By Harry Mackin

We don’t often think of them this way — probably because it makes them sound suspiciously like homework — but every game is a kind of teaching tool. The mechanics of the game are a metaphor for the lessons that game means to impart. Succeeding at the game means internalizing these lessons.

But the thing about games that separates them from mere lesson-imparting devices is that they aren’t fundamentally prescriptive. There isn’t necessarily one, overarching, inescapable moral of the story handed down from the creators to the players. Instead, players are invited to “read” the game themselves, bringing their own experiences and understandings into it.

The way the player’s pre-existing understandings collide with the curated experience of a game creates something that’s more than the sum of its parts. Different players take different experiences and lessons away from their time with the game.

This unique interaction means games can function as a kind of meditative tool for reaching a deeper understanding of all kinds of facets of our lives — and ourselves. For example: When I play board games, I often find myself applying the “metaphors” I’m learning through the game-play back to marketing. I’ll come away from a game bursting with inspiration about new approaches I can take to my work.

Is this a healthy, non-obsessive way to enjoy a hobby? Well…

But! Do I find it fascinating and legitimately, professionally helpful? Absolutely!

Will you find it helpful? I have no idea! All I can do is relate some of the big marketing takeaways I’ve had while playing some interesting board games recently. The rest is up to the game you’re playing and you.

1 — Catan

In “Catan” (formerly called “Settlers of Catan”), players take turns attempting to develop their own societies on the fictional island Catan by gathering and trading resources and then using these resources to build settlements, roads, and other developments. Players gain one “victory point” for each settlement they have established and two points for each city, while other achievements such as building the longest road grant points, as well. The first player to reach ten victory points wins.

The surest path toward victory in Catan is to have a plan in mind as soon as you start. Work backwards from victory, understanding exactly what you need to win and strategically accumulating the resources and carefully planning your settlement’s development to make that victory happen. Sound familiar?

Marketing — and especially B2B marketing — like Catan, is all about planned scalability. It’s not enough to know what you need to be successful now. Instead, you need to know exactly how you’re going to leverage your early wins for greater success down the line. What is this ad campaign going to turn into? Where is that road you’re building going? You’re not over-investing in sheep again, are you?

“B2B marketing is all about planned scalability. It’s not enough to know what you need to be successful now. Instead, you need to know exactly how you’re going to leverage your early wins for greater success down …read more

Source:: Top Rank Blog

      

Author: Aaron