GAMEPLAY

December 19, 2013

Player of the Week: Carl Olsen (JasperCottage)

We’re spinning around the globe again this week to congratulate another amazing Player of the Week!

During the month of November, several players stepped up to the challenge of changing the face of men’s health, including this player. Building one of the first “Mustache Gardens” in Australia, this always helpful Munzee garden designer coordinated with all players in his country to build some amazing Munzee gardens for everyone to enjoy. A family oriented and pro-active player in the Munzee Australia groups, Carl Olsen knows what’s important to life, and the game of Munzee: having fun, and spending time with his family! Drop down below the photo to check out this fun and cheeky Player of the Week!

Who are you? JasperCottage

Where in the world do you live? Perth, Western Australia

How long have you played Munzee? I Started playing in July 2012

How did you find Munzee?

My wife Cathy had heard of “that other outdoor game” so we went to Kings Park in the city to look for one to see if it was something that would interest us. The very first cache that we found was at the top of the DNA tower and it had a QR code attached to it as well. I downloaded a scanner and scanned it joining up with the same user name. I then checked the map and we got three more before leaving the park. Initially we played as a team but within a month Cathy made her own user name (HideNSeek) and we take our kids out to Munzee as well!

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

I play both individually and with my family. Some days it is about points and I go capture what I can but it is also great to explore the map, finding a park you didn’t know existed and exploring the city we live in.

It can be a very social game playing with friends or individually depending on what your preference is. The same for how much you invest financially applies too. It’s the versatility of the game and the progressive improvements that make it interesting. I look forward to seeing what secrets are yet to be revealed.

What is on your wish list?

I am very much looking forward to events going live. I have an idea for a Munzee based car rally treasure hunt that i want to structure around the events once they start.

Also new badges to collect – perhaps a place where suggestions for badges can all go to and one or two are selected each month (is there a badge for player of the week? wink wink lol).

Finally with the Business Munzee: I think at the start of each day they should reappear on the map not always stay red once captured for the first time.

Tell us about yourself!

I have taken on the role of building virtual gardens in Perth when an event or something special comes up. It started with FluffyFish creating a virtual garden in Kings park early this year which filled quickly so I did an extension to add more. since then I have created 5 more, including three separate mustache designs and lately a park and the phrase “MUNZEE?” across a central location in Perth.

http://bit.ly/JuHZFL

Over the last 6 months I have had to travel to the Munzee wilderness in Malaysia and the Philippines where I took the unique opportunity of becoming the number #1 deployer in two countries. Now if someone would just go and capture them 🙂

For normal deploys i have no set way or standard that I use. It varies from posts and poles with stickers, to hanging on fences and my favorite ones would be magnets inside the base of statues in very busy areas, and on the back of a pot plant in a vertical garden with semi cryptic clues to find it. I have learnt you need to be able to look like you are tying your shoelace at a moments notice to not look suspicious in certain areas :).

My favorite Munzee moment came from a dare on Facebook in the at about 1am from Rob to deploy a Munzee or he was getting out his “ban hammer”. There is a mystery in Atwell, Western Australia still called “Rob made me do it” to prove who was the victor on the occasion!

Over the next few months I want to work on getting to the elusive 100,000 points mark and my other goal of chasing down and passing the last of the Munzee team that are ahead of me.

Look out coachV I have my sights set on you 😉

Carl was awesome enough to share his Social Munzee with all our readers! Check it out:

If you know a player that should be nominated for Munzee Player of the Week, shoot us a message at iLoveYou@Munzee.com. Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!

December 18, 2013

Have you earned the 12 Days of Christmas Badge?

We’re a few days into the Munzee Twelve Days of Christmas, and we’ve already got a handful of players earning the “12 Days” badge!

Congrats, ReMiKu. You were one of the first players to earn the badge!

Remember folks, you only need to capture 6 of our Christmas specials to earn the badge!

As more icons roll out, all players should notice an increase in icon “hops” -this should improve everyone’s chances of getting out there and cappin’ a special. So happy hunting, have fun, and share the world of Munzee with friends and family this Holiday season!

Update: We also plan to release some additional badges today. Be sure to check your Achievements to see what surprise you’ve earned!

