Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions and luckily, we have answers!

Check out our FAQs below - but don't fret if you can't find what you're looking for; our experts are ready to answer your questions no matter how whacky or out there they may seem. Because, no matter what you're looking to achieve - we're here to make it a success.

Social Scavenger FAQs

Whether you're looking for more information on game / challenge types, pricing, organizing an event, building a game, platform features, etc. we have the answers. 

  • Do we use your app to play?

    Yes - one person per team (more if you wish) downloads our proprietary app and joins your private game. The app is loaded with fun and features. However, if you have a strong phobia of downloading apps, many of our games can be played on a mobile/desktop web version (meaning no download).

    The app is configured per event but can include: challenges, maps, live streams (showing you other teams in action), live leaderboard, chat room (or trash talking zone), rewards and yes - more!

  • What devices does Social Scavenger work with?

    Social Scavenger works with all devices. iPhone, Android, tablets, Mac and Windows laptops and desktops. Basically, if you bought your phone or tablet in the past 3 years and update your software once in a while you should be good to get started. Download our native iPhone App via the AppStore, our native Android App via the Google Play store, or use the Web version via your browser.

  • Does Social Scavenger work offline?

    It sure does! Once you download a game, all of the challenges are loaded onto your phone. If you are then, for example, in the subway underground and lose connectivity you’ll still have access to the challenges. They will get submitted to the stream once you reconnect to Wi-Fi or your network provider and re-open the app. The game creator has the option to enable or disable unlocking while you're offline - if things aren't unlocking, it's probably because the game maker wants to verify your submissions!

  • Who comes up with the games?

    It depends. We have a DIY game builder, we sell games in-a-box, or you can sit down with one of our game building professionals to develop an amazing personalized program. 

  • How do I create my own game?

    You use the Game Builder to create your game. The Game Builder has help embedded within, look for the question marks beside each element for more information.

    Ready to take it for a spin? Head to Build & Play for access to the Game Builder and create your free account today!

  • What is a clone and why would I clone a game?

    A clone is a copy of an already existing game. If you have a game you like and want to play it again at the starting point, you can clone it and then start editing the challenges and settings. Clones are very popular with those who run many different games on different dates and don't want to start from scratch each time.

  • What is a hybrid event?

    What does hybrid mean to you? We have a variety of games we have run for clients who have different definitions of hybrid. So first we need to discuss what that means to you! Fill out the form below to get in touch.

  • Can I run other types of games?

    You betcha! Our platform is built to run all kinds of challenge based games. The settings for both the game and the actual challenges give you a wide range of options to build different style adventures and games. Check out our Platform Features page for more information.

  • What are media challenges?

    Our origins are in photo and video based challenge games so we’ve found some really fun ways to bring ‘media’ into the game. Media challenges are presented back to the group as a great way to experience what other teams did. However, you may opt out of media challenges in your game.

  • What are sticker photo challenges?

    Best bet is to try our sample game and see for yourself! A simple example is you go to take a photo and a wig or mustache appears through your camera. You can then move that 'hairpiece' and stick it on a friends head. When you take the photo - the result is your friend with a new hair style. You can be as creative, educational or historical as you'd like with this option.

  • How do I create stickers?

    When you create a challenge, one of the options is “Sticker Photo”. Once selected it will prompt you to upload your AR Sticker. This should be a transparent PNG image. In the Game Builder, hit the question mark for specific dimensions. Or if you have a featured or commercial game we can help out.

  • What is a widget and why would I use one?

    A widget allows you to embed something in another site. Leaderboards and game streams are the most popular things people want to embed on their own site.

  • Can people see my live stream?

    Your game will have a private unlock code. If you try to access the live stream it will prompt you for that code. So no, people won’t see your live stream unless they have access to your game - or you embed it on your website.

  • Can I share content from my game?

    All media content a team or player creates is saved to their camera roll. So they can share anytime now or in the future. We also have sharing inside the app via the built-in iOS and Android sharing functions or can build custom feeds to push to any web properties.

  • How do we integrate our brand and/or sponsors?

    We can integrate brands and sponsors in the challenges, output, game design (e.g. game logo, icons, color palettes, etc.) and much more.

  • Can you do staffing events?

    Yes, we partner with event companies across North America who can run everything from hotlines to hosts at your event.

  • What about contests and how do they work?

    We have lots of experience with contests and can help guide you through this process. Fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page for more information. 

  • Do my guests have to pay to play?

    No, all charges are paid by the game creator/maker. You pay to open the game to a certain number of teams. For example, if you pay for 10 teams and an 11th team tries to join, they will get a message stating that the game cannot accept any more players. The game creator/maker may then decide to pay for more teams so everyone can play. 

  • How much does it cost to play a game?

