Competition System
- The 2023 Identity V Southeast Asia IVC is divided into 2 stages: the Preliminary Stage and the Playoffs between the top 8 Clubs. Live streaming will be available starting from the Preliminary Stage and up to the Finals. There will be a total of 8 live-streaming days covering 22 matches (2-4 matches per day).(The Finals will be conducted in a BO5 i.e. best-of-five format, while all other matches will be conducted in a BO3 i.e. best-of-three format.)
- In-game registration is opened from July 13, 2023 to July 15, 2023 at 23:59. 128 clubs will be selected to participate in the Preliminary Stage based on their ranking tiers. [Set to Thailand time, UTC+7]
- From July 18, 2023 to July 23, 2023, 128 clubs will compete against each other in 7 days of matches. The winning clubs of the 8 groups will advance from the Preliminary Stage to the Playoffs.
- Playoffs: From July 29, 2023 to August 27, 2023. The top 8 clubs to emerge from the Preliminary Stage take part in a 3-week long, double elimination-format competition. The matches on Aug 26 and Aug 27 are offline competitions.
Competition Dates
Livestream Schedule
(The organizers of the event reserve the right to adjust the dates/schedule in response to any special circumstances which may arise.)
1. Event Process
1.1 Preliminary Registration
1.1.1 Identity V players register for the competition in-game. The maximum number of clubs to register for this competition: 128 clubs.
1.1.2 Each club's tier points are calculated as follows: The club member with the highest-tiered Hunter will combine their points with the total points of the remaining four club members' highest-tiered Survivors. The sum value is recorded at the time of the registration deadline. The tier points formula is as follows:
Each tier equals 10 points. For Tiers I-VI, each sub-tier adds one additional point. For Tier VII, each star adds one additional point. For example, a player in Tier IV-3 would have 43 points; on the other hand, a Tier VII player with 8 stars would have 78 points.
1.1.3 If multiple clubs have the same number of points, (1) the club with the highest-tiered Hunter will rank on top. (2) If the Hunters in these clubs are also in the same tier, the club with the highest-tiered Survivor will rank on top. (3) If the highest-tiered Survivors in these clubs are also in the same tier, the club with the second highest-tiered Survivor will rank on top. (4) If the second highest-tiered Survivors in these clubs are also in the same tier, then the club with the third highest-tiered Survivor will rank on top. (5) If the clubs share equal points in all characters, the club that made the first registration will rank on top.
1.2 Preliminary Stage
1.2.1 The Preliminary Stage will be conducted in a single-elimination format. The 128 participating clubs will be divided into 8 groups (i.e. Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H), with 16 clubs in each group. If less than 128 clubs register for the event, there will still be 8 groups; the vacancies in the groups will result in byes for certain clubs.
1.2.2 The specific grouping rules are as follows: the 128 clubs are sorted by their points and distributed in an S-shape into 8 groups - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H (see the table below).
(Preliminary Stage Grouping)
1.2.3 Each group is arranged based on point totals within the group: the upper half [(1,16) vs (8,9); (4,13) vs (5,12)], and the lower half [(2,15) vs (7,10); (3,14) vs (6,11)].
1.2.4 Each group will compete on a single-elimination basis with each round to be conducted in a BO3 format. Progression will go from 16 clubs to 8, 8 clubs to 4, 4 clubs to 2, and finally 2 clubs to 1. The champion in each group will advance to the Playoffs, with a total of 8 clubs advancing to the Playoffs.
1.2.5 The Preliminary Stage will be held from July 18 to July 23. The clubs in each group must compete on the pre-scheduled date and time (the competition times listed on the event page and officials' notifications take precedence). If a club (player) cannot compete at the specified time, that club (player) will be deemed to have forfeited, and that club (player) will be solely responsible for all consequences. During the Preliminary Stage, clubs are prohibited from breaking or otherwise altering their confirmed match time and date. If a club is unable to compete at their predesignated and agreed time, they will be considered to have forfeited the match.
1.2.6 The final two days of the Preliminary Stage (July 22 and July 23) will be broadcast live. Clubs and players entering the final phase of the Preliminary Stage shall manage their time properly, and cooperate with the organizing committee on their livestream program and schedule.
