Tips on introducing games-based experiences to foster greater discussions and outcomes

Created by Lizzie Magie in 1903, The Landlord’s Game was a precursor to the popular board game Monopoly.

Initially designed as a tool for social and economic education, it aimed to illustrate the negative consequences of concentrated land ownership and monopolies. It was intended to teach players about the economic concept of Georgism. This theory argued that land rent should be heavily taxed to prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.

Playing The Landlord’s Game exposed players to the potential dangers of unchecked capitalism and unequitable  land distribution. While the game later evolved into the popular version we know today, its roots in social commentary and economic critique remain evident.

Tips on introducing games

Games can be a great tool to get stakeholders immersed and involved in projects. But the idea of creating or playing a ‘game’ in a professional setting might be met with skepticism.

• Frame games as learning tools: Emphasise the benefits of games. How they help people understand things better, feel more connected, and get creative. Show how games can unlock valuable insights and perspectives.

• Start small and build trust: Begin with simple games to show the value of play. The main goal isn’t about creating a complex, polished game. The value and focus should be on the process of designing and playing the game, rather than creating a complex, polished product.
• Tailor games to specific challenges: Choose games with rules and constraints that match the problems you’re trying to solve. This will make it clearer how the game will help with your project’s goals and allow players/stakeholders to relate to the subject matter and mechanics of the game.
• Involve stakeholders in the game design: Get stakeholders involved in helping create the rules or goals. This will help them feel more invested in its development and success.

Tips on creating game-based experiences

• Define your objectives: What are the goals of the project? What specific outcomes do you and your team hope to achieve? Are you conducting research and aiming to communicate findings? Are you testing a new policy or approach? Are you trying to facilitate discussions around a particular topic? Your objectives should guide the development of the game and shape the gameplay experience.
• Get buy-in: Gaining buy-in from your entire team (including senior stakeholders) is crucial for creating a successful game experience. Involve folks in the process from start to finish. This helps you ensure the game resonates with your intended audience and creates a shared sense of ownership
• Select game elements: Choose game mechanics, rules and characters that align with the project’s objectives. Consider how these elements support project goals and create meaningful experiences for participants. Tailor the game to your specific needs, but avoid unnecessary complexity.
• Prototype and test iteratively: Collaborate with your team and key stakeholders throughout the development process. Gather feedback on the game’s relevance and effectiveness in achieving its intended goals and refine. Make sure to test the full game and plan ahead for testing, because it may take some time.
• Consider the visuals and name: Visuals play an important role in immersing players in the game world and creating lasting impressions. Choose a visually compelling style that aligns with the project’s theme, tone, and content.

Final thoughts

The most important thing I’ve learned is that the goal shouldn’t be to have a game.

The value is in the process of both creating and playing games. It’s a mode of unlocking conversations, collaboration, creativity and more. It’s also important to consider whether a game will align with your team’s goals- and whether the benefits justify the effort.