the science of play at work
Fictionary
Expand your vocabulary and bluff your way to victory
PLAYERS
Minimum:
3
Maximum:
10
Ideal:
6
EXPERIENCE
Duration:
Short
Physical:
Yes
Virtual:
Yes
CLASSIFICATION
Genre:
Party
Dynamic 1:
Dynamic 2:
Communication
Betting / Bluffing
COMPLEXITY
To Play:
Simple
To Setup:
Simple
To Custom:
Simple
MATRIX
Instinct:
Feel
Intent:
How
BONDING
Materials
VIRTUAL SETUP
+ Dictionary (the older the better)
+ paper for each player
+ writing utensil for each player
Physical Setup
First, determine the order of when players will pick words from the dictionary (i.e. clockwise starting with the youngest).
Next, equip each player with paper and writing utensil.
Finally, give the dictionary to the first player.
Virtual Setup
Fictionary is a very simple game that requires very few physical materials. Words and definitions can be pulled from any agreed upon online source. Players can submit their entries by private message to the round's word caller. There is also an app version called Psych, as well as a similar online game called Fibbage by Jackbox Games.
Gameplay
Round 1: The first player looks through the dictionary and chooses a obscure word. As they announce the word to the group, all players write their best definition for the word, except for the word caller, who writes the real definition. When everyone is ready, definitions are passed to the word caller, who shuffles and reads the entries in random order. Once all the definitions have been read, the word caller asks people to vote for which entry is the correct definition. Whoever wrote that entry gets 1 point. Players who guess the correct definition also get 1 point.
Round 2+: Play continues with the next word callers, who follow the same process until everyone has chosen a word. At this time, players decide whether to do another full circle of words. 1-2 words is generally recommended based on the size of the group.
Endgame: Once the group stops playing, points are tallied and the high score wins the game.
Variations
People, Places, and Things: Instead of selecting words from a dictionary, widen the base of words to people (one phrase about who they are), places (one phrase about where it is), and things (one phrase explaining what it is). The prompt should specify definition format so that entries are similar in nature.
Pulse Check
Q. Does everyone seem open to keep playing? Are the disengaged able to be more engaged?
Q. Are people having fun — smiling, laughing, in deep thought?
Q. Do you hear productive strategizing about how to improve round-to-round?
BUILDING
Feel
Position the reflection around sensory and emotional responses to certain options or ideas:
Were you satisfied with the level of engagement from your team members?
What made you feel respected and valued during the game?
When did the game have the most energy? The most tension?
How
Position the reflection around pathways and resources for accomplishing goals and future growth:
How did the team organize itself around the rules and objectives?
Did conflict or miscommunication affect the game? How might you address that for next time?
Would more time, people, or resources have shifted the team's approach? How so?