Zombie invasion becoming campus tradition

by Breanne Brammer, posted Oct. 28, 2011

They have been spotted chasing targets through the lines of Plaza 900 dining hall, running across the Quad and accomplishing missions outside of Ellis Library. If you happened to run into any bandana-wearing and nurf gun-shooting students on campus this past week, there is no cause for alarm. You were a witness of the culture phenomenon of Humans vs. Zombies.

Mizzou is known for its rich traditions; however, campus-wide games of Humans vs. Zombies are more under-the-radar customs. The fall 2011 Humans vs. Zombies game was held Wednesday, Oct. 5 through Tuesday, Oct. 11. It was sponsored by Mizzou Humans vs. Zombies, which is an official student organization.

According to the official Humans vs. Zombies website, "Humans vs. Zombies (HvZ) is a game of moderated tag played at schools, camps, neighborhoods, military bases and conventions across the world. Human players must remain vigilant and defend themselves with socks and dart blasters to avoid being tagged by a growing zombie horde."

Moderators are key to HvZ, and while en route to a mission, moderator Ryan Willis took a moment to explain Mizzou's HvZ.

"No one moderator knows everything," Willis said. "We work in unison."

Willis has played in five Mizzou HvZ games since 2009 because he wants the game to continue. HvZ was created in 2005 at Goucher College in Baltimore and spread by word of mouth and social media sites. It is now played at over 650 college campuses on six continents. HvZ's next goal is to expand to Antarctica but the details are still being worked out.

The HvZ trend is rapidly sweeping the nation and is gaining popularity among some celebrities. Stephen Colbert, television host of The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, has even named HvZ as "the number one threat to America," in regards to the way that most players end up becoming "hooked" to HvZ.

The trend is that powerful. Proof is through fellow Missourians, Chris and Christina Eddleman, who took their love for HvZ to the alter as their wedding theme. Chris was the founder of the HvZ game at Southeast Missouri State University and met his wife, Christina, when they were both players there. One appeal to the game is the bonds that players form with one another.

"Each semester it gets harder, because you know so many players in the game," Willis said. "I know a majority by name and face."

The humans and zombies will be back during the spring semester with their headbands, foam dart guns and warfare. Members of Mizzou HvZ encourage students to transform from a human bystander to a human saving the world from zombies.

"There are three main rules," Willis said. "One, don't be a jerk, because it's just a game. Two, be a smart player, and three, use your head."

For more information on starting your own HvZ game, visit http://hvzsource.com/ or check out Mizzou's HvZ Facebook page.

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