the science of play at work
Scattergories
Race against the clock to come up with unique and creative answers
PLAYERS
Minimum:
2
Maximum:
12
Ideal:
6
EXPERIENCE
Duration:
Short
Physical:
Yes
Virtual:
Yes
CLASSIFICATION
Genre:
Word
Dynamic 1:
Dynamic 2:
Applied Knowledge
Speed
COMPLEXITY
To Play:
Simple
To Setup:
Simple
To Custom:
Simple
MATRIX
Instinct:
Think
Intent:
Why
BONDING
Materials
VIRTUAL SETUP
+ paper
+ writing utensil
+ topic cards
+ letter generator
+ timer
You can also buy the physical copy here.
Physical Setup
First, supply each player with the same topic card and writing materials
Next, determine the starting letter for the round
Finally, begin the timer
Virtual Setup
There are virtual programs and tools to facilitate, like this one. Or create all the pieces and present them via screen share.
Gameplay
Listing Words: Once the clock starts, players jot down 1 word for each topic on the card. All words must start with the featured letter for it to count.
Reveal: When the time ends, players share their words for each topic. Unique and accepted answers gain one point. Matching or unaccepted answers get nothing.
Endgame: After a series of rounds, the player with the most points wins.
Variations
Scattergories Variants: the creators have produced several other ways to play, such as Scattergories Catergories
Double Down: players may score 2 points if they can think of a 2-word answer that uses the first letter twice (i.e. Daffy Duck). The group can decide how lenient they are with double rules.
Team Relay: Instead of individual word lists, teams set up in a line and think of 1 word before passing it to a teammate. The first team to finish all the words gets a bonus point.
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
Think
Position the reflection around rational planning and communication methods:
Did this game illuminate any patterns in how you give and receive information?
How might it be helpful to know the preferences and tendencies of your colleagues?
Could your team benefit from additional or more diverse perspectives?
Why
Position the reflection around the purpose of playing as a collective group:
Did certain players enjoy the game more than others? Why or why not?
Why did you engage the way you did? Would anything have helped increase your engagement?
Did the outcome surprise you? Why or why not?