I wonder what this badge could be?

December 12, 2013

Munzee Player of the Week: Rob Verstappen!

If you’re a Munzee player and you’re ever lost in Europe, there’s only one person you need to meet: Rob Verstappen. Lovingly referred to as “Dutch Rob”, “The Rob V overseas” and even “Rob’s other Brother”, Robje64 is the friendly “face” of our European Munzee community. Always helpful, he’s a proactive Munzee player that’s strengthened the Munzee community worldwide, even volunteering to help us with translations for the Munzee app! Now tip your hat to the other Mr. V. and check out this interview below!

Who are you? Robje64

Where in the world do you live? Venlo, Netherlands

How long have you played Munzee? Since Feb 23, 2012

How did you find Munzee?

I was at a Stammtisch ‘caching Event. When I was there I saw the QR code in the well-known green colors. It got my attention right away! Since I always explore new things on my iPhone, I immediately downloaded the app and signed in. I scanned it, and there it was: my first 5 points! From the first day I started playing Munzee, I liked to looked at the map and check out all the Munzee pins out there to capture! In the beginning, there weren’t that many in my area. So I started to look further. Planned a trip to Germany, which included a small “hike”. That hike had many Munzee, and every time I heard “PING” it drove me further, to capture one after another! (Editors note: sounds like Munzee “Madness” to us!)

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

As I played, my passion for Munzee grew and grew. I started to contact people. First Germans, Dutch people and some Belgians. Then it took off rapidly all over the world, contacting Munzee players, networking, and making friends. Time and Friendships swept me up in the moment, before this game, I never thought it possible to meet and befriend so many people.

After a while i got in contact with the wonderful people from MHQ. And not to put too many words on paper, nowadays i try to arrange as much as possible on Munzee stuff as i possibly can. Setting up Facebook groups, connecting with other players, and volunteering Munzee help for new players.

And just another thing i want to point out what i really liked:
Last Friday was my 49th Birthday. I had a 2 days of training at a garrison in the middle of the Netherlands. When I arrived at the garrison in the morning, I was surprised with many Virtual Munzees and Mustache Munzees to congratulate me! How cool is that? 😉

Nowadays, I am fortunate to volunteer testing various projects for Munzee. How involved can one get in the game? It’s super, and I love it! So the most I enjoy about Munzee, is getting connected with lovely people all over the world and being part of this wonderful community.

What is on your wish list?

On my wishlist… hmm… that’s something to think about for a while…

Some suggestions that immediately come to mind:
– Seeing at least 1 Munzee being deployed in every Country around the world.
– Events being well organized, so more people can meet in real life.
– The whats-next-on-the-surprise list from Munzee coming out.
– The possibility to link broken Munzee via the app.

Oh! and visiting Munzee headquarters one day!

Tell us about yourself!

For the ones who don’t know me, my real name is Rob. I am in the Royal Dutch Military at Oirschot, Netherlands (near Eindhoven). I am married to the most lovely wife on this planet, Monique. Here she is below!

Normally when I go out to deploy/capture Munzee, she’s always by my side. Being very supportive, helping out, and just walking together having fun with the game. We joined the lovely people in the Clan Cologne. Going on streaks together and, as most people know me, eating and drinking with all who wants to join! We can all say that Munzee has taken a very important game in our lives. And when you are that addicted you better make sure to have fun as we do!

At home, you can usually find me on my iMac. Creating graphics to share with the Munzee community (Mostly for the Facebook groups)! And of course planning the next trip, discussing with Monique what we want to see or where we want to get most points out of a day.

I’d like to thank all players around the world for being in our lives. No matter if we have met you or not. Every munzee is a feast!
Thanks to Munzee HQ for letting us (not only me, Monique as well) be player of the week. If you meet me in person i have a special Munzee gift for you!

And for this special occasion i also created a new Social munzee. 😉

*President Rob Note* “Dutch” Rob is a really important part of our European player base, noted by his honorary title, European Ambassador. It was a pleasure to meet my “brother” in person on my recent trip to Cologne. I can’t imagine anyone taking more care of the details and organizing a great opportunity to meet so many of our amazing European players. I’m happy to honor Rob for his impact on Munzee today!