    Pricing is based on the number of teams, duration of activity and any custom services or features you may want added to your program. We just need to learn a little information to give you a quote and get you started. Fill out the form at the bottom of this page, providing as many details as possible, and we'd be happy to help!

  • Why Social Scavenger?

    After years of delivering incredible games to people all over the world, we've figured out how to provide memorable experiences to our customers.

    Social Scavenger is different from competitors today in a few major ways. We've been doing this for over ten years, and have built the business in a way such that our customers are #1. This allows us to serve you with complete focus. We're also special in that we layer our incredible software product with an equally impressive services group. We dream with you, and are open to integrating special requests into our products. We're also experts at delivering the best possible outcomes on any budget. We employ game makers, designers, developers, judges, actors, moderators, video editors - all so you don't have to.

  • What is the booking process?

    Once you are ready to book, you’ll tell us the basics (game, location, date, approx. headcount, etc.) and we’ll get you a contract, a deposit invoice and a game producer. Your game producer will make sure you have a great event and will handle any customization requests, hosts, etc. You are in good hands.

  • What about rain & inclement weather?

    Did we mention you’re in good hands? While some of the most epic games have happened when teams battle a few elements, you are able to re-book your game for a future date at no additional cost. We also have ‘indoor’ games in many cities or you could always do a virtual event in case there is no option for a future date.

  • How long are the games and what are the physical requirements?

    Classic in person games are 2 hours (though we have 90 minute versions available). The pace is light to moderate (please let us know about your team). The game is played on foot and while each game / city is slightly different expect a casual walking pace for up to 2 hours with lots of stops to do challenges and explore the space. If you want a more ‘fast paced’ game please let us know and we’ll turn up the heat.

    Our virtual events are 60 or 90 minutes long, but we save time for wrap ups to connect everyone, so it’s not game play the entire time. We do have 30 minute and 2+ hour programs - just ask!

  • Do we have to complete all of the provided challenges?

    No! In most of our games we purposely provide more challenges than you can complete during the time provided. This gives teams lots of options while keeping competition at a high level.

  • Do we play in teams? If so, how big are the teams?

    Yes. Almost all of our games are designed to be played as a team. For virtual events, we use breakout rooms. This gives you the opportunity to connect with a smaller group while we connect the larger group with our fun wrap ups. Depending on the size of your group, teams can range from 3 to 9+ people per team.

  • What if we don't know how many people will be playing?

    No problem! We will only invoice you for up to 90% of your headcount ensuring you have some wiggle room - but you don’t need to give us those numbers right away either.

  • I'm interested in a virtual event, do we have to use Zoom?

    We typically host games on Zoom, but we can host you on most of the main platforms (i.e. Teams, Google, etc.).

  • How much work is this for me (the organizer) and can event organizers play?

    Your dedicated game producer will guide you seamlessly through anything we need for your event. If you are customizing the game - it’s a bit more work, but always worth it. Our team makes this process very streamlined with easy samples, templates and yes - phone calls 🙂

    Yes - 100% you can play! Our hosts and facilitators can take care of everything on game day so you are free to join the game as a player and have just as much fun as the team!

  • What about prizes?

    95% of teams do not give away anything other than bragging rights! Depending on the game you choose, it can get competitive so winning will be enough of a prize. If you really want to give away prizes, talk to your game producer and we’ll work it into the game.

  • Can any game be customized?

    Absolutely - we can do anything! Fill out the form below to get in touch with us and learn how we can customize the experience to your liking. 

  • I'm curious about analytics - what do you have for us?

    Outside of our standard reporting we can produce custom reports based on your exact needs.

  • I'm interested in being a partner, do you help us build games / train us on the system?

    Yes. We provide some basic onboarding and then a variety of optional services to get you started. You can license games or have our team help you build something custom that you can use over and over.

  • What support do you offer your partners?

    We have a huge variety of partners from those who sell existing games to those who run large event businesses’. Once we know what you require, we’ll set you up to succeed. Anything from pre-game consultation and setup to in-game live support to post game reporting, videos, etc. The good news is, you can always reach a human.

  • We need our own platform, do you offer that? (i.e. White Label)

    Yes. We offer White Label solutions for either event companies that run a large volume of events or in some cases large one off brand activations or festivals. We have these limits as the entry costs are higher. Visit our White Label page for more information. If you just really want something ‘fully branded’ you can do that with Social Scavenger or our black label app. Fill out the form below to get in touch.

Still Have Questions?

We understand. Contact us today and tell us how we can help - our experts are ready to assist you!

Approximate number of players for your event
City name with desired location (e.g. Downtown) or Virtual (i.e. remote)
Date or Approximate Date (if relevant)
Please provide relevant details (e.g. reason for inquiry, goals, location, date, game type, etc.)