1.2.7 Players with entry accounts in this stage must be the same as the players who scored the rank in that season. Within six months prior to registration, the account login information needs to have a high degree of matching with the login at the time of the competition. If the event organizing committee finds out the existence of temporary change, account trading and other behaviors, the relevant players and clubs will be punished.
1.2.8 If, for whatever reason, a club surrenders or is disqualified at any point during the tournament, their designated opponent will automatically advance as the winner.
1.3 Playoffs
1.3.1 The Playoffs will be conducted in a double-elimination format. For the first round of the Playoffs, the club match-ups are as follows: Group A, Rank 1 vs Group H, Rank 1; Group D, Rank 1 vs Group E, Rank 1; Group B, Rank 1 vs Group G, Rank 1; Group C, Rank 1 vs Group F, Rank 1. The advancement route is as shown in the figure below:
1.3.2 The clubs in the Playoffs must compete on the pre-scheduled date and time of their matches (the competition times listed on the event page and officials' notifications take precedence). If a club (player) cannot compete at the specified time, that club (player) will be deemed to have forfeited, and that club (player) will be solely responsible for all consequences.
1.3.3 In view of the situation in Southeast Asia, the finals are scheduled to be held offline. Top 4 clubs will be invited to offline venue. Announcements with up-to-date information will be made on our official website and social media platforms, in the event of any changes.
The first date of offline competition is Aug 26. Players must arrive at the venue 2 days in advance for the photoshoot, interview, and rehearsal. The address of the venue will be provided by the staff in advance.
(Competition Advancement Chart)
2. Game Rules
2.1 Competition Version and Client
2.1.1 The Preliminary Stage will be held on official server.
2.1.2 The Playoffs will be held on competition server provided by the Competition Organizing Committee.
2.1.3 The game version for the competition will be announced to players 2 weeks in advance. Official Identity V competitions (such as China Mainland IVC, Japan IVC, Southeast Asia IVC, etc.) use the same game version on the match server.
2.2 Competition Mode
The competition will be conducted in Custom Mode. Additionally, players cannot choose the same characters in the same match.
2.3 Competition Format
Each round (i.e. 1 BO round) is divided into the First Half and the Second Half. In the First Half, 4 Survivors from club A will play against a Hunter from club B. In the Second Half, 4 Survivors from club B will play against a Hunter from club A.
2.4 Map Selection
a. The map for the first and second half of a game must remain the same.
b. Match Maps: Arms Factory, Red Church, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lakeside Village, Moon River Park, Leo's Memory, Eversleeping Town, and Chinatown.
c. Selection limitation: Clubs are not allowed to select a map that has already been selected during the same match. Banned maps can be selected or banned again during the same match.
2.5 Selection Right Rules
The Club with the priority right to pick (refers to club A), opposing Club (refers to Club B). And Selection consists of 4 stages.
① Player Swap ② Map Banning ③ Map Selection ④ Faction Selection
Specific Selection Rules as follows.
a. First game
① the club B pick the banned map
② the club A pick the map
③ the club B pick the faction order.
b. Second game
① Clubs can swap the players
② the club A pick the banned map
③ the club B pick the map
④ the club A pick the faction order.
c. Third game
① Clubs can swap the players
② the club A pick the map
③ the club B pick the faction order
d. Third game overtime, fourth game, fifth game, fifth game overtime
① Clubs can swap the players
② the club B pick the map
③ the club A or B pick the faction order.
2.6 Pick/Ban (BP) Rules
2.6.1 The contestants will proceed to the Ban & Pick Sequence according to the instructions of the judges after confirm the map and the order of appearance by drawing lots.
2.6.2 We will use Half Global Ban Pick mode in this tournament. According to this rule, the first two picks of survivor side in game 1, 2 and 3, cannot be selected by their Club again in this match.
2.6.3 The Ban & Pick Sequence
The Ban & Pick Sequence consists of 14 phases, please check the following details
① Hunter banning phase 1: Hunter ban Survivor
② Survivor banning phase: Survivor ban Hunter
③ Survivor selection phase 1: Survivor select 2 Survivor Characters (Please notice the 2 survivor characters selected at this phase cannot be selected again later in this match)
④ Hunter banning phase 2: Hunter bans 1 Survivor Character.