December 6, 2013

Celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas with Munzee!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Team Munzee! It’s the Holidays, a time of giving, friendship, and fun. For Christmas 2013, we’re celebrating the “Twelve Days of Christmas” with our players!

One set of icons will be added to the map each day (MHQ time) through the entire 12 days of Christmas. The times will not be announced, it’s a surprise! Each icon will bounce around the map until December 31st, 1500 MHQ. Here’s a breakdown of the icons you’ll see loading to the map each day:

Special icon captures will earn 20 points, and the owner will receive a residual 10 points for hosting the icon. When the icon is capped by one player it bounces to another location somewhere in the world! Players may find a special present under their “Badges” should they capture at least six different Special icons during the Twelve Days of Christmas!

From December 13th-25th of the Twelve Days of Christmas, every capture or deploy is eligible for a unique present! These prizes will be selected at random from player activity during the Munzee Christmas Celebration! Some of the special prizes you can win are: the new 20,000 mah external battery packs available in the Munzee store, the new FitBit Force, Pebble Watch, and a Garmin GPS unit.

If that isn’t incentive enough to “grow the map” this holiday season, here’s something you might like: between December 15th and December 24th, we’ll randomly award Munzee presents for CAPTURES OR DEPLOYS. Every player will have the chance to win Diamonds, Virtuals, Mystery Virtuals, Motels, and Socials. The more you play, the more chances you have to win!

Additionally, Santa comes early on December 24th, as we’ll be giving away 50 one year premium Munzee memberships!

Tis’ the Season to celebrate and give. This December, we’re celebrating our players, giving away some awesome Christmas presents, and wishing you all a happy new year to come!

December 5, 2013

Munzee Player of the Week Spotlight: Kimberly Cole

By now, you know it’s not all about the numbers. The Munzee community grows strong through networking, friendship, and building up a presence in your local (and online) community. This week’s Player of the Week Spotlight goes out to Kimberly Cole, also known as ColesCruising. With a positive Munzee attitude and helpful nature, you’d be surprised to learn this new face in the world of Munzee discovered the game a little over three months ago! Munzee has played an important role in her life, and she’s paid it forward by being a strong presence in the Munzee communities online and real life! Let’s take a moment to meet ColesCruising!

Username: ColesCruising

Where in the world do you live? Harrison, Arkansas (USA).

How long have you played Munzee? -Just over three months, which is why I am shocked to have been nominated!

How did you find Munzee?

I started and admin a Facebook Group called RVers Life for Me. Within the group, one member asked if anyone was into Geocaching. Someone responded and said they hunted Munzee instead. I had no idea what that was but had to know, so I was off to Google. Within minutes I had downloaded the app and haven’t looked back since! It didn’t take long for the addiction to hit and that obsession was infectious. Now my husband (Harry4077) and my daughter (Dux) are playing with me along with my neighbor Doug (DFC1560). In addition, my son and his family are now playing in their area of California!

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

I love that the game is ever-changing, ever-evolving. I am always pleasantly surprised with the new things that are cooked up in the Munzee kitchens and I look forward to each one with the anticipation of a child on Christmas Eve. However, what I love most about the game is what it’s doing to us as a family, and to our health. Playing Munzee has afforded us a chance to do new things and see new places we might not have seen before and it’s given us a sense of purpose. A great reason to get outdoors more, to be more physical and as a result – all three of us have lost weight.

Better yet, Donald’s health is improving. When we married five years ago, I was warned by doctors that I wouldn’t have him very long. You see, Don’s heart works at only 17% of normal and there is no fix for that, short of a transplant.

Yet, through his new activities with Munzee – as well as his medications – he is improving. Two weeks ago, at his cardiology check-up, we learned that he was no longer sick enough to be on the transplant list! Last week, we were in Eureka Springs, Arkansas where CoachV has a number of deploys and I was shocked to see Don climbing stairs and walking hills – things he could not do five years ago – things he would not do six months ago.

What do I enjoy most about Munzee?

I have a stronger, healthier and more vibrant husband. I have a closer and more fun loving family, I’m skinnier and I have met some of the most kind-hearted, helpful, funny and endearing fellow Munzers that I am now proud and honored to call friends – and family.

