> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.komo.tech/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Live Trivia (Game Show Mode)

> Run professional live trivia events with moderator-controlled gameplay, perfect for in-venue activations, corporate events, and live shows

## What is Game Show Mode?

Game Show Mode is a **moderator-controlled** version of Live Trivia where:

* **Single question active at a time** - Players see one question, then wait for the moderator
* **Moderator controls the flow** - Presenter decides when to show answers, move to next question, etc.
* **Bridge screens between questions** - Add commentary, sponsor messages, or entertainment between rounds
* **No automatic countdown** - Game proceeds at the moderator's pace
* **Professional presentation** - Perfect for live events with big screens

### Game Show Mode vs Classic Mode

| Feature               | Classic Mode                     | Game Show Mode                               |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| **Question Flow**     | Players progress at own pace     | One question at a time, moderator-controlled |
| **Timing**            | Automatic countdown per question | No countdown, moderator decides duration     |
| **Bridge Screens**    | ❌ Not available                  | ✅ Available between questions                |
| **Moderator Control** | ❌ None                           | ✅ Full control panel                         |
| **Big Screen**        | Leaderboard only                 | Full presentation mode                       |
| **Best For**          | Online/async play                | Live events, venues, shows                   |

### When to Use Game Show Mode

**Perfect For:**

* 🏟️ **Sports stadiums** - Halftime entertainment
* 🏢 **Corporate events** - Team building, town halls
* 🎤 **Live shows** - Comedic or professional trivia nights
* 🎓 **Conferences** - Audience engagement between sessions
* 🍺 **Pubs & bars** - Hosted trivia nights
* 🎉 **Activations** - Brand experiences at festivals/events

**Not Recommended For:**

* Online-only audiences (use Classic Mode)
* Self-paced competitions (use Classic Mode)
* Multi-day trivia (use Classic Mode)

## Setting Up Game Show Mode

### Step 1: Create Your Live Trivia

1. Navigate to your **Engagement Hub**
2. Click **+** to add a card
3. Select **Games** → **Live Trivia**
4. Give it a name and click **Add**

### Step 2: Select Game Show Mode

1. Open the Live Trivia card editor
2. Go to the **Control Panel** tab
3. Find the **Mode** section
4. Select **"Game Show Mode"**

**Important:** Once the game starts, you **cannot** change modes. Choose before going live!

**Mode Selection Screen:**

* **Classic Mode** - Players progress at their own pace
* **Game Show Mode** - Live moderated experience with single question active at a time

### Step 3: Configure Game Show Settings

**Bridge Screens**

Bridge screens appear **between questions** and are unique to Game Show Mode:

**Purpose:**

* Add commentary or host banter
* Display sponsor messages
* Show advertisements
* Entertain audience during transitions
* Explain rules or scoring

**Setting Up Bridge Screens:**

1. Go to **Questions** tab
2. Click **"+ Add Bridge"** between any questions
3. Configure the bridge screen:
   * **Title** - "Round 2 Coming Up!"
   * **Content** - Text, images, or sponsor branding
   * **Duration** - How long to show (or manual advance)
   * **Styling** - Colors, fonts, background

**Bridge Screen Ideas:**

* "Thanks to our sponsor \[Brand] for this round!"
* "Round 2: Sports - Get ready!"
* Funny commentary about previous question
* Score update and leaderboard preview

**Questions Configuration**

Set up questions as normal, but note these Game Show differences:

**Question Timing:**

* **No automatic countdown** - Question stays open until moderator advances
* **Manual answer reveal** - Moderator decides when to show correct answer
* **Flexible pacing** - Spend more time on difficult questions

**Question Types:** All standard Live Trivia question types work:

* Multiple choice (single answer)
* Multiple choice (multiple answers)
* True/False
* Image-based questions

**Scoring:**

* Points awarded for correct answers
* Speed bonuses (if enabled) based on when moderator locks question
* Consistent scoring across all players

### Step 4: Set Up Big Screen Display

Game Show Mode includes **enhanced Big Screen** features:

1. Go to **Big Screen** tab
2. Configure display options:
   * **Question Display** - Shows current question for audience
   * **Answer Results** - Shows answer distribution after reveal
   * **Leaderboard** - Shows rankings (updated per question)
   * **Bridge Screen** - Shows between-question content

**Big Screen States:**

1. **Lobby** - Waiting for game to start
2. **Question** - Current question displayed
3. **Answers** - Answer distribution shown
4. **Bridge** - Between-question content
5. **Results** - Final scores and winners

**Setup for Venues:**

* Connect laptop to venue screens/projectors
* Open Big Screen URL in browser
* Full-screen the display (F11)
* Test visibility from audience seats

### Step 5: Configure Prizes & Communications

Set up prizes as normal:

1. Go to **Prizes** tab
2. Add prizes for winners
3. Configure awarding rules
4. Set up email communications for winners

**Game Show Prize Tips:**

* Announce prizes at start (build excitement)
* Show prize on Big Screen during lobby
* Consider instant prizes for each round winner
* Have a grand prize for overall winner

### Step 6: Test Your Setup

**Critical Testing Steps:**

1. **Test Moderator Flow:**
   * Start game in test mode
   * Advance through questions manually
   * Verify bridge screens appear
   * Check answer reveals work
2. **Test Player Experience:**
   * Join on mobile device
   * Answer questions as they appear
   * Verify waiting states work
   * Check score updates
3. **Test Big Screen:**
   * Display on test monitor
   * Verify all states render correctly
   * Check text size from distance
   * Test transitions between states
4. **Test at Venue (if possible):**
   * Test WiFi with expected audience size
   * Verify screens/projectors work
   * Check audio if using sound effects
   * Run full practice game

## Running a Game Show Mode Event

### Pre-Event Checklist

**1 Hour Before:**

* Hub published and accessible
* Card published and in Game Show Mode
* Test game on moderator device
* Big Screen tested and ready
* Backup moderator device charged
* WiFi tested with load
* Prizes ready to award
* Staff briefed on flow

**30 Minutes Before:**

* Open Big Screen on venue displays
* Set to Lobby screen
* Test moderator controls
* Verify first question loads
* Check bridge screens
* Open QR code for easy joining
* Music/entertainment playing

**15 Minutes Before:**

* Announce game starting soon
* Show joining instructions on screen
* Display QR code prominently
* Build excitement
* Explain prizes

### Moderator Guide

**Control Panel Overview**

The **Game Show Control Panel** is your command center:

**Current State Display:**

* Shows what's currently on player devices
* Shows what's on Big Screen
* Displays current question (if active)
* Shows answer statistics (if revealed)

**Advance Controls:**

* **"Show Question"** - Display next question to players
* **"Show Answers"** - Reveal correct answer and stats
* **"Next Bridge"** - Show bridge screen
* **"Show Results"** - Display final leaderboard

**Safety Features:**

* **3-second cooldown** between actions (prevents accidental skips)
* **Warning if answers still being submitted** (prevents cutting off players)
* **Clear state indicators** (always know what's showing)

**Running the Game: Step-by-Step**

**Phase 1: Lobby (Pre-Game)**

1. Big Screen shows: Lobby with QR code and joining instructions
2. Players join using phones
3. Build excitement, explain rules
4. When ready, click **"Start Game"**

**Phase 2: Question Playing**

1. First question appears on player devices
2. Big Screen shows: Question for audience to see
3. Players answer on phones
4. Watch live answer count in Control Panel
5. When most have answered (or time feels right), click **"Show Answers"**

**Phase 3: Answer Reveal**

1. Correct answer highlighted on all screens
2. Answer distribution shown ("60% chose B, 40% chose A")
3. Points awarded to correct players
4. Leaderboard updates
5. Click **"Next Bridge"** (or **"Next Question"** if no bridge)

**Phase 4: Bridge Screen (Optional)**

1. Bridge content displays on Big Screen
2. Player devices show: "Round 2 coming up..."
3. Add commentary, sponsor messages, or fun facts
4. When ready, click **"Show Question"**

**Phase 5: Repeat**

* Continue cycling through Question → Answers → Bridge
* For each question in your game

**Phase 6: Final Results**

1. After last question, click **"Show Results"**
2. Final leaderboard displays
3. Winners highlighted
4. Announce prizes
5. Thank players!