⑤ Survivor selection phase 2: Survivor select 1 Survivor Character
⑥ Hunter banning phase 3: Hunter bans 1 Survivor Character
⑦ Survivor selection phase 3: Survivor select 1 Survivor Character
⑧ Survivors confirm Survivor Characters
⑨ Survivors pick talent
⑩ Hunter selection phase: Hunter selects 1 Hunter Character
⑪ Hunter picks talent
⑫ Survivors Picks Spawn Point
⑬ Hunter picks Spawn Point
⑭ Survivors and Hunter show the Spawn Point
Note:
The first and second half of each game require players to re-ban characters. During each half game's Ban & Pick phases, the order in which Survivor characters are assigned does not necessarily correspond to players' seating arrangement or their positions in the in-game room. After four Survivor characters are selected, Survivors can decide the character they will each play in the game. The number of bans in a BO3 tiebreaker is the same as the number of bans in the third game, the number of bans in a BO5 tiebreaker is the same as number of bans in the fifth game.
2.6.4 Competition Bans:
The Organizer will announce pre-banned characters from time to time. Pre-banned characters will not be included in the list of banned characters.
2.7 Point Rules for Each Round
For the first half and second half of each round, clubs will obtain points according to the following rules:
- At the end of the game, if the number of escaped Survivors is 0, then the Survivor club will obtain 0 points and the Hunter club will obtain 5 points.
- At the end of the game, if the number of escaped Survivors is 1, then the Survivor club will obtain 1 point and the Hunter club will obtain 3 points.
- At the end of the game, if the number of escaped Survivors is 2, then the Survivor club will obtain 2 points and the Hunter club will obtain 2 points.
- At the end of the game, if the number of escaped Survivors is 3, then the Survivor club will obtain 3 points and the Hunter club will obtain 1 point.
- At the end of the game, if the number of escaped Survivors is 4, then the Survivor club will obtain 5 points and the Hunter club will obtain 0 points.
The condition for determining the outcome of each round is the sum of points from the first half and second half. The club with the higher points (total points obtained from the first half and second half) wins, while the other club loses.
2.8 Correlation of Rounds and Wins
2.8.1 In a BO3 match, if a club wins the first 2 rounds straight, then this club will win the match without having to play the third round. If a club ends up with 1 win and 1 draw, 1 win and 1 defeat, or 2 draws in the first 2 rounds, then it will have to play the third round.
2.8.2 In a BO5 match, if a club wins the first 3 rounds straight, or it ends up with 3 wins and 1 draw or 2 wins and 2 draws in the first 4 rounds, then this club will win the match. Otherwise, it will have to play the remaining rounds.
2.8.3 If the match has not completed yet, but the winner has born, there is no need to play the second half and the match could be end.
For example,
The point of the Round 1 is 10:0, the point of the Round 2 is 5:5. If the 1st half of the round 3 is 1:3, there is no need to play the 2nd half of the Round 3.
2.9 Rules for Determining the Winner in a Complete BO3 or BO5 Draw Match
When there is a draw in a match, the winner will be determined by the following rules, in this order:
1) The club with the higher total points in the match (sum of the points in each round) will be the winner.
2) If the clubs have the same number of points, an overtime BO1 round will be conducted. The additional round will determine the winner according to the points of both sides.
3) If the points of the clubs are still the same after the tiebreaker, the number of escapees of both clubs during the halves in which they played as Survivors will be compared:
- If one or more Survivors escaped, the match duration when they played as Survivors will be used as the basis for deciding the winning club. The club with the shorter match time wins.
- If neither club escaped while playing as Survivors, the match duration when they played as Hunters will be used as the basis for deciding the winning club. The club with the shorter match time wins. If neither club escaped while playing as Survivors, the match duration when they played as Hunters will be used as the basis for deciding the winning club. The club with the shorter match time wins. The BP rules for any additional rounds in BO3 and BO5 matches are the same as the previous round (e.g. the BP rules for any additional rounds in a BO3 match will adopt the same rules as Round 3; the BP rules for any additional rounds in a BO5 match will adopt the same rules as Round 5).