What is on your wish list?

You might be sorry you asked me that question!

· Expanded Chuck Requirements: 2500 pts, a diamond, a virtual, a mystery AND a motel

· A badge for collecting Social Munzees at 250 collected, 500, 750, 1000 and A badge for how many times your social has been capped (perhaps folks wouldn’t hide theirs any longer)!

· Bumper stickers: “I brake for Munzees” “Munzee Hunter on Board” “Code Hunter: #Munzee” – Growing the map is great, but growing active players to the game is one of my goals as well.

Tell us about yourself!

My real name is Kimberly Cole, I live with my husband Donald (Harry4077), our daughter Kayla (Dux) and Traveler – two year old ShihTzu. We have lived in our RV for the last two years, traveling the country when school is on break, long weekends and vacations and document our travels through our blog site: www.ColesCruising.com.

I have five children, three grandchildren and seven siblings – all spread from corner to corner of the country. This is one of the many reasons we choose to live our nomadic life – it affords us the ability to be in Vermont, California, Alaska, Florida, Arkansas and everywhere in between when one of life’s great events occurs with any of them.

When I began Munzee, my hometown had one Munzee pin on the map. Since then, my husband and I have had our town – and a few surrounding towns – on the Hotspot list a number of times. When I am not Munzeeing, I work as a freelance writer from home and administer more than 10 different Facebook groups online dealing with a number of different interests. I’ve recently taken on the role of admin for the Facebook group ‘The Munzee Trail – A Photo Album’ where all Munzers are invited to share photos of things they have seen while on the trail. In addition, I am now co-admin for the ‘Social Munzee Sharing Group’.

Do you know a player that inspires you, or does their part to grow the world of Munzee? Know a Munzee super-hero, or maybe just someone that makes you smile? If so, send us a message at iLoveYou@Munzee.com with their name, player name, and your info as well!

December 3, 2013

Munzvember Donation Update!

On 12/3/2013, Munzee will donate $15,000 to the V Foundation in honor of the 13,712 Munzvember pins purchased by our players worldwide. Originally, we promised that all profits would be donated directly to the foundation (after business costs, Paypal fees). However, with the amazing efforts and sales we’ve received from Cyber Munzday, we’re covering the business expenses and pushing all sales directly to the V Foundation!

We’re so touched by the amazing charity of all our players, and we’re happy we’ve chosen a foundation that resonates deeply with the Munzee community. We’d like to share two small stories out of many from our player community:

From player WE4NCS:

I am so very proud to see that the Munzvember proceeds from Munzee are going to the Jimmy V Foundation. Jim Valvano was a successful basketball coach at my alma mater NC State University here in Raleigh. My username is an FCC amateur radio callsign but it means We are 4 NC State.

I’ll be deploying some real Munzee near the JimmyV HQ to commemorate the munzee contribution.

I knew Jim in a passing way in that he was always around town as well as his wife Pam. His 1983 NCAA National Basketball Championship was remarkable for many reasons if you know the story. He was such a motivator and had gregarious outgoing personality. His next career at ESPN was where he furthered his legend and his 1993 ESPY speech immortalized him. He passed away just two months after making this speech.

I went to his burial here in Raleigh and wake they held on campus at NC State. I have visited grave several times since. There is no better way to contribute these proceeds than to the JimmyV Foundation.

WE4NCS deployed this Munzee in the parking lot of the V Foundation: http://www.munzee.com/m/WE4NCS/2778/

And here’s an awesome short note from Paul:

I was delighted to learn about the awesome contribution to the JimmyV Foundation. This organization is special to me for several reasons.

Everybody in our community knew this inspiring individual who lived and worked among us. He and my late wife were fighting their battles with cancer at the same time. I’ll always be thankful for what a great encouragement his interviews and articles were to her (and to me).

The JimmyV headquarters in Cary, NC is just a mile from my real estate office. It’s marked with a very modest sign, but each time I drive down that street, I salute it out of appreciation for the men and women who continue in his Spirit, today. Thank you, Munzee staff, for supporting the V Foundation in this important way.

Best regards,
Paul (PFF)

We think this small sample of kind words resonates as the voice of our amazing Munzee community. And again, thank you so much for your support of Munzvember!

