“If you cross into a well-designed game, you cross into a new reality.” — James "Pigeon" Fielder

Stuck on choosing a strategy, or need some team bonding? Gameplay can help you with both! At the Local Government Reimaged Conference in Denver, Dr. James "Pigeon" Fielder, at his keynote session, shared the most important component that games should have in order to be a useful tool to local government leaders. If applied correctly, games can help:

• Expose broken processes.
• Create functional plans.
• Problem solve.
• Team building.

The key factor in successful game-making is creating a space of liminality for the players. The more real the gameplay feels, the closer we can get to seeing scenarios play out in real time. Create an immersive experience and avoid gamification