printer to access and print our downloadable board games. You will also need the Adobe Acrobat Reader software (which is probably already on ypur computer). You may also need some six-sided dice too which you will probably already have in the house. You can get dice and other exciting additional components from our Online Store. ↑ TOP

10. So this is, like, a real game then?

Yes, absolutely. The Big Play create professional quality board games, using professional designers, writers and artists. It is the real thing just without excess packaging and the need to go to the shops to fetch it. ↑ TOP

Online Store Questions

1. Do I have to create an account to make a purchase?

Yes. At this moment in time the ecommerce solution that we use does not allow for anonymous purchases. ↑ TOP

2. What payment methods are available?

You can pay online using credit cards through Paypal.↑ TOP

3. What happens if I lose the PDF file that I downloaded?

If you download a game or expansion and lose the file either by deletion or any other technical PC manner then you can log into your Big Play account and go to the history section. Once there click on the product you wish to download again and you will be directed to the download page. This link is active for seven days after the original purchase. ↑ TOP

Fan-based Use of Imagery and Logos

1. Can I use your logo/characters on my website/fanzine/newsletter?

Please view our Intellectual Property policy for fan-based activities. ↑ TOP

Submissions

1. Can i send you my great idea for an expansion set?

Sure you can but please read the Submissions section of our Terms of Use page. ↑ TOP

Big Play Range of Games

1. How do the rules work?

Please view the relevant game rules faq below:

minizoomerz rules faq

2. Who designs your games?

We have an expert team of games design gurus from outer space working tirelessly in-house at our uk design studio, often for little more than a cup of tea and the odd pat on the back, producing masterpieces of gaming goodness for your entertainment and delight. (At least that’s what they told me to say anyway, as they hurriedly hid their latest top secret project and ordered me to make another cuppa). ↑ TOP