Collaborative Games

Definition

Collaborative Games are structured activities used to facilitate collaboration and surface hidden information, assumptions, and preferences from stakeholders in an engaging and participatory way. By creating a game-like environment, they encourage creative thinking, open communication, and equal participation — often producing insights that traditional meetings and workshops do not.

Inputs

• A defined facilitation objective (prioritization, ideation, risk identification, or shared understanding)
• A prepared game format appropriate to the group and goal
• Diverse stakeholders willing to engage in a non-traditional format
• A facilitator comfortable managing group dynamics in an informal setting

Outputs

• Prioritized requirements, features, or options based on stakeholder choices
• A shared understanding of product vision, goals, or constraints
• Identified risks, impediments, or improvement opportunities
• Inputs to requirements, backlog, or roadmap decisions

When to Use

• Prioritizing requirements or features when stakeholder preferences are unclear or conflicting
• Defining a shared product vision at the start of an initiative
• Identifying risks, impediments, or improvement opportunities in a retrospective
• Building shared understanding among a diverse group with different mental models

When Not to Use

• Stakeholders are unwilling to engage in non-traditional formats
• The output required is a formal document rather than shared insight
• When time constraints make facilitated games impractical
• Highly sensitive topics where a game-like format would feel inappropriate