2.10 Competition Accounts
2.10.1 Players shall use their own accounts to compete. Using another player's account to compete is strictly prohibited. In Southeast Asia IVC, the account transfer behavior such as borrowing accounts, giving accounts and buying accounts are strictly prohibited during and before the event. If found, the event organizing committee will impose a ban on the player. In serious cases, the whole Club will be banned.
2.10.2 In the Playoffs, players will use the official uniform account to compete. Players are prohibited from flaunting/displaying their special access to match server accounts on social media.
2.11 Competition Devices
2.11.1 Players shall use their own devices during online competitions. These include mobile phones, iPads, and other devices that utilize the mobile version of the game; computers and emulators are strictly prohibited.
2.11.2 During the online competitions, players may communicate with each other verbally using the in-game audio chat or other communication software. To ensure the smooth operation of the competition, the referee has the right to request players to communicate using specific software.
2.11.3 The referee reserves the right to request that players should turn on their video cameras, so as to monitor their hands and devices during the game.
2.12 Competition Prize
This competition has a total prize pool of 1,000,000 THB. The prize money for each ranking is as follows:
3. Participation Requirements
3.1 Club Members
3.1.1 Each club consists of 5 main players and a maximum of 2 substitute players. Coach and manager cannot be player of any clubs at the meantime. A club with less than 5 players in play will be disqualified.
3.1.2 Each Club may have up to 1 coach. The coach is responsible for organizing the Club training, and can directly participate in the map and role’s Ban & Pick Sequence of the Club during the competition, and needs to leave the voice channel immediately after the Ban & Pick Sequence.
3.1.3 Each Club may have up to 1 manager. The manager is responsible for the operation of the Club and liaises with the event organizing committee.
3.1.4 Club Captains are responsible for verifying all club members' information and ensuring that they are eligible for competition. If any club member is found to be ineligible for competition, the entire club will be disqualified.
3.1.5 Players are prohibited from registering with two clubs at the same time. If a player is found to be registered with two different clubs, both clubs will be disqualified.
3.1.6 During the Playoffs, clubs are not allowed to change players. Throughout the entire tournament, player changes are only allowed during the Preliminary Stage, and each club may only make 1 player change (adding or replacing a player is regarded as 1 change). Before any player changes, an application must be made to the Competition Organizing Committee 3 days in advance. The application must be approved before the player change is made (said new member cannot be on another club's roster).
3.1.7 Information provided and changes made by the Captain shall take precedence. All clubs must provide their starting line-up to the referee 1 day before each match.
3.1.8 In BO3 or BO5 matches, each club has 2 chances to substitute a player into the match when playing as the Survivors, and 2 chances to substitute when playing as the Hunter.
3.1.9 For each match, players who are already in play cannot swap their positions (i.e. a player cannot play as both a Hunter and a Survivor in the same match). Note: If a player usually competes as a Survivor, they can compete as a Hunter on other days. However, this player must only compete as a Hunter on those same days. If players want to change their positions temporarily, they need to inform the event organizing committee at least 1 day in advance.
3.2 Age and Nationality Requirements
3.2.1 Players who are at least 18 years old (or will be by July 15, 2023) may register to compete at their own discretion. Players under the age of 18, but over the age of 16, may register with a signed and sealed Guardian Consent Letter. Players under the age of 16 cannot register for the competition. If a club is found to have a member under the age of 16 during the Preliminary Stage, the club will be disqualified.
3.2.2 Coaches and managers must be at least 16 years old (or will be by July 15, 2023) .
3.2.3 Most of the Club members participating in the Southeast Asia IVC must be nationals or permanent residents in countries in Southeast Asia. Only 1 foreign player from a non-Southeast Asian country or region is allowed to participate in each Club. If there are coaches and managers, they must come from Southeast Asian countries and regions.
3.3 Club IDs
3.3.1 A club must have a unique name that complies with the competition regulations. The Competition Organizing Committee has the right to request clubs whose names are too similar to change their names. All club names must be within 4 characters in length and composed of English alphabetical characters. Club names must not contain words of violence, abuse, pornography, or any words that go against the competition rules. Club IDs must not contain any sponsor information.
