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Game Setup & Running the Game

This guide covers everything you need to know to create a game session and host a live quiz event with TriviaFlow. From selecting quizzes to controlling the game flow, you'll learn how to manage your event from start to finish.

Prerequisites​

Before starting a game, ensure you have:

  • At least one quiz created in the system (see Creating Quizzes)
  • Access to the admin panel with superuser privileges
  • A projector or large screen for displaying the lobby/questions
  • Your smartphone or tablet for the Game Master Dashboard

1. Creating a Session​

To start a new game, navigate to the creation URL:

https://quiz.your-domain.com/create/

You will be greeted by the Playlist Editor.

The Playlist System​

Instead of just picking one quiz, TriviaFlow allows you to queue multiple quizzes. This is perfect for events with different rounds (e.g., "Round 1: Geography", "Round 2: Music").

The interface is divided into two columns:

  1. Available: All quizzes present in your database.
  2. Playlist (Order): The quizzes selected for this session.

How to use it:

  • Click on a quiz in the Available column to move it to the Playlist.
  • The order in the playlist matters! The game will start with the top item and proceed downwards.
  • To remove an item, simply click it in the Playlist column to move it back.
Import Existing Quizzes

Don't have any quizzes yet? You can import existing quiz content using the Import & Export feature.

Selecting Game Mode​

Choose between:

  • Auto Mode: Questions advance automatically after the timer expires
  • Manual Mode: You control when to move to the next question using the Game Master Dashboard

Once you are happy with your selection, click "Open Lobby".

2. The Lobby Screen (The Stage)​

After clicking "Open Lobby", you will be redirected to the Lobby View (/lobby/ABCD/).

Display Target

This screen is intended for the Projector / Big Screen. It is NOT the control panel for the host.

Key Elements​

  • QR Code: A large, dynamic QR code that points directly to the join URL with the room code pre-filled.
  • Room Code: The 4-6 character alphanumeric code (e.g., XY123) for manual entry.
  • Player Grid: As players join, their names will pop up here in real-time. This is great for building anticipation.

What you should do now:

  1. Put this browser window in Full Screen Mode (usually F11).
  2. Make sure the audience can see the code clearly.
  3. Wait for people to join.

3. Joining the Game​

While the lobby is on the screen, you (the Host) and the players need to connect.

For Players​

  • Action: Scan the QR code or go to the homepage and enter the code.
  • Device: Smartphone.
  • Result: They see the "Waiting Screen" with their nickname.

For the Game Master (You!)​

You cannot control the game from the Lobby screen. You need to grab your "Remote Control".

  1. Take your smartphone or laptop.
  2. Navigate to /gamemaster/ (or click "GM Login" in the footer if available).
  3. Scan the QR code from the lobby screen (or type the code manually).
  4. You are now connected to the Dashboard.
Pro Tip

You can open the Lobby on your laptop connected to the beamer, and use your personal smartphone as the Game Master controller. This allows you to walk around the room freely while hosting!

4. The Game Master Dashboard​

Once the lobby is open and players have joined, the Game Master (GM) Dashboard becomes your control center. This interface gives you full control over the session.

For detailed information about all dashboard features, see the Gamemaster Dashboard guide.

Game Flow Controls​

The primary controls are located at the top of the dashboard. They change dynamically based on the state of the game.

The Basic Loop:

  1. Start Game: Triggers the first question.
  2. Next Question: Moves to the next slide.
  3. Previous: Go back if you accidentally skipped a slide.

Playlist Transition (Intermediate State)​

If you queued multiple quizzes, the game won't just end after the first quiz. It enters an "Intermediate State".

  • The Screen: Shows a "Leaderboard" for the finished quiz.
  • Your Dashboard: Shows a "Start Next Quiz" button.
  • Action: Click this to load the next quiz from your playlist without disconnecting players.

5. During the Game​

Timer Control​

Sometimes you need to improvise. The "Timer Control" section lets you manipulate time itself.

  • Pause / Resume: Great for explaining a question in more detail or resolving a dispute.
  • Force Stop: Ends the question immediately (useful if everyone has answered).
  • +10s / -10s: Add time if the question is too hard, or reduce it to put on pressure.

Player Management​

You have full moderation tools available live. Scroll down to the Player Management list.

Kicking Players​

  • Action: Click the "Kick" button next to a name.
  • Result: The player is disconnected and their screen shows a "You have been removed" message.

Advanced: Player Exclusion​

This is a powerful feature for "handicaps" or managing special guests.

  1. Click the Gear Icon next to a player.
  2. A modal opens showing all questions in the current quiz.
  3. Toggle Switch: Exclude the player from specific questions.
    • Compensate Points: You can choose to give them free points for that round (e.g., if they arrived late).
    • Custom Message: Send them a private message like "You are skipping this round."

For more details about the compensation system, see Compensation.

Live Leaderboard

Want to check the scores without showing them on the big screen? Click the "Live Leaderboard" button at the bottom of your dashboard.

6. Emergency & Manual Actions​

Things don't always go to plan. Here is how to fix them.

Quiz Injection​

Did the audience demand an encore? You can load a new quiz into the running session without players needing to reconnect.

  1. Go to "Quiz Injection".
  2. Select a quiz from the dropdown.
  3. Click "Load this Quiz".
  4. Optional: You can choose to reset everyone's scores to 0 or keep the running total.

Emergency Resets​

Located under "Manual Options":

  • Restart Quiz: Resets the current quiz to Question 1. Scores for this quiz are wiped.
  • Reset Session: The "Nuclear Option". Resets the entire playlist, scores, and state back to the lobby. Use with caution!

Changing the Room Code​

If a "troll" joined your game and shared the code online:

  1. Go to "Room Settings".
  2. Enter a new code (e.g., "SECRET").
  3. Click Change.
  4. All connected players are automatically moved to the new room. The old code becomes invalid immediately.

7. The Game Flow​

Here's a typical game session from start to finish:

  1. Setup: The Host logs into the Admin Panel, creates a session, and opens the Lobby View on the projector.
  2. Join Phase: The Lobby displays a QR Code. Players scan it to join. The Host watches the names appear on the Game Master dashboard.
  3. Game Loop:
    • Host clicks "Start Game".
    • Question appears on Lobby and Player devices simultaneously.
    • Players tap their answer (A, B, C, or D).
    • Time runs out (or Host stops it).
    • Lobby reveals the correct answer and updates the leaderboard.
  4. End: The session ends, and the final winner is crowned on the Lobby screen.

Additional Resources​

  • Media Library - Learn how to add images to your quizzes for a more engaging experience
  • Import & Export - Import existing quizzes or export your content for backup or sharing
  • Gamemaster Dashboard - Detailed guide to all dashboard features and controls