Humans vs. zombies launches battle

Another zombie epidemic broke out Sunday night, and once again, a dedicated group of armed humans wearing armbands has rallied to try to survive the outbreak.

The Humans vs. Zombies game has returned to UNC for the fifth time in three years with another week-long game that begins today.

In the game, zombies, who wear headbands to identify themselves, attempt to tag humans, who wear armbands. If a human is tagged, he or she becomes a zombie.

Stephan Duga, game administrator for Humans vs. Zombies, said the organization holds one week-long game and one eight hour night game each semester.

If a human hits a zombie with a sock or a Nerf gun dart, the zombie is stunned for 10 minutes, a period of time in which the zombie will not be allowed to attack humans.

Head administrator Nick Sienerth said the administrators of the game also set up special missions every night except Thursday, when the winners of the mission can receive bonuses.

This semester’s game will feature some differences from previous years but will appear familiar to returning players.

“Every year we try to incorporate some new elements — different missions, designs — just to keep people coming back, but overall, the game is still the same,” Duga said.

He said one difference this year is that registration will continue until Tuesday at noon, so observers who wish to join the game after it has begun may do so.

He said fewer people have registered for the game than in previous years. As of Sunday afternoon, 230 had registered. Four participants will begin the game as zombies, and the rest will be humans.

Sienerth said some participants spend a lot of time and money on the game. Some buy special Nerf guns with extra firepower.

But Sienerth said players don’t have to spend a large amount of money to enjoy the game.

“A large portion of our base is casual players,” he said. “They can survive the entire game based on stealth.”

Junior Chelse Lang, an avid participant, said she does not spend a lot of money to play.

“I do have a couple Nerf guns of my own, but I don’t go out and spend money on guns and ammo,” she said.

“I’m a college kid. I don’t really have the funds for that.”

Lang said contrary to the popular perception of Humans vs. Zombies that it’s time-consuming, it actually helps her stay focused on her class work.

“I spend so much time indoors during HvZ because it’s a safe zone,” she said. “I get so much work done, because there’s no temptation to walk around and chat with people.”

Lang asked that non-players be patient with those playing the game, and offered advice for those not participating.

“Don’t wear a headband this week.”

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