Program User’s Manual for the Deloitte Virtual Team Challenge
Thanks for participating in the first ever 3D Deloitte Virtual Team Challenge. You
are part of a nationwide team that experiencing what may be the greatest
homework assignment ever!
What we mean by a “Beta Test” is that this is the first time anyone outside the
development team has had a chance to experience this simulation. As part of
this test, you are on the front lines of evaluating the program and providing
feedback to the development team. Be sure to answer the questions that appear
on the website at the end of the program. We want to hear what you have to
say!
Because this is a first ever program, and because you will be participating with
thousands of other students at once, there are things that are bound to go “clunk”
during the program. “Clunks” can be little things that don’t work or look right, to
big things that freeze the program or kick you out to your desktop. This
document gives you a heads up on how to run the program -- and what to do if it
does go “clunk”.
Minimum System Requirements
 1GHZ or higher PC compatible.
 Windows XP or higher.
 DirectX 9.0c compatible
 DirectX 9 compatible video card
 Windows Server is not supported
Helpline
Here are the answers to questions you may have about running this program. If
you can’t get the program loaded on your computer after reading this you can
contact us for support by logging onto www.virtualteamchallenge.com and
sending a query through the “support” section of the website or by sending an
email to [email protected]. Alternately, during the first week of
the simulation you can also call VTC: Event! technical support toll free at
1.877.535.6699.
1: How do I install the Virtual Team Challenge?
Insert the program CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. After the disc is inserted,
its ‘Autorun’ sequence will automatically initiate an ‘installation wizard’. Follow
the on-screen instructions. After the program is installed, you will be prompted to
install the latest version of Direct X, which you will need to run the simulation.
2: The program CD-ROM does not automatically initiate the installation wizard.
How do I install the Virtual Team Challenge?
On older computers, the VTC: Event! disc may not ‘Autorun’. If this is the case,
double-click the “My Computer” icon on the desktop or from the Start Menu.
Then, right-click the CD-ROM icon representing the program CD-ROM and select
“Explore” from the options that appear. Once the CD-ROM contents appear in a
new window, double-click on the “Setup.exe” icon to launch the installer
manually.
3: The picture on Event! is flickering or stuttering. How can I improve game-play
performance?
First of all, make sure all other applications are closed. Certain applications -especially instant messaging and email programs – may prevent the VTC: Event!
program from functioning properly. Thirdly, make sure that your video card and
sound card drivers are up to date. For more information regarding improving
simulation performance, consult our online FAQ at
www.virtualteamchallenge.com.
3: How can I play through a Firewall?
In order for VTC to function properly, it must be able to communicate to the
master-server over the Internet. Some firewalls and routers block certain ports
by default. Your school will need access to Ports 80, 443, and 1236. Follow the
instructions provided to you by your firewall manufacturer and enable these ports
to allow both incoming and outgoing transmissions. For assistance email
[email protected].
4: How do I manually uninstall Event! Virtual Team Challenge?
To uninstall the program software, select the CONTROL PANEL from the Start
Menu and then select ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS. Find “VTCEvent” on the
program list and click “Remove”. Finally, delete the Virtualteamchallenge folder
from its installation location (default directory is C:\Program Files).
5: I’m getting poor performance when playing Event! Virtual Team Challenge,
what can I do to fix this?
First of all, make sure other applications are closed when you run the VTC:
Event! software. Certain applications -- especially instant messaging and email
programs – may prevent the VTC: Event! software from functioning properly. For
more information regarding improving simulation performance, consult our online
FAQ at www.virtualteamchallenge.com.
6: Support asked me for a report to send them so that they can help me fix my
problem. How do I provide a “Log Report” to the Virtual Team Challenge
technical support team?
Quit the game and before playing it again select the file named “logfile.txt” from
the installation directory (C:\program files\VTCHSEvent) and send it via e-mail to
the VTC: Event! technical support team at [email protected].
7: How do I create a DirectX Diagnostic (DxDiag) report to send in for support?
Click on the START button (found on the on your Windows™ toolbar) then select
RUN. Type “dxdiag” in the text box. At the bottom of the diagnostics screen that
appears, select SAVE ALL INFORMATION. Save the file to your desktop and
send it to the VTC: Event! technical support team via e-mail at
[email protected]
8: How do I take and submit a screenshot with my support request?
To generate a screen shot, press the PRINT SCREEN button on your keyboard
while the game is running. Then, exit the game. Afterwards, click on the START
button (found on the on your Windows™ toolbar) and select the PAINT program
from the ACCESSORIES program group. When paint appears, simply click in the
white space in the PAINT program window and then select “Paste” from the
“Edit” menu or press CTRL+V on your keyboard. Save the file to your desktop as
a JPEG and send it to the VTC: Event! technical support via e-mail at
[email protected].
Error messages you may see:
Game version does not match
This means you are trying to log in before the program is live.
Invalid login
Means you incorrectly entered your username or password information
Head Request failed on file xxxxxx.xxx
Your Internet connection may be slow, or may have been interrupted - just
exit the game and try again
Cannot read contents of code file /sswat/hs/event
Your Internet connection is not operating properly. Try again later.
Can't Create a Device Context
The program cannot access the computer’s video card. Check the
“Minimum System Requirements” to make sure you have the correct DirectX
version.