3.3.2 Player nicknames must be consistent with their club names. All player nicknames must adopt the format "[Club Name] + [Personal Nickname]". The total length of the "[Club Name] + [Personal Nickname]" must not exceed 16 characters, and player nicknames must not contain words of violence, abuse, pornography, or any words that go against the competition rules. (The above requirements are only for the Preliminary Stage. During the Playoffs, nicknames must be around 4-6 characters in length.)
3.4 Pauses and Resets
3.4.1 During online competitions, players are responsible for their own network connection and devices. For a single match, each club has 1 chance to pause for a maximum of 3 minutes. When the time is up, the referee reserves the right to resume the match immediately. In order to ensure fairness, players are not allowed to communicate with each other in any way during pause breaks. In addition, players are not allowed to arbitrarily recommence the game after a pause break is requested. Once clubs have used up their pause breaks, the referee reserves the right to request the players to continue competing even if further network connection/device issues occur.
3.4.2 Determining Resets
During the competition, if an unexpected situation arises and affects the fairness of the competition or leads to a discontinuation of the game, the Competition Organizing Committee reserves the right to restart the match. Organizers will make a decision according to the actual situation, and all clubs must comply with said decision.
3.4.3 In the event of a reset during the competition, all Characters, Maps, Abilities, Persona, and Talents must be selected exactly as they were before. The referee reserves the right to request players to adjust their selections, should there be any discrepancies. Warnings and penalties will be given out for malicious modification of Character Abilities and Talent Points.
3.5 Tournament Objections
3.5.1 In the event of a dispute during a match, the Club Captain and players must defer to the referee's judgment. If a player disagrees with the referee's decision, they should appeal to the Competition Organizing Committee in accordance with the appeal procedure.
3.5.2 Players shall make their appeals within five minutes of the end of the game to the referee on duty. Once outside the time limit, clubs are deemed to have accepted the results of the match, and referees/organizers no longer need to justify their decision.
3.6 Violations and Penalties
3.6.1 It is forbidden to use any third-party software to modify in-game contents, such as game interfaces, sound effects, character abilities, etc. If any player violates this rule, their club will be disqualified from the tournament and any prizes will be voided. Individuals will also be banned from participating in the event.
3.6.2 It is forbidden to use items and characters obtained from non-Identity V games during the competition, or items and characters that are not officially released. If any player violates this rule, their club will be disqualified from the tournament and any prizes will be voided. Individuals will also be banned from participating in the event.
3.6.3 "Escape" and "Just Deserts" are not allowed to be actively used throughout the course of the competition. If a player's character is unable to move due to an in-game error, a pause can be initiated so that the referee may determine if the player can use them.
3.6.4 It is forbidden to use any external hardware (other than those provided by the Competition Organizing Committee) besides headphones. If it is necessary, players will have to seek consent in advance from the referee on duty. If any player violates this rule, their club will be disqualified from the tournament and any prizes will be voided. Individuals will also be banned from participating in the event.
3.7 Match-fixing
Players (or clubs) should adhere to the spirit of sportsmanship during the tournament. Negative behavior and match-fixing are strictly prohibited. If discovered, players (or clubs) will be immediately disqualified, and all prizes and reimbursements due to the club will be voided. In addition, any players and participants complicit in match-fixing (including those who were aware of the match-fixing, but did not actively prevent/report it) will be banned from future competitions for a certain period of time, depending on the severity of the situation.
Match-fixing behaviors include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Substitution:
Throughout the competition, players are prohibited from asking someone else to compete on their behalf (including but not limited to giving their personal account or devices to someone else to compete in the tournament), or competing on someone else's behalf.
b. Collusion:
Two or more players agree to play negatively in order to give the opponent certain advantages or benefits. Prior arrangements to split the prize money and/or any other form of remuneration.
Sending or receiving code words or other content to/from any accomplices.
Intentionally losing a match for prize money or any other reason, or instigating another player to play negatively in a match.
c. Match-fixing:
No club member may initiate, agree to, or plan the fixing of a match. Match-fixing will be strictly penalized under any circumstances. Depending on the severity of the situation, players may be banned from the competition.
3.8 Forfeiture
In principle, the Identity V competition rules prohibit clubs from forfeiting. However, if a club insists on forfeiting, the Competition Organizing Committee will assume that the club has waived its rights to participate in Identity V competitions, and the club will no longer be allowed to participate in future Identity V-related competitions. Any matches the club was scheduled to play will be handled on a bye basis, and the Competition Organizing Committee reserves the right to penalize the forfeiting club and its members.
