Serious games are gamified simulations of real-life problems people use to learn faster.
The modern workplace requires autonomy, accountability, creativity and ability to make quality decisions on the complex problem fast. To enable that people need to understand the problem and not just to know facts.
Here comes the tricky part. Understanding requires experience and failures that are a source of improvements. This often takes time, not to mention the failures we tend to avoid altogether.
This is where serious games are handy. It’s like when an army organises simulation of combat to prepare soldiers for the real fight. In an office workplace, we may simulate a process, train mindset, or to practice the craft.
Maybe you have heard about Lego Scrum, a serious game which simulates challenges of developing a product. Situations you would encounter in a period of many months, you can experience here in only two-hour simulation. This provides you with the advantage to get ready or avoid it altogether.
Software engineers are familiar with so-called coding DoJo — a simulation of a small problem where engineers practice skills to improve their craft.
There countles variety of such serious games — to improve leadership skills, self-organisation, ability to have a holistic view, understanding of Agility, etc.
Take a look at what Karl Kapp has to say about the matter!
Play14 Prague - Serious Games 