For specific rules for each event in the Grand Tour, refer to the specific event rules page.
Gameplay Rules
1.1 - Every game must be played on the AOE3 Definitive Edition
1.2 - Every game must be played using Game Rules: Standard, Game Type: Supremacy and the
default lobby settings
1.3 - Players must set their team to "?".
1.4 - Every game must be recorded and submitted. If a game is not recorded and/or submitted, it must be replayed regardless of the result.
1.5 - The server region should be agreed upon between the players, If an agreement cannot be reached, the tournament administration will determine the server region. Players may agree to use multiple different server regions, in which case they should also alternate hosting games.
1.6 - When a player disconnects from the match BEFORE 2 minutes of game-time, the players can restart and replay the game. When the opponent does not agree to restart, the outcome of the game will be determined by the tournament administration.
1.7 - When a player disconnects from the match AFTER 2 minutes of game-time, the players can restart and replay the game. When the opponent does not agree to restart, the player who lost connection will be given a map loss.
1.8 - Every player may restart a game BEFORE the 2-minute mark when necessary in regards to resource-related issues. The recorded game of the restart must be saved and submitted with the final results of the match. The admins reserve the right to review the recorded game afterward to determine if a player abused this right.
1.9 - Players must be respectful to each other when selecting civilizations during the first game in a series. Players cannot intentionally change to unfair match-ups, or otherwise be difficult to agree with. The tournament administration reserves the right to two possible outcomes. 1) If one player is deemed challenging, then that player will be forced to pick their civilization first. 2) If both players are disagreeable, then a blind pick will be enforced.
1.10 - Every player must respect their opponent and organizers. Misbehavior** will result in a warning and can lead to disqualification. Racism and/or insults will not be tolerated. More information regarding this can be found in the Disqualification Rules section.
Disqualification Rules
2.1 - Any intentional use, or attempted use, by a player of any bugs, exploits, or cheats may result in a disqualification and/or tournament ban. The tournament administration, at their discretion, will determine bugs, exploits, or cheats.
2.2 - Except for officially supported mods, external software and game modifications are forbidden. The tournament administration reserves the right to disqualify a player for use of any modifications to gain an unfair advantage.
3.3 - Acceptable hotkey modifications should follow the "1 input = 1 output" rule. This means that a custom hotkey does not queue multiple actions that would normally require several keys.
3.4 - Forbidden modifications/software include but are not limited to: Map Hacks, Trainers, OOS / Intentional Lag (stacked downloads or other game crashing exploits), and zoom modification.
3.5 - "Smurfing", playing for another user, or having another user play your match for you, will result in a disqualification and tournament ban for both parties involved.
3.6 - Any tampering with the integrity of the ladder, sign-up, or seeding process will result in a disqualification and may result in a tournament ban. The tournament administration reserves the right to apply this rule retroactively.
3.7 - If you suspect your opponent has violated any of the player integrity rules, finish the game and submit it for review with an explanation of why you think the game was unfair. If the tournament administration finds someone to be guilty of cheating, the cheater will be disqualified from the tournament and subject to a tournament ban.
3.8 - All users are prohibited from influencing or manipulating a tournament game or series so that the outcome is determined by anything other than its merits.
3.9 - One-Touch Forfeiture: once a player has expressed that they have forfeited a match, they will be disqualified from the tournament and not permitted to continue playing. Having an insufficient reason for forfeiture may result in a tournament ban.
3.10 - When a player is disqualified, they have no right to claim any prize money.
3.11 - Players must play out every match in their assigned tournament series. Noncompliance may result in a forfeiture of any winnings and restrictions from participating in future ESOC events.
**Misbehaviour includes excessive trash-talking and disrespecting players, casters, and admins. More severe misbehaviour such as racism will not be tolerated in any form and may result in disqualification and a tournament ban.
The discipline procedure for misbehaviour will be:
1) First Warning
2) Final Warning
3) Disqualification
A first warning is issued by a tournament administrator and is a yellow light to cease offending behaviour. Continued misbehaviour will escalate to an official warning.
A final warning is issued by a tournament administrator and is a red light to cease offending behaviour. Continued misbehaviour will result in the player's disqualification and may result in a tournament ban. A player will only receive one final warning during the course of the tournament; should their misbehaviour continue, the tournament administration reserves the right to disqualify them at any time.
Streaming
3.1 - The default stream for all events will be ESOCTV.
3.2 - Streaming on non official channels is permitted but must be coordinated with tournament admins in order to maximize coverage of the tournament. All streams must include the ESOC tournament name in their stream title and have a link in their chat (!ESOC) to the tournament page on ESOC.
3.3 - Streaming of games by participating players is permitted, streaming players must utilize a minimum delay of 5 minutes. Stream guidelines above apply to player streams.
Prizes
4.1 - All prizes are subject to invoice to Triple Rax LLC and must be payable by Paypal. In certain cases other payment methods maybe agreed to but not guaranteed.
4.2 - ESOC reserves the right to withhold a player's prize based on violation of tournament rules or forfeiture.
ESOC Grand Tour Season 3