Can't Find D3D SDK Version 9.0cor Missing d3dx9_32.dll
The program can not find the latest version of DirectX on your system.
Try reinstalling the software and make sure you elect to install DirectX as well.
Can't find surface format
If you get this error, it means that the video card on the computer you are
using is not supported. Find another computer play the simulation on.
Can't Create DirectX 3D Device
This means that the video card on the computer you are using is not
supported. Find another computer to play the simulation on.
Lualib: XX
This means something “went wrong” in a conversation. Simply restart the
program and log back in to continue.
Failed to Register the Window Class
Close any open windows on your desktop.
Window Creation Error
Close any open windows on your desktop.
CRC error when installing
The program software CD used to install the software has been damaged.
CRC error when playing
Your hard drive may be malfunctioning. Find another computer to play the
simulation on.
Big Clunks
In some cases, the program may “hang” for up to 10 seconds. Just wait for the
program to come around again and continue playing. In some cases, the
program may freeze “permanently” or kick you out to your desktop with an error
message like “General Exception Error”. If the program freezes, just hit ESC and
go back in. If you get kicked out to your desktop just go back in. The Auto Save
feature will let you get back in fairly close to where you were kicked out.
AutoSave
As you play through the simulation, the program automatically tracks your
progress for scoring purposes and also to save your work for you in case the
program “clunks”. As the program is saving you may temporarily experience a
stutter in performance or a “hang”.
LIFE IN NEW CITY
The Camera
In most cases, you will be able to go outside the walls of interior spaces. This
can be fun but the camera will not be this way in the final program. Do us, and
yourselves, a favor and just ignore it and stay within the walls to get your work
done. If you wind up stuck behind a wall just play with the camera controls a bit
until you get back to where you want to be.
Your Control Panel
You can access all the tools on the control panel at the bottom left of your screen
– the Map, Journal, Inventory, Options Menu – by clicking on the associated
icons. Just click on the icon again to close the tool.
The Map - The Map icon, indicated by a compass, is located directly next to your
player icon on the lower left hand side of the screen, will give you a high-altitude
“bird’s eye view” of New City in case you need help navigating around.
The Player Inventory - Your inventory is the repository for things you may find in
New City, such as objects that residents give you, as well as research materials
and your character’s outfits.
The Character Sheet - Your character sheet gives you an idea of how well you
are doing in New City, and reflects any incremental progress you have made
during each “week” or level of game play.
The Journal - The journal automatically keeps track of the tasks you have before
you, as well as which you have completed. The journal also contains a space for
taking notes on the ‘research’ you encounter in New City and during your
‘meetings’. Finally, the journal also contains a glossary that defines many of the
important business terms you will encounter throughout your stay.
The Options Menu - You can adjust the music, sound effects and character voice
volumes in the program by using the sliders on the Options Menu at the bottom
left of your screen. Adjust them to where they work best with your computer
speakers.
Getting Around New City.
To get your character to move around, use the “W” and “S” (or up and down
arrow) keys to move forward and backward. Use the “A” and “D” (or left and right
arrow) keys to turn left and right, respectively.
To enter and leave buildings in New City, move your mouse over the “doormat”
before the entrance or exit you would like to use and left-click.
Winning the Game.
The object of the game is to pick the best vendors for your festival and negotiate
the smartest deal you can with them. You can earn extra points with questions
and missions in the game that relate to what you’ve learned in class during the
program.
You are also encouraged to seek out opportunities in New City to earn money so
that you can buy research materials, clothing, and so forth. You can do this by
talking to New City residents who may either need your help, or have questions
that you can answer. Also, trash can be collected and placed in green
dumpsters for a “recycling” bonus.
Characters in New City
You have complete control over your player avatar. You will see your teammates
buzzing around town if they are logged on at the same time you are. The rest of
the characters in New City will be standing still in this Beta version. Once we get
all your feedback, we will unleash their Artificial Intelligence and set them free to
wander around with everyone else!
Ickipedia
This is where you get most of the information about your vendors to help you pick
the right one -- and then negotiate the best price for maximum points. You can
access the Ickipedia at both the Internet Café and the Team Office.
Need a Clue?
Confused about what to do next? Evelyn has lots of answers back at the Team
Office. Also, your Journal updates itself with your current tasks as you go along
through your mission.
Your Team
You will be able to see your teammates running around in the world and you can
talk to them by first left-clicking, and then typing in the space next to the word
CHAT at the bottom of your screen. This is a good way to use teamwork to your
advantage to get the most points!
Alt Tab
Some of you computer whizzes may be used to “Alt-Tabbing” between programs
as you do your home work. This game, like many 3D programs, hates ALT+TAB
with a passion and may “clunk” as a result. You can take notes in your Journal
instead of using other applications - which is a good way to work uninterrupted.
Rockin’ the nice threads.
Part of being successful in New City is knowing how to dress for the part. Event!
participants can buy a range of outfits at Pauline’s clothing store. Just click on
the outfit you want from Pauline’s selection. Once an outfit is selected, it will be
automatically transferred to your inventory. Just click on the outfit in your
inventory to start stylin’! Pauline doesn’t accept exchanges, and all sales are
final – so choose carefully!
Working the Movies.
There are videos in the program that introduce game play weeks, provide
information and clues and will keep you up to date on happenings in New City.
You can ‘skip’ through any video you find by pressing the SPACEBAR.