#### Moderator Best Practices

**Pacing:**

* **Don't rush** - Give players time to answer
* **Read the room** - If players look confused, explain the question
* **Build suspense** - Pause before revealing answers
* **Keep energy up** - Your enthusiasm is contagious

**Engagement:**

* **Comment on answers** - "Wow, 70% got that right!"
* **Encourage players** - "Only 2 questions left, anyone can win!"
* **Use bridge screens** - Add fun facts, sponsor thanks, or jokes
* **Acknowledge leaders** - "Sarah is in first place with 500 points!"

**Technical:**

* **Always have backup** - Second device logged in as moderator
* **Watch the timer** - Don't let questions run too long
* **Check Big Screen** - Ensure it matches what you expect
* **Test audio** - If using sound effects, test volume

**Troubleshooting During Game:**

* **Player can't join?** - Check WiFi, try refreshing
* **Big Screen frozen?** - Refresh browser (game continues)
* **Moderator device dies?** - Use backup device immediately
* **Question has error?** - Skip to next, apologize, keep moving

### Player Experience in Game Show Mode

**What Players See:**

**Lobby:**

* "Waiting for game to start..."
* Your position in queue
* Fun facts or sponsor messages

**Question Active:**

* Current question displayed
* Answer options
* Submit button
* "Answer quickly for bonus points!"

**Waiting for Moderator:**

* "Answers submitted! Waiting for host..."
* Current score displayed
* Fun animations or facts

**Answer Reveal:**

* Correct answer highlighted
* Your result (Correct/Incorrect)
* Points earned
* Current ranking
* Answer statistics ("You were with the 70%!")

**Bridge Screen:**

* Round complete message
* Sponsor content
* Next round preview
* Current leaderboard

**Final Results:**

* Final score
* Final ranking
* Winner announcement
* Prize information
* "Thanks for playing!"

## Advanced Features

**Sequential Answer Reveal**

In Game Show Mode, you can reveal answers **sequentially**:

**How it Works:**

1. Show answer A - "10% chose this"
2. Show answer B - "20% chose this"
3. Show answer C - "**Correct!** 70% chose this"

**Setup:**

1. In Control Panel, click **"Show Answers"**
2. Click **"Reveal Sequentially"** toggle
3. Click through each answer
4. Build suspense before revealing correct one!

**Live Data Feeds**

Display real-time stats on Big Screen:

**Available Feeds:**

* **Leaderboard** - Top 10 players
* **Question Results** - Answer distribution
* **Hardest Question** - Most missed question
* **Smartest Team** - Team comparisons (if using teams)
* **Beat the Expert** - Compare to preset expert score

**Setup:**

1. Go to **Live Data Feeds** in card settings
2. Add feeds you want to display
3. Configure appearance (colors, logos)
4. Display during bridge screens or between rounds

**Team Mode**

Organize players into teams:

**Setup:**

1. Enable **Team Mode** in settings
2. Define teams (Red Team, Blue Team, etc.)
3. Players select team when joining
4. Team scores aggregate

**Big Screen:**

* Shows team rankings
* Highlights leading team
* Creates team rivalry excitement

## Technical Requirements

### For Moderator

**Device:**

* Laptop or tablet recommended
* Reliable internet connection
* Backup device (phone/tablet) logged in

**Browser:**

* Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge (latest versions)
* Disable sleep/screen lock
* Full charge or plugged in

### For Big Screen

**Display:**

* Venue screens, projectors, or large monitors
* HDMI connection from moderator laptop
* 1920x1080 resolution recommended

**Setup:**

* Extended desktop (not mirrored)
* Big Screen URL in browser
* Full-screen mode (F11)

### For Players

**Requirements:**

* Smartphone or tablet
* WiFi or mobile data
* Modern browser
* No app download required!

