For the next few weeks, about 250 students will don the unmistakable apparel of zombie hunters: green bandanas, Nerf dart belts, Nerf guns - one to several, depending on the dedication a given player has - balled-up socks, a keen awareness of their surroundings and shifty eyes. They'll stalk the streets and sidewalks throughout campus, looking for victims or food. It'll last until there is one remaining survivor.
The fifth installment of the zombie apocalypse at Ball State University- we call it Humans vs. Zombies- is under way. That means students will be caught in the middle of a large-scale game of tag while they navigate their way to class, work or wherever they may be going.
While simulating a scenario in which the undead walk the earth in search of sustenance is no joke (there will come a day when people finally realize the inherent value of "The Zombie Survival Guide"), the game is fun. Some students complain about having to weave through the players on the street or being interrupted when eating lunch outside. But, with a few exceptions, it's not a big deal. Let people have fun.
If it's not your scene, that's fine. But don't try to ruin someone else's fun because it may cause you a minor inconvenience. Being hit with a Nerf dart shouldn't elicit anger. It's foam. Calm down.
That being said, players - humans and zombies - need to be respectful of people who chose not to participate. Don't play in buildings. This is a learning institution and people are trying to get work done. If a group of students decided to play a pick-up game of football where you have your meetings, you'd probably feel disrespected.
Don't have a massive shoot-out on a populated sidewalk. The darts are just foam and they won't hurt anyone, but annoying is annoying. If you bump into someone or hit them with a dart, apologize. Don't point your guns at people who aren't playing. Some people are uncomfortable having guns - real or fake - waved in their faces.
It takes both sides being courteous to make the game work. It has the potential to be a huge distraction for some, given the right circumstances. If players use common courtesy, there shouldn't be problems. But that doesn't mean there won't be a few accidents. People may get bumped into by players or hit by stray darts. Should that happen, get over it; accept the apology and be on your way. Worse things have happened.
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