What Is Event Mode?

Posted by Alistair on 14.04.2023

All of our ready-to-go games are available in either Online mode (default) or Event mode. Here we explain the differences between them and provide an FAQ section covering all the questions we get on the subject!

To learn more about the different package tiers (Budget / Essential / Standard / Premium), visit our pricing page.

Online mode (default)

By default, our games are designed to be played by players with their own device and internet connection (smartphone, tablet, desktop etc.). Features of this approach include:

Player data is stored in order to easily update high scores
Games include external links (i.e. to your homepage or a landing page)
Games include social share buttons (Standard and Premium packages only)
Certain games have multiple levels for increased player engagement

Event mode

When purchasing a game, under the ‘Campaign Type’ drop-down on the product page, you’ll see a couple of ‘Event’ options to choose from.

We currently offer two event licence periods, which just means how long the game will be available to play (from the date of launch, not the date of purchase). These are:

Single Event (1 Week)
Multi Event (1 Year)

Check out our post on campaign types to learn more about each of these.

Event mode has been designed for when our games are used at trade shows, exhibitions, or other types of event. They are typically played on the same device or a small number of devices (check out some of the common setup options), and are intended for quicker gameplay.

The key differences when compared to the default online mode include:

Most games have a lower minimum score requirement
Player data is cleared between games so nothing is pre-filled on the score submission screen
There’s no music or sound on the idle screens
Multi-level games operate as a single level
‘Game Over’ and ‘Submit Score’ screens return to the main menu after an idle period
Main menu cycles between leaderboard screen and an ‘attract’ screen showing off the game and high scores
All external links are disabled
Social share buttons are removed

FAQ

Why are there differences in the way the games behave?

It all comes down to the environment and intended use cases. The default web versions of our games are designed to engage players for longer periods of time, whereas players at trade shows are less likely to try the game over and over again.

Your objectives at an event are probably to grab attention, drive footfall, spark conversations, and capture qualified leads. Quicker gameplay lends itself to these things, while still being fun for the player.

When does the licence period begin?

Your licence period will only begin once you’ve set up your game and hit ‘Launch’ in the editor tool. It does not begin from the moment of purchase, meaning you can take as long as you need to make sure everything is set up correctly.

Note: If paying by invoice, payment must be made before you can launch your game.

When does the licence end?

Your licence will end once the full period since launch has elapsed (e.g. one week or one year). At this point, the game will no longer be available to play (although you’ll still have access to the reporting features and player data in the game dashboard for up to four weeks).

Is Peek & Poke a global supplier?

Our games are digital products, meaning they can be purchased and used anywhere! We do not currently provide any hardware outside of the UK, however there are many setup options available to you and we’ll be happy to talk through how you might use a game at your event.

What devices will the games run on?

The best devices to use when running our games at an event are iPads, large touchscreens, laptops + controllers, or branded arcade cabinets. Learn more about these different trade show setup options.

Can you provide the devices?

We currently offer arcade machines or large touchscreens to use with our games at events (UK only). If you’d like to find out more or would like us to provide suggestions about what might work well for you and your game, simply get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Do I need an internet connection at my show?

Yes. The leaderboard is stored on our webservers, so you won’t be able to load the game or submit scores without a WiFi or 4G/5G internet connection. This connection doesn’t need to be super-fast, as once the game has loaded, only a small amount of data is passed back and forth.

If you have to purchase a data plan, we’d recommend going for 1GB to be on the safe side (our games usually require much less than this).

Does my iPad / touchscreen need to be set up in a particular way?

Yes – visit our library of how-to guides to find out more. If you have any questions, simply get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Is there some way to display a separate leaderboard for the scores?

Yes – all Standard and Premium package games have a separate leaderboard that you can display on a device or large screen at your event.

Can I use event mode with the Budget package?

No, event mode is not available with the Budget package.

Can I remove the minimum score?

No. The scores in our games have been set to encourage gameplay while being relatively easy to achieve. By having a minimum score, you’ll reward players for their engagement and increase the chances of them submitting their score to the leaderboard.

Can I combine event mode with a calendar?

No. The digital advent calendar is designed for a longer campaign (i.e. 12 days or 24 days) and does not work with event mode. If you’d like to learn more, check out our blog on how to use a digital advent calendar.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!

Free ebook

If you’re interested in using a branded game at your next trade show or event, we’d highly recommend grabbing a free copy of the Event and Expo Games Guide. This in-depth ebook is packed full of info to help you stand out from the crowd and deliver a memorable experience for visitors to your stand!

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