Welcome to my first issue of Dual Class! This column will
focus on the many important business skills that can be honed and practiced
through role-playing. Some articles will focus on topics relating mostly to the
game leaders, while others with highlight things to think about as a player. All
of these topics will illustrate how important role-playing can be as an
educational tool or method for self-discovery. It can reach out to students and
adults who learn more effectively in non-traditional, engaging formats. As
boring as some of that might sound, I will do my best to make these articles as
entertaining as they are informative.
If role-playing has only taught me one thing, it is the
importance of a strong concept and setting for your game. Sessions can be
unpredictable, and players can ruin all of your plans, but a strong underlying
force that keeps moving forward regardless of what happens round to round will
help keep your narrative alive. Too often have I seen game leaders frustrated
with the outcomes of their sessions. It’s almost as if the game leader has
built an amazing sandcastle just so the players can find every way to push it
over.
I challenge game leaders to first establish the mission of
their campaigns. While a good time is usually part of the mission, the tone and
long term goals of the party should also contribute to the overall vision for
your game experience. Armed with a clear mission and a strong understanding of
the game system, you will be well on your way to being prepared for the
sandcastle to be kicked. It’s amazing what a little written down direction can
do for you when you’re in an unexpected situation.
As a game leader in the past, I gave my players some simple questionnaires
and took some time with each of them to understand their play style and goals. From
there, I was able to craft a mission and vision for the group long term. In a
role-playing situation you won’t reveal everything about your plans, but it is
paramount to understand the wants and needs of your players. Peppering your own
idea for your campaign’s direction with the things that make individual and
groups of your players excited keeps them engaged and leaves them wanting more.
In business, all companies start with a mission. Something
has been identified as needed to be done, and the company works toward that
need. I’m currently in my capstone class for business, called Business
Strategy, and it was amazing how a simple mission really helped us to focus our
conversations. My team is participating in a Glo-BUS business simulator with 11
other teams, and so far we are ranked 2nd out of all participants. I
would contribute most of our success to that first meeting where we clearly
laid out our mission. Every decision we make per week passes a simple test; “does
this decision support our mission?” From that frame of mind we are able to
blaze through the hundreds of decisions we have to make in record time while
exceeding our shareholder expectations. I wouldn’t be nearly as comfortable
with this exercise if it wasn’t for all my work as a game leader.
Gamers United!
Cavin “Pox” DeJordy
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