What to expect in a game
Each game is as unique as its participants. Here’s what you can expect each time you play.
How games start
15-30 minutes
Please make sure to arrive early to give yourself time to settle in. The host will greet you, make sure you’re ready to play, and then review the rules. When the timer starts the game begins.
Feeling a little nervous inside the container of the game is completely normal at the beginning, but don’t worry. You’ll settle into the practice within the first 10–15 minutes.
Playing the game
60 minutes
Within the game, your job is simple: speak in the present tense about what is happening in the moment, ensure others do, too, and stop speaking if someone says “Bump” to you.
The pace shifts naturally. Some moments feel quiet and spacious, others more lively and conversational. Each game finds its own rhythm, moving through many different textures across the hour.
How games end
15-30 minutes
At the one-hour mark, an alarm sounds marking the conclusion of the game itself.
At this point, each player shares a standout moment from their experience, followed by a short group reflection.
The hope is that you leave the game with a quieter mind, a softer heart, and a deeper sense of presence—and the aliveness that comes with it.
How to prepare for an online game
Eliminate distractions
Find a very quiet place where you can be alone and uninterrupted for the full duration of the game. Before we begin, make sure to let others know that you’ll be unavailable for up to the next 2 hours.
Cover all visible clocks
Remove your watch and cover any clocks in view, including the time display on your device with a small piece of tape. Not having any visible references of this sort helps your sense of time soften.
Get your devices ready
Turn off your phone, then make sure your laptop is fully charged or plugged into a power source. You can also join in from a desktop computer or a docked tablet, but please do not join a game from your phone.
Take care of your body
Use the restroom and have a snack / drink before we begin. Please avoid sitting down with any food or drink (even a glass of water) during the game to maintain your full, focused attention on the screen.