**WiFi Considerations:**

* Test venue WiFi with expected load
* Consider mobile data backup
* Have IT support on standby
* Limit other WiFi usage during event

## Troubleshooting

**Common Issues**

**"Can't change to Game Show Mode"**

* Game has already started - modes can't be changed mid-game
* Create new card or reset current game

**"Bridge screens not showing"**

* Must add bridges between questions in setup
* Check they're configured correctly
* Verify game is in Game Show Mode (not Classic)

**"Moderator controls not working"**

* Check internet connection
* Refresh page
* Ensure you're logged in as admin
* Try backup moderator device

**"Players stuck on waiting screen"**

* Moderator hasn't advanced game state
* Check Control Panel - click "Show Question" or "Show Answers"
* 3-second cooldown may be active

**"Big Screen not matching moderator"**

* Refresh Big Screen browser
* Check URL is correct
* Ensure same game instance

**"Answers not being accepted"**

* Question may have been locked by moderator
* Player may have already answered
* Check game state in Control Panel

### Performance Optimization

**For Large Venues (500+ players):**

* Use low-bandwidth mode if available
* Limit live data feed updates
* Test with maximum expected load
* Have backup WiFi/network

**For Poor WiFi Areas:**

* Enable low-bandwidth mode
* Reduce image sizes in questions
* Have players use mobile data
* Simplify bridge screens

## Best Practices

**Pre-Event**

* **Test everything** - Run full practice game
* **Have backups** - Devices, internet, moderator
* **Brief your team** - Everyone knows the flow
* **Prepare content** - Bridge screens, sponsor messages
* **Check venue tech** - Screens, audio, WiFi

**During Event**

* **Start on time** - Respect audience schedule
* **Keep energy high** - Moderator enthusiasm is key
* **Engage with players** - Comment on answers, leaderboard
* **Use bridge screens** - Don't rush question-to-question
* **Be flexible** - Adjust pacing based on crowd

**Post-Event**

* **Thank players** - Email or announcement
* **Share results** - Post leaderboard, winners
* **Award prizes** - Promptly and publicly
* **Gather feedback** - What worked, what didn't
* **Analyze data** - Review engagement metrics

## FAQ

**Q: Can I switch from Classic to Game Show Mode mid-game?** A: No. Mode must be selected before the game starts and cannot be changed.

**Q: Can players join late in Game Show Mode?** A: Yes, but they'll miss questions that have already passed. They can join current and future questions.

**Q: What happens if the moderator's device dies?** A: Use your backup device logged in as moderator. The game state is preserved on the server.

**Q: Can I have multiple moderators?** A: Only one moderator can control at a time, but multiple admin accounts can access. Coordinate who is "driving."

**Q: Do players need to download an app?** A: No! Game Show Mode works in any modern web browser on phones, tablets, or computers.

**Q: Can I use Game Show Mode for virtual/online events?** A: Yes, but Classic Mode is usually better for fully online audiences. Game Show Mode shines with in-person crowds.

**Q: What's the maximum number of players?** A: Live Trivia supports thousands of concurrent players. For very large events (5000+), contact support for optimization tips.

**Q: Can I use sound effects or music?** A: The platform doesn't include built-in sound, but you can play music/sound through venue audio system separately.

**Q: Can players see the leaderboard during the game?** A: Yes! Leaderboard updates after each question and can be shown on Big Screen and player devices.

**Q: What if a question has an error?** A: Moderator can skip to next question. Apologize to audience, note the error, and keep the energy up.

## Related Documentation

* [Live Trivia - Classic Mode](/interactive-features/quizzes/live-trivia) - Standard self-paced trivia
* [Running Live Trivia In-Venue](/support-resources/general/running-your-live-trivia-in-venue) - Venue setup guide
* [Live Data Feeds](/interactive-features/features/live-data-feeds) - Real-time displays
* [Prizes and Communications](/competitions-promotions/setup-management/prizes-and-comms) - Winner management

***

**Need Help?** Contact [support@komo.tech](mailto:support@komo.tech) for Game Show Mode setup assistance or live event support.