frequently asked questions
What's so special about Playtiva's games?
Do I need to install or download anything to play Playtiva's games?
Why am I asked to enable my webcam? Do I have to?
Do I really have to invite my friends to play?
How do I invite friends to play a game?
How many friends can I invite to play a game?
Can I change details about an invitation?
How long do games play?
What if during play someone gets disconnected? Or encounters a game-breaking bug?
What's so special about Playtiva's games?
Our games have two distinctive features: 1) Multiplayer. Our games are designed to be played with friends, not strangers. This is why we built an invitation and friends system to go with our games. 2) Story-based. There is always a purpose to playing our games beyond mere game mechanics.
Do I need to install or download anything to play Playtiva's games?
All you need is a browser and Flash Player installed (the same add-on required to watch Youtube clips), which should apply to 99% of you. No plug-ins, Active X controls, etc. required. Just click and play! If you are in the 1% without Flash Player installed, please click here to get it.
Why am I asked to enable my webcam? Do I have to?
If your webcam is enabled, you will be able to speak to your friends with your microphone and your friends will be able to view your image while playing together. You are not required to turn on your webcam (your avatar will be used in the game instead) but we strongly recommend it -- it will feel as if you are right there with your friends playing our games.
Do I really have to invite my friends to play?
Some of our games can be played by one person. However, we strongly encourage you to invite your friends to play with you. Our games will be ten times funner if you do.
How do I invite friends to play a game?
There are currently three ways to invite your friends:
1) Send your friends a link. This is the simplest way to invite friends. After you create a session (i.e. the game you want to play, and a time you want to play it at), the system will create a link. Simply copy that link and send it to whoever you want to invite, whether it is by pasting the link via your Messenger program, via chat, etc.
2) E-mail your friends. This is the easiest way to invite friends. After you create a session, you will have the opportunity to e-mail the invitation to your friends. Simply type in their e-mail addresses and click send.
3) Use Playtiva's friend system. This is the most convenient way to invite friends. After you create a session, you can invite a friend by typing in your friend's name, username or e-mail address in the invitation field.
How many friends can I invite to play a game?
You can invite as many friends as you like. Each game will have a different maximum number of players allowed -- in the situation where you invite more friends than the maximum, and more friends accept the invitation than the maximum, the difference will be waitlisted. If a confirmed friend cancels then the next person on the waitlist will be confirmed.
Can I change details about the invitation?
Yes, you can. Each session has its own page where you can change the time and date of the invitation, cancel the invitation, or extend it to more friends. Go to the Schedule page and click on the relevant session link.
How long do games play?
The length of games vary, but it is usually 30 to 60 minutes in length. We designed our games so the length of play resembles that of watching a TV show; i.e., each title can be completed in one sitting.
What if during play someone gets disconnected? Or encounters a game-breaking bug?
Unfortunately, if a player is disconnected from the game there is at the moment no way for that player to re-enter the game. The group playing can choose to continue or in some cases must restart.