3.9 Health Concerns
In the event that a player cannot compete normally due to personal reasons (e.g. a physical condition), the Competition Organizing Committee will evaluate the situation and make arrangements accordingly.
3.10 Personal Behavior of Players
3.10.1 Players must cooperate with the referee and the Competition Organizing Committee during the tournament in order for the event to run smoothly. If a player deliberately delays or even interferes with the live streaming for personal reasons (e.g. refusing to start the game, not using the devices provided by the organizers, quitting the game without any proper reasons, etc.), the referee reserves the right to warn the player and the club, or even determine that they have lost the round. For serious cases, the player (club) will be disqualified and their rewards canceled.
3.10.2 During the tournament, players should mind their personal behavior on the Internet, and should not abuse or defame other players or staff on social media or other online platforms. This also applies to engaging in the above-mentioned violations on their own live streams. Players engaging in any of the above violations will be disciplined by organizers. In the case of severe violations, players may receive a warning or even face disqualification as punishment.
3.10.3 Cheating of any form is prohibited. No player, club, or organization may make any changes to the Identity V game client. The use of any kind of cheating device/program, or any similar cheating method, is considered cheating.
3.10.4 Bugs exploitation, i.e. deliberately using bugs in the game to gain an advantage. Bugs exploitation includes the use of any functions which are not intended for the game's normal operation, as well as actions that violate the game's design (as determined by the Competition Organizing Committee). Players are prohibited from actively using the "Escape" function, which should only be used when their in-game character is stuck in place due to a bug.
3.10.5 Prohibited drugs. Players and coaches must not take any prohibited drugs, including but not limited to drugs used for euphoria, sedation, or depression. It is the duty of every person to report any individual or club violations to the Competition Organizing Committee.
3.10.6 Negative behavior/comments/acts. Club members are prohibited from engaging in any negative public behavior, as determined by NetEase and Identity V. This includes public disputes (or perceived public disputes), behavior that offends the general public, certain groups, or Identity V and its partners, or any actions which may tarnish NetEase or Identity V's public image. Once the above rules have been violated, players will be notified of the violation(s) via email, telephone, SMS, Discord, or other communication methods. Players shall delete any comments/content related to the violation(s), or publicly clarify and/or apologize in a manner approved by the Competition Organizing Committee within 2 hours of receiving/discovering the notification (or less, as determined by the Competition Organizing Committee's assessment of the situation). Players who refuse to apologize will be disqualified from all Identity V tournaments, and their prize money will be confiscated. Serious cases will be referred to relevant law enforcement agencies.
3.10.7 Club members shall not give gifts or money, nor make any other transactions, in exchange for a favor or any additional benefits from other clubs, players, staff, or any other employees from the organizer or NetEase.
3.10.8 Confidentiality. During the Identity V IVC tournament, clubs are not allowed to post any information related to the competition unless permitted to do so by the Competition Organizing Committee. Club members are obliged to keep all information provided by the Competition Organizing Committee confidential.
3.10.9 Player Behavior Investigation. If a club member is contacted by the Competition Organizing Committee for an investigation, then that member is obliged to tell the truth. If a club member obstructs the investigation by withholding information or misleading the Competition Organizing Committee, that member and other members relevant will be penalized.
3.10.10 No players or clubs may reject the decisions made by the Competition Organizing Committee.
3.10.11 The Competition Organizing Committee will enforce the rules of this competition herein. The Competition Organizing Committee shall maintain the right of final adjudication in situations not covered by these Competition Rules, or where it would be unfair to make a decision in accordance with these Competition Rules.
3.11 Contestant Livestreams
To ensure fairness, no live-streaming by players is allowed during the competition.
3.12 Livestream Copyrights
NetEase's Identity V project owns the right to use all live content, photos, videos, replays, and other resources generated by the players' participation in the Identity V Southeast Asia IVC. All players must accept the above rules before they can compete in the tournament.
3.13 Tournament Ownership
The Competition Organizing Committee reserves the right to update these terms and conditions as the competition progresses. NetEase has the right of final interpretation in this IVC.
