This is the top-level page for a developer.* Cooperative Digest online book that will collect a number of software development team-building games and simulations. Often these types of activities are undertaken in order to:
Readers should not take all this too seriously. They are all games, after all (though games and simulations can be powerful tools). Not all games will appeal to everyone or fit all situations. Not all will have any particular purpose other than fun.
This online book is an open collaborative effort. If you have any thoughts or suggestions about a particular game, or about this top-level page, feel free to use the comment forms. If you would like to contribute a game, please
.
Each game is copyright (c) by the designated author(s). Submission of a game to the Cooperative Digest grants developer.* the right to publish the content on the developer.* web site for an indefinite period, and to make minor edits for formatting, grammar, and readability. All other and future rights are retained and reserved by the original author.
[Editor's note: Click here for the top-level page of this collection of software development team-building games, simulations, and exercises. You can also use the next, previous, and up links to navigate the structure.]
By Donna L. Davis
The Purpose
Is your software development team bored, discouraged, or stressed? Take a break - play a game. Modify the options to suit your environment as desired.
The Abduction
You and two coworkers are abducted by force and locked in an empty office building. Fearing for your lives, you immediately begin plotting your escape. The door suddenly swings open, revealing your supervisor dressed in black. He explains that you’ve been selected for an extreme team building exercise that will last through the weekend.
The Reward
To make up for the traumatic experience, not to mention a blown weekend, he explains that if you successfully complete the challenge, each of you will be awarded an all expenses paid week-long vacation for your family to a destination of your choice (along with the time off and $1000 spending money).
The Caveat
Your supervisor clarifies that while team members are free to leave at any time, if any one team member abandons the challenge, none of them will receive rewards.
The Challenge
Your supervisor says that the challenge will involve software development and details will follow. Without knowing exactly what the challenge entails, he hands out a piece of paper to each team member with 25 items listed.
The Rules
The Resources
1. ____ Unlimited Starbucks coffee
2. ____ Unlimited pizza
3. ____ Unlimited Chinese food
4. ____ Unlimited salad and fruit
5. ____ Access to any Microsoft products requested
6. ____ Access to any open source products requested
7. ____ High-end Windows-based laptops for all team members
8. ____ iMacs for all team members
9. ____ PDA’s for all team members
10. ____ Printer (1)
11. ____ Paper (printer paper and notepads), pencils, markers
12. ____ Big-screen TV with premium cable channels
13. ____ Telephone
14. ____ High-speed Internet connectivity
15. ____ Access to any APress books requested
16. ____ Sleeping bags and pillows
17. ____ Toiletries: tooth brushes, tooth paste, antiperspirant, wash cloth, soap, and towels
18. ____ Comfortable chairs
19. ____ Breath mints and chewing gum
20. ____ Fresh drinking water
21. ____ External, USB attached hard drive
22. ____ One third-party software product of your choice
23. ____ Access to any of your in-house developed code
24. ____ Access to your in-house templates, policies, and procedures
25. ____ Cigarettes and/or beer
Copyright (c)2005 by Donna L. Davis