Humans vs. Zombies (HvZ) is a live-action game predominantly played at US college campuses.

In some cases, if a kill is not made within a set time period, Zombies "starve" and are removed from the field of play.

Almost all players begin the game as humans, and must keep their ID cards with them at all times in case a zombie attacks them.

According to the Goucher rules, certain methods of eluding zombies are strictly forbidden; these include use of a car or leaving campus for extended periods.

To draw zombies into the open and increase the speed of the game, humans can undertake "missions" with varying objectives.

If a zombie is hit with a human's dart or sock, they are "Stunned" for fifteen minutes and cannot interact with the game until that time is up.

[6] Since Humans vs. Zombies can last for days, rules establish "safe zones" where gameplay does not take place, and where players can stop participation in the game for a certain period.

Safe zones include dorm rooms, bathrooms, dining halls, Academic buildings, Health centers and other such places.

Some colleges also consider a "wheel rule" where players are in a safe zone if they are on a skateboard, bicycle, or wearing rollerblades.

Under the original rules, however, all Humans must sleep on-campus and being away for longer than 24 hours warrants automatic death or removal.

Humans vs. Zombies games have at times come under scrutiny by concerned members of communities in and around colleges.

Goucher College and other universities playing the game came under particular scrutiny after the Virginia Tech shootings in 2007; reporter Laura Wexler of The Washington Post stated that since the games are occurring in the midst of several shootings, "[there has been] a heightened sensitivity and fear, and desire to prevent such occurrences.

[8][9] Goucher college president Sanford J. Ungar released a statement saying: It is unfortunate that the latest round of "Humans vs. Zombies" was playing itself out on the day of the events at Virginia Tech, and it is true that the student organizers of the game must be more vigilant about keeping it from interfering with classes and disrupting the daily lives of those who would prefer not to be involved in it.

[10] In response to these complaints, game moderator Max Temkin said, "It's unfortunate that people feel threatened at Goucher.

Many players wear BDU, tactical vests, and camouflage clothing of myriad patterns and designs.

[6] Many campuses who responded negatively following the shootings have since repealed the Nerf bans, though, like the students frustrations, others have remained in place.

"[13] Some students felt that these remarks were inaccurate, as many of the players of the Ball State Humans vs. Zombies game are women.

At Bridgewater State University, the second 2013 Fall game was suspended and later cancelled after a participant was arrested for suspicious activity.

The Humans vs. Zombies club at some universities such as UMBC takes this further and enforces responsible behavior from their players.