Gamestorming 2.0

Chapter 3. Gamestorming in Practice

If you want to do anything well, you need to practice. Gamestorming is no different. Like playing a musical instrument, it’s something you do with your body as much as your mind. The more you practice, the better you will get.

In music, it’s helpful to know about certain things, like how to read sheet music, play scales, and keep time. These things can seem like a lot at first, but in time, and with practice, they become second nature.

In this chapter, we will cover foundational concepts and ideas that will be useful whenever you design or facilitate a gamestorming session. Let’s start with energy.

Energy

Everything in the universe starts with energy. Without energy, nothing happens. And in a meeting or event, energy is just as important. In gamestorming, we are talking specifically about the mental, emotional, and physical energy that participants bring when they come to a gamestorming session. That’s the energy you have available, and whether you waste it or use it productively will make the difference between a great meeting and a mediocre one.

Energy can take many forms. Consider a campfire versus a forest fire. They are made of the same thing, but a campfire is controlled and generates heat and warmth, while a forest fire is out of control ...