The Dependency Game is a Serious Game I originally developed together with Dana Pylaeva in 2022 at the Play4Agile un-conference and refined through constant play-testing and invaluable feedback from hundreds of players over the years.
The goal of the game is to deliver maximum value while navigating interdependencies and scarce resources. The game is played by 4 to 6 players, but has been already played by groups as large as 60 people simultaneously.
Each player represents a team or department in a company. Players work together to deliver projects (value work) and create value. Your goal is to earn as many value points as possible together by making the right decisions.
Learn to get unstuck in a playful way!
The impact of dependencies is huge. Dependencies reduce available options to achieve the desired outcomes and increase lead time and risk of delays. Furthermore, dependencies between teams very often lead to tension and conflict, as each teams starts to justify their differing priorities.
The Dependency Game examines team dynamics in a simulated scenario of teams drowning in dependencies. The game’s simple mechanics rely on several sets of dice of different colours and a deck of cards that offer opportunities to deliver value, but require collaboration between different teams.
Beyond the fun of throwing lots of colourful dice, debriefing the Dependency Game will help players reflect on patterns of behaviours that seem to take control of our decisions when dependencies begin to pile up, and uncover potentials that often remain overlooked due to stressful day-to-day situations, internal politics and conflicts.
My Dependency Game workshop has been part of the Agile On The Beach and Agile Tour Vienna conferences in 2023 and the Agile Testing Days conference in 2024. My friend Eddy Bruin has adapted the workshop for the XP-Days Benelux in 2024. I have followed invitations to run the workshop at different companies, meet-ups and open spaces.
Interested to try out the Dependency Game workshop for your next company event?
Just want to play the game? It’s currently not productised, but I’m on it! Until then, please reach out and I’ll be happy to provide you with everything you need for it!