Game Stations

In the KC7 Attribution Challenge, specific tasks must be completed at dedicated stations around the play area. These stations simulate parts of a real-world cybersecurity investigation (e.g. a law enforcement office or an investigative team room) and are designed to give structure, clarity, and immersion to the game experience.

Each station is:

• Physically marked using a desk, sign, or taped-off section of the room.

• Accessible only by specific roles—students must respect role boundaries.

• Optional to staff, but benefits from having a facilitator present to guide actions and adjudicate responses.

⚠️ Important: Players must walk to and interact with stations physically. This encourages movement and gives students a clear mental map of how the investigation space is laid out—similar to a real incident response operation center.

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🗺️ Station Summary Table

Station	Who Can Use It	Purpose	Facilitator Needs
Arcade	Analyst, Investigator	Solve puzzles to earn points	Validate solutions, issue codes
Investigative Committee (Includes Database)	Investigator, Case Manager	Submit puzzle answers, ask questions, receive evidence or points	Must role-play “committee” and track point codes
Law Enforcement	Case Manager only	Submit referrals naming responsible actors	Accept referrals, judge evidence quality
Chat Booth	Investigator + Case Manager	Negotiate with ransomware actor for clues or reductions	Optional: run bot or scripted negotiation

🧱 Station Setup Tips

• Signage: Label each station clearly so students can identify it from a distance. You might use printed signs, posters, or small whiteboards.

• Barriers or Lines: Use tape or markers on the floor to show where students should stand and wait. This adds structure and minimizes crowding.

• Staffing: If enough adults are available, assign 1 facilitator per station. If short-staffed, 1–2 facilitators can float, prioritizing the Investigative Committee and Arcade stations.

• Props (Optional): Feel free to add decorative elements (e.g., a clipboard at Law Enforcement, a “CASE FILES” folder at the Committee) to make each station feel distinct and thematic.

🧾 Rules for Interaction

• A student may only visit a station if it is allowed by their assigned role.

• Students must queue respectfully and wait their turn to interact with a station.

• Each station can only interact with one student or pair at a time.

• Submissions should be made using pre-filled forms, written responses, or verbal summaries (as defined in the facilitator packet).

• The facilitator at the station will evaluate the interaction and, if appropriate, issue a points code for the team to enter into KC7.