Effective Training and Development through Management Games

Introduction

As the gaming industry continues to grow, game development teams are under pressure to deliver high-quality games that meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding audience. This pressure can be challenging for team members who may not have the necessary skills or experience to develop and produce top-tier games. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using management games as a tool for training and development in game development teams, and how they can help boost productivity and creativity.

What are Management Games?

Management games are interactive simulations that provide participants with hands-on experience in managing virtual organizations. These games can range from simple role-playing exercises to complex simulations of real-world business scenarios. In the context of game development, management games can be used to simulate various aspects of the game development process, such as project management, teamwork, and resource allocation.

The Benefits of Management Games in Game Development

1. Enhances Skill Development: Management games provide a safe environment for participants to practice their skills and develop their knowledge of various aspects of game development. These games can be customized to address specific skill gaps or areas where team members need additional training. For example, a management game could simulate project management techniques to help team members improve their ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
2. Boosts Creativity: Management games encourage participants to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. By providing a simulated environment that allows team members to explore different approaches and strategies, management games can help foster creativity and promote an open-minded mindset.
3. Improves Teamwork: Management games require participants to work together as a team to achieve common goals. These games can be used to build trust and communication within the team, which can lead to better collaboration and more effective problem-solving. By working together in a simulated environment, team members can develop the skills needed to work effectively with others in real-world scenarios.
4. Increases Engagement: Management games are designed to be engaging and fun, which can help increase participation and motivation among team members. When participants are engaged and motivated, they are more likely to learn and apply new skills in their daily work.
5. Provides Measurable Results: Management games can be used to measure the effectiveness of training programs and identify areas for improvement. By tracking participant performance and comparing it to predefined goals, game developers can determine whether their training efforts are having the desired impact.

Case Studies: Successful Use of Management Games in Game Development

1. Ubisoft: In 2019, Ubisoft launched a management game called “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: The Siege of London” to teach its game development team members about project management and resource allocation. Participants in the game had to manage virtual teams and allocate resources to various projects within a simulated environment. The game was so successful that Ubisoft decided to make it available to other game development teams around the world.
2. Zynga: In 2018, Zynga launched a management game called “Zynga Games Academy” to help train its game development team members in various aspects of game design and production. Participants in the game had to complete different challenges and tasks that simulated real-world scenarios in game development. The game was so successful that Zynga decided to make it available to other game development teams around the world.
3. EA: In 2017, Electronic Arts launched a management game called “EA Academy” to help train its game development team members in various aspects of game design and production. Participants in the game had to complete different challenges and tasks that simulated real-world scenarios in game development. The game was so successful that EA decided to make it available to other game development teams around the world.

Summary

In conclusion, management games can be a powerful tool for training and development in game development teams.