December 3, 2013

Announcement: December Clan Wars Special!

A last minute update regarding the December Clan war!

Tis’ the season for Peace and Joy! We’re “dropping our weapons” this month, and spreading holiday cheer!

Here are the new levels for the month of December:

Milk — 10 clan members with 100+ points each

Cookies — 10 clan members with 500+ points each

Presents — 10 clan members with 1000+ points each

The Santa — Well, if you believe in the magic of Christmas and the Holidays, then you know how to reach The Santa! For Munzee, you need 10 clan members with 2500+ points each AND a capture on a virtual, diamond, and a mystery virtual.

Milk, Cookies, Presents, and The Santa Rewards are all still the same (maces and longswords), we’d just like to promote peace on earth and goodwill to our fellow clan members this season! Who knows, maybe Santa has something special lined up once you find him?!?!

November 30, 2013

Give a gift that “Grows the Map!” – Cyber Munzday

Well, it looks like the cat’s out of the bag. It seems we’ve had a few sneaky-sneaky Munzee players snooping around Munzee Headquarters! By now, many of you have seen this mysterious Cyber Munzday flyer:

Well, we’re here to let you know the rumors are true! The holidays are fast approaching, and Team Munzee is here to help you find that perfect gift for the Munzee hunter in your life. We’re throwing a Cyber Munzday sale in the Munzee store, with special deals, new products, and a special new Munzee! Starting at Midnight (MHQT) new products will go live in the Munzee shop, and we’ll regularly update with new special items throughout the day.

Got a “mad deployer” on your Christmas list? We’re offering a new line of Urban Camo stickers for as low as 25 cents each. Check out these clever camo stickers, perfect for keeping your Munzee fun “under the radar”:

Want to go on a Cap n’ Deploy streak, but your phone needs a little extra “oomph” to get you through the day? Well, Team Munzee has a special deal on 20,000 mAH portable external chargers in the Munzee store. A quick stocking-stuffer to get you through any Munzee adventure!

Everyone loves showing some some “Munzee pride” -well now you can with our new T-shirts! Regularly $17.99, we’re offering them for a special price this Cyber Munzday;

The most exciting item on the Munzee agenda will be the midnight release of our newest Munzee type: Mystery Virtuals! That’s right, we’re offering up a Virtual Munzee worth a Mystery level points. If that’s not exciting enough, check out the limited time only price of $2.00 USD! And don’t worry, you’ll have your chance to get a Mystery Virtual, as Team Munzee will regularly re-stock throughout the day.

So, enough with the boring Holiday Shopping Madness, let’s get crazy this Cyber Munzday with Team Munzee!

November 25, 2013

Munzee Player of the Week: Sean Miller

Our players have chased down his socials all over the web. And like a super-hero, he’s chased each of you down and reached out to support Men’s Health with Virtuous Virtuals all over the globe. Always helpful and always smiling, this week’s Player of the Week is player batmanandrobin! Successfully blending the world of Munzee with the world of Music Entertainment with Coxillah.com, Sean Miller can be found at a moment’s notice offering help to his fellow players and engaging our online community with a positive attitude. He’s received the highest number of independent player nominations from the Munzee community, and we’re happy to highlight him!

Who are you?

batmanandrobin aka Sean Miller and Sarah Hitsman

Where in the world do you live?

Petoskey/Rochester Hills Michigan

How long have you played Munzee?

2 years

How did you find Munzee?

When my girlfriend and I started dating to keep our relationship going and keep us doing things together we would go on road trips throughout Michigan. One day we ended up in Mackinaw City and I had remembered where a previously found geocache was and we found a qr code attached to a sign near where the cache was supposed to be. We quickly downloaded and never looked back.

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

I enjoy how it forces me outside of my house and gives me something to do. I also love how I have been able to meet players from around the state and even some from outside.

What is on your wish list?

Most of the things I really wanted to see have come out for me to enjoy, so right now I am very content with the game.

Tell us about yourself!

I used to start playing with my girlfriend but she has since somewhat lost interest in the game. Our real names are Sean Miller and Sarah Hitsman. I am a Junior in college at Oakland University and am a journalism major with a music and world music minor.

