The Rules: The game is played by assigning each player a target, ensuring that no two people have the same person, and two people do not have each other in a single round. At Maize South, this is done with the help of the Splashin’ app, designed specifically for Senior Assassin and similar games. Players must then eliminate their targets by shooting them with a water gun and recording a video for proof. The video is uploaded to the Splashin’ app and the snapchat group chat, and the person eliminated is no longer in the game. After a Target is eliminated, the assassin assumes their target’s target, keeping the flow of the game moving. Targets are reassigned every four days, to prevent the game from getting stale. This cycle continues until one person remains. Assassinations are allowed anywhere outside of school property and school-related events, student’s after-school jobs, and private property that students do not have access to. Players may choose to wear goggles or floaties, the only way to avoid elimination.
Maize South’s Twelfth Grade class has recently started playing a large water gun assassination game, known as Senior Assassin. The game, beginning in mid september of this year, is played everywhere except for school related events, initiating a thrilling paranoia and funny memories for years to come. This tradition sets a precedent for many Senior classes in the future to venture out of their comfort zone and interact with their classmates.
There are no teachers or district employees involved, placing the game entirely in the hands of the students. Ky Haynes, Maize South Senior and administrator of Senior Assassin, shares his experience as the moderator for the game.
“I’d seen a lot of Seniors in years before start this and kind of get it going, and it looks like a fun thing for our group to do,” Haynes said.. “It’s really interesting because I see all the sides… and so I’m kind of like this mediator.”
To help with the assignment of targets, keeping track of who’s eliminated, and creating rules, Maize South is using an app called Splashin. Haynes says that the app has been helpful in assuring the game runs smoothly.
“I decided to go with the [Splashin’] app because it’s super easy to use and it’s straightforward, and some other schools in surrounding areas use a similar app for their games,” Haynes said.
In order to play the game, each of the 74 total players paid a $5 entry into the prize pool. This accounts for a grand prize of $370 total. Many players are driven to engage more competitively with their peers, and some players have ideas of what the money will be used for if they win. Haynes is out of the fall game, but has an idea of what he will use the money for if he wins in the spring.
“I probably would’ve put it to my college fund” Haynes said.. “[or] I would have put it towards getting a Macbook or some new headphones.”
Players like Cannon Reed, Maize South Senior, joined the game with both the strategy and unimaginable confidence of a true assassin, intending to finish the job quickly, leave no loose ends, and secure the reward. Reed, like many others has a strategy, and unlike many others, has disclosed the secrets of his victories.
“The strategy is basically to always wear your goggles, because you can’t get out,” Reed said.. “Wait till the last day of the round so that it feels safe, and then go get them so they’re not expecting anything.”
Maize South has never played the game before, largely due to strict administration, but recently received approval to implement the tradition for current and future senior classes. Reed expresses excitement about a fun way of getting involved in the community.
“I really like getting involved with stuff in our school, and I really wanted to bring spirit to the school,” Reed said. “I really like doing it because I’ve always liked the thought of just shooting water guns and getting them out, although the cash prize is pretty nice.”
Many of the serious players are confident in their ability to win the cash prize, though a few are nervous about their own odds of winning. While many choose to wear goggles or floaties as a shield, players like Alyvia Herbig worry about being caught off guard.
“I don’t wear my stuff ever, really. I just forget because no one’s ever tried to get me,” Herbig said. “I’m very paranoid that someone’s following me.”
