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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?

DEVELOPMENT

Please reach out to us for support around positioning this game for deeper learning programs and longer engagements. We often find that lighter game sessions can help set up team assessments and heavier reflections that lead to growth.

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