My main project I have been working on is my website Coxillah.com (visit and you may find some socials). The theme of the site can best be described as a sort of “Rolling Stone” and also does review and PR work for independent musicians.

My last ongoing project is my music. I have multiple songs in the works involving mainstream music elements and other world music aspects including Afro-Cuban, different African elements and some others that will hopefully combine into a great musical project that can help me pursue my dream as a mainstream musicians making a living off my music.

As a little shout-out to Sean, he’s provided us with a Social he’d like to share with the entire Munzee community:

November 11, 2013

Munzee Player of the Week Spotlight: Elliot Koeppel (1849)

When someone says “Munzee Madness,” one thought comes to everyone’s mind: 1849! You know him as an Authorized Munzee Dealer, the man behind the Munzee Madness Facebook group, several Munzee + Photography websites, and one of our biggest celebrities. 1849, also known as Elliot Koeppel and proprietor of MunzeeMadness.com is Munzee’s Player of the Week.

Get to know the man behind the countless Social Munzees, amazing photography, and awesome Munzee merch’ through the interview below!

Who are you?

1849

Where in the world do you live?

La Habra, Cal USA

How long have you played Munzee?

739 days

How did you find Munzee?

I first heard of Munzee in a couple of logs on one of my ‘caches. Two people mentioned finding it, as well as the Munzee that was located right near by (one of H20Klan’s). So I googled “Munzee”, thought it sounded fun and downloaded the app. I then went out to my ‘cache, found the Munzee and capped it. From that point on, I was hooked!

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

There are several things I enjoy about Munzee. When I first started playing, it was all about the points and trying to get to the top of the leaderboards, I made it as high as #3 for about one day and then settled into #5 spot for a long while. I enjoyed leveling up, hearing the “ding,” and searching out places with lots of Munzees on the Munzee map.

My focus on how I play Munzee has changed a lot since I first started. Now my main focus is on having fun, points really aren’t a motivation any longer. I enjoy getting out to really remote, scenic or historic places and deploying a Munzee to try to lure others out to where I’ve been. I really enjoy combining Munzee with travel and photography, and then posting mini munzee travel blogs on my new website:

www.Cali49.com

There’s something addictive about deploying a Munzee in such remote, beautiful places and then sharing the experience with others.

I also enjoy writing posts for my Munzee Mlog at:

http://mblog.munzeemadness.com/

Have I mentioned BADGES? I love BADGES! I think they are going to really open up a new style of gameplay for the players who are looking for an alternative to only playing for points. I still enjoy getting together with friends and “carpet bombing” a mall, or hitting a power trail and trying to rack up a big daily score, but for me, Munzee isn’t always about the points. It’s more about the sense of adventure, the thrill of the hunt and deploy out in the wilds, sharing experiences and the game with others and trying to grow the map.

What is on your wish list?

I would like to see tons of BADGES added to the game, with the ability for premium members to create one Badge of their own. I’d like to see more special events along the lines of the x-box, the Gold’n Coins, the Hamburger.

I’d really like the ability to contact brand new players I see capping my munzees, so I could help them out, get in touch with them, invite them to local events, etc… (Guess what Elliot, your wish has been granted!!!). If we could do that and encourage the brand new players, I think they would be more likely to keep playing the game. It would be a great way to build a local community of players.

Tell us about yourself!

Most of my Munzee activity is solo, but there are a number of nearby players with whom I regularly go out with to seek and deploy, as well as some long distance (even coachV on occasion)! I enjoy creating Social Munzees, co-hosting the annual Munzee Madness event with H2oKlan, running the http://www.munzeemadness.com site and the new http://www.Cali49.com. Anyone wishing to follow me on twitter, I have two accounts: @CaliFortyNine and @munzeemadness I really enjoy Munzee and being able to combine it with family, friends, travel, photography and then sharing the results with fellow players around the world. I’ve met some great people while playing, both online and in person, and am looking forward to many more years of a great game.

Do you know a player that inspires you, or does their part to grow the world of Munzee? Know a Munzee super-hero, or maybe just someone that makes you smile? If so, send us a message at iLoveYou@Munzee.com with their name, player name, and your info as well!