Collaborative Team Missions by Maximyz
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
-Helen Keller
We have struggled over the years to describe exactly what it is that we do. The reason is that we do so much. What we do is simple, yet complex. It is more than just a game, or adventure, or experience. It combines many aspects into one. As difficult as it is to explain, we will attempt to do our best with this article.
(If you are not big on reading, just skim the titles and subtitles for each step further down below)
We typically describe it like this:
Our online collaborative adventure is played with teams of 2 to 6 people over a video conference. Each game has a fun theme, such as: "Escape The Aliens", "Find A Hidden Treasure", or "Catch A Spy".
Each player in the game receives a secret and unique link to a webpage on our site with the 'game piece'. Each piece is different for each player. For example, Player 1 might receive a map, Player 2 might receive some symbols, and Player 3 might receive a report. In some cases, they might receive similar pieces that have different information on them, like different pages from the same book.
Since the players are not allowed to see what the others have, they must communicate with each other to try to explain what they have, understand what it means, and how their pieces work together. Through teamwork and collaboration, they work together to find clues, answer riddles, and solve puzzles.
More details of each step are outlined below.
Gather Adventurous Teams
Teams of 2 to 6 people meet together online (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, etc.)
We found that teams of 2-6 people work best. More than that means that not everyone is able to contribute as much. The games typically last between 30-45 minutes. It is best to book an hour to allow time for introductions and review.
Engage Challenging Missions
Each game has a fun and immersive theme and mission
The theme is what makes it fun! You can be lost on a deserted island and have to find a way off. Or catch a diabolical villain. Or you might find yourself on a secret space mission. This is what makes the game engaging and immersive. Having a common goal, also makes the game very collaborative and teamwork-focused.
Receive Puzzling Secrets
Each player receives a different set of information that they cannot display to others on the screen
Since no one sees what the other players have, it forces them to communicate. Here you can observe virtual communication roadblocks. They need all the information from each person in order to solve the puzzle. This makes the game very inclusive. Input from each and every team member is needed.
Devise Robust Plans
The team communicates with each other and works out their roles and a plan
Well, not always. Most of the time they jump right in and start throwing out ideas. The start of the game is usually a bit chaotic and disorienting as the team tries to understand the information they have and how it relates to the goal. Here is where you see skills for leadership, role defining, and planning emerge.
Discover Unique Abilities
Along the way, they learn more about each other
Every person is unique and has their own way of doing things. Some may want to take a leadership role. Others may sit back and gather information. And others may be full of ideas to share. You can easily see each person's communication and work styles as they let their guard down and show their true selves by engaging in a simulated scenario. Find out who has great ideas and listening skills.
Generate Creative Solutions
Working together and exchanging ideas is the path to finding a solution
The best teams take time to listen to each other and consider all ideas. The more ideas shared and generated, the better. Let the creative thoughts flow and observe the process as it unfolds. Here is where they will gain clarity around creativity.
Celebrate Glorious Victories
They are encouraged to celebrate their accomplishments along the way
People don't always take enough time to bask in the glory. For some reason, they tend to focus more on what went wrong and on their worries. There are many opportunities to celebrate even the smallest wins and to congratulate and encourage each other.
Reveal Valuable Insights
After the game is finished, team members can reflect on what they felt, thought, and observed
There are so many things that can be seen in this type of game. Players can reflect on their experience in terms of teamwork, leadership, communication, personalities, problem-solving, decision making, planning, and more!