How To Play Backchannel

Watch this video for a brief overview of how the game is played:

GETTING STARTED

Log in to MTV.com (You can log in in the main navigation bar above, or sign up if you're not a member). You must be logged in to MTV.com to play Backchannel.

Select a "Game Zone" (also known as a "room") or let the game randomly place you by clicking the "Pick For Me" button.

Once you're in, you will see your room name displayed like this:

If you enter a room before the start of a game, you'll see a Pre-Game Chat screen like the one below. Get to know other Backchannel players as you wait for The Hills and Backchannel to begin. (The Pre-Game Chat screen will disappear when the game starts.)

You're ready to play! Your Backchannel game will start as soon as The Hills episode begins on MTV.

GAME PLAY

During the game, Backchannel players alternate between two roles: "Tagger" and " Clicker." Taggers type comments as they react to what's happening on The Hills and Clickers click on the comments they like and think will become the most popular.

Tagger

To create a tag, just start typing your thoughts about the action in the episode and press enter. Anytime someone clicks on your tag, you'll earn points and time will be added to your Tagger clock. You're only allowed one Tag at a time, so you'll need to wait until your Tag disappears before you can post another.

If a Tag gets popular enough, it will start to vibrate and then it will literally blow up! When that happens, it awards double points to the Tagger and every Clicker who selected that Tag. And that final Clicker who makes the Tag explode is awarded an extra special bonus!

Clicker

Click your mouse on tags you like. You will earn points each time another player clicks on the same tag after you do. There's a nine-second wait between clicks, so be selective. But, the earlier you click a tag that becomes popular, the more points you'll earn. Choose wisely!

When you're a Clicker, you can keep an eye on the Tagger Queue to see where you are in line for a turn to post your comments again.

Got a great comment you just can't wait to share? Every player starts with three Emergency Tags to use while you're a Clicker. Just click the red button and submit your comment. And if your clicking skills are strong, you'll earn more Emergency Tags throughout the game.

FAQs

  1. 1. Can I play the game whenever I want?

    You can only play a game of Backchannel when an episode of The Hills is on MTV. Check the schedule for show and game times.

  2. 2. Can I play the game even if I'm not a member of the MTV community?

    You’ll need to register with the MTV community in order to play. It’s technical, and we won’t bore you with all the details, but if you try to play and are not registered it will rain acid and the seas will boil. Luckily it's much easier -- and completely free -- to sign-up and become a member of MTV.com.

  3. 3. How can I tell if any of my friends are playing the game?

    You can find your friends from the MTV.com community friends by searching for them in the Backchannel lobby. Or just ask them. We find that communication is key to a fulfilling and lasting friendship.

  4. 4. If I see a friend of mine, can I message him somehow?

    This is something we’re working on for future Backchannel updates.

  5. 5. Why am I unable to get into the room that my friend is in?

    There are a few reasons why you might not be able to enter a room: 1) The room is full. There is a maximum of 40 players in a Backchannel game room. 2) There is less than 10 minutes remaining in the current game, in which case no players are allowed to enter a room. 3) They don’t like you.

  6. 6. Can I earn more emergency tags?

    Yes, the more points you earn while clicking will award you additional emergency tags.

  7. 7. How many levels are there in the game?

    The highest level is 21, Icon. If you reach that, we put your picture up on the wall at MTV.com HQ. (Not really.)

  8. 8. Can I play Backchannel for other MTV shows?

    Not at the moment. We will be rolling out newer versions of the game in the near future for more shows.