Analysis Paralysis

Analysis Paralysis Digital Game: Development Blog

What is Analysis Paralysis?

In this blog we keep you updated on our progress in developing the digital HR analytics game ‘Analysis Paralysis’. The game provides awareness on data driven decision making. Players gain experience with the common pitfalls and challenges when working with a data mindset. The game helps player to reflect on the importance of a data driven mindset within modern business operating models. The game will be released in July 2020 and is available as an off the shelve product with various licensing models. Are you interested about the game? E-mail us at info@frisseblikken.com and mention Maarten Molenaar.

Week 21 – 2020: Bringing the game art to life

Our second development sprint is underway and most of the game features will be constructed next week. In the meanwhile we are creating the

game’s art for the multiple virtual game rooms. In these rooms the player will search for data sources and clues to finish the game’s challenges. We aim for a realistic style which makes the player feel likes he’s on an executive level floor in a (corporate) office.

Normally shooting pictures on such a location wouldn’t be a problem, but with most corporate offices closed off due to Covid-19 we had to be creative. So how do you create a CEO kind of office when all you have is you own industrial start up place? We tell you all about it in this blog.

Step 1: Sketching the rooms.

The game rooms represent various offices on an executive floor of a fictional corporate.Each room contains data sources hidden in objects that the player must investigate. So the Mise-en-scène must contain multiple objects that we can later connect to the right game elements in our database.

Step 2: Shooting on a set

We then recreated build a set to photograph. What was important here is that we don’t just add the

items that are required for the gameplay, but also some props for decoration or future Easter eggs. Since we didn’t have a CEO kind of room at our disposal we worked with a green screen. This allows us to later add the actual office room.

Step 3: Fit the set photo in an office room

Then we had to find a set of pictures that fit our desired style for an office floor. The database on Shutterstock has plenty of pictures that we could use. We choose three that will act as the main rooms in the game. Since we worked with a green screen we were able to combine both pictures to represent one room.

Step 4: Add user interaction

As a final step our developers can add this picture to the programming and implement it as a part of the interactive game design. The items on the desk (computer, tablet, etc.) will become clickable items where data sources can be analysed by the player. I make this sound easy but it takes a lot of effort to make this convincing. We talk about that another time.

 Week 19 – 2020: Development underway

 This week we went into the first development sprint. The sprint is filled with setting up the core game structure, database and primary flow. Normally the developers (based in Indonesia) work from our office in Yogyakarta. However, because of the precautions as a result of Covid-19, they are also working from home. Even though they are challenged with different hardware and limited Internet they still manage to stay connected and productive. Good job guys!

We have also updated the scope for the Minimal Viable Product which will be released mid-June. This will contain:

• The ability to log in with a company e-mail address (making it possible to hand out company based licenses).
• Setting up a game room as a group leader and inviting others to join your game session via a magic-link (secure but no hassle with passwords). The game is playable up to four players per session.
• Video players for the introduction (and outro) video of the game.
• A waiting room where players gather before the run starts. Here they can choose a name and avatar and select skills that match their personality.
• The CEO-office level where players search for clues, find data sources and play the bulk of the game. This is where the players are challenged to find a explanation for the huge attrition problem within BrightBase (the in-game company) and substantiate these with facts from various data sources to be found in the rooms.
• Dynamic game briefings. Players receive a briefing and feedback based on their progress in the game.
• An algorithm that checks the written answer players provide and assigns a score based on this. This is very interesting since we are able to have players write up a conclusion themselves (in an open field) and our text learning algorithm will scan for keywords to assign a score.
• The scoring mechanism. The game score is made up out of the remaining time the players have in minutes.
• The ability to add customizable data sources. This way we can customize the game based on your companies branding.

In future releases we plan to add:

• The feature to share screens between players (so you can analyse data sources together).

  

• The feature to buy hints by spending game time. Each hint will costs 1 to 2 minutes which is deducted from your end score.
• A feature which can be used by companies to set up game rooms in advance and assign players using their e-mail address.
• Advanced analytics.
• Single Sign On.
• And more..

In our next blog update we will share some results from the first development sprint!

Week 17 – 2020: Defining the Game Features                

After our kick-off last week with our launching clients we now have set up a feature list for the first release of the game in June. We also have drawn up some first visual designs we are happy to share here.

What is the game about?

• The game challenges players to save their companies reputation by providing the correct explanation for disturbing rumours about the organisations welfare.
• This explanation has to be ready within 45 minutes since the companies CEO must provide a statement on a press conference.
• Players must cooperate to separate facts from figures, to analyse data and challenge their own assumptions. Only by working with a fact based mindset can they find the right explanation before the time runs out.

Here are some of the most important features:

• The game can be played with 4 users per game session. Clients can host multiple sessions at the same time.
• Gameplay is provided by an online platform. Communication via your own collaboration platform (skype, MS teams, google hangouts, etc.)
• Players participate in the same virtual room, but can access the various data sources and clues by themselves.
• Optional competition between teams.
• Video’s and game materials are customisable to company requirements.

Also we have set up some first visual designs to gather feedback from our co-designers. We want to go for a slick office style since it represents the board room of a large company.

Week 16 – 2020 : A new project has started

 Welcome to the developers blog for the ‘Analysis Paralysis: Digital Edition’. Last year Fresh Forces launched a white label HR Data analytics game. During this game (which has an escape room setting) players need to solve a company conspiracy by providing the right interpretation to facts. Here is a teaser video of the original physical game. The game provides awareness on data driven decision making. Players gain experience with the common pitfalls and challenges when working with a data mindset. After the game Players reflect on the importance of a data driven mindset within modern business operating models.

And now we go digital! The game was received with a lot of enthusiasm by numerous global operating companies. To make this experience more scalable for our clients, and to provide a solution for remote working due to the COVID-19 situation, we have decided to create a fully digital version of the game. And we have found two wonderful launching clients to launch this project!

This digital version of Analysis Paralysis will be available this summer. The game will become available with different pricing models varying from ‘pay per use’ to an unlimited license. In this developers blog we will keep you updated with our progress.

Also, meet the team!

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