The Da Vinci Code Web Quests - The Google WebQuest

The Google WebQuest

On April 17, 2006, Google launched its own Da Vinci Code-related quest, based around the release of The Da Vinci Code's film version. It was created in coordination with Sony Pictures, and was called the Da Vinci Code Google Quest, an online series of puzzles with a prize offered to those who answer all 24 puzzles correctly. Participants were required to sign up for a Google account in order to play.

The first part of the puzzle ended on May 11, 2006, with those who qualified as finalists continuing to play until May 21st.

In the USA the first 10,000 people who finished all 24 puzzles on May 11th, 2006 and successfully registered for the final contest received a Cryptex Replica with a scroll inside, containing a URL to the final puzzle (the code to open the cryptex was "GRAIL", and only the last 2 letters were necessary). The final puzzle was released on May 19th, 2006 at approximately 1:00 pm EDT, and was based on a 48 hour time limit from when the individual started the timer (logged into the site to start their puzzles). The finalist with the shortest time to complete all five puzzles was to be declared the winner. Had this phase not produced a definitive winner, the quest would have entered a final phase involving an essay challenge.

Within the USA, the prize was substantial, with an estimated retail value of US$128,170.54 and included:

• First-class round-trip air transportation for four (4) to New York, Paris, Rome and London courtesy of Orbitz.com. (Approximate Retail Value (ARV): $97,000.00)
• Four (4) nights deluxe hotel accommodations and ground transportation for four (4) at each travel destination courtesy of BooksAMillion and Frommer's. (ARV: $16,600.00)
• Four Leisure Select return tickets from London to Paris and London to Avignon courtesy of Eurostar. (ARV: $5,797.24)
• One (1) Sony 40" BRAVIA S-Series LCD HDTV Television (ARV: $2999.99)
• One (1) Sony VAIO VGN-TX770P/B Notebook computer (ARV: $2,599.99)
• One (1) Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N1 Digital Camera (ARV: 499.95)
• One (1) Sony Platinum DVD Dream System (model DAV-X1) (ARV: $799.99)
• One (1) Sony NV-U70 Portable Navigation System (ARV: $599.95)
• One (1) Sony DPP-FP50 Digital Photo Printer (ARV: $149.95)
• Four (4) Sony Walkman Core MP3 Players (ARV $639.80)
• Four (4) copies of the Frommer’s Guide Books and Day by Day Guides to New York, Paris, Rome and London. (ARV: $483.68)

Estimated retail value for grand prize and finalist prizes was $428,170.54

Outside the USA there were various prize packages and rules for different countries. All those who successfully completed all 24 puzzles before the closing date for that country were entered in a prize draw with prizes ranging from a set of Da Vinci Code Top Trumps cards to illustrated copies of The Da Vinci Code.