2. The concept of money

Fake dollars are the lifeblood of the Free Market. Each guild starts with $100, but the economy is designed to be flexible and dynamic. Prices for items and services are subsidized to make experimentation affordable. For example, a Pinecil might cost $7 in the marketplace even though its real-world value is $25.99. Mini-PCBs can be printed for $10, 3D prints might cost $5, and VPS hosting could be $2.

Guilds can also earn extra fake dollars during the pre-event period. Mini-challenges, CTFs, or showtime bonuses are all ways to top up your funds. You can barter with other guilds, sell services, or even offer workshops for fake dollars. A creative guild that understands supply, demand, and value can thrive without coding a single line, although coding will help you make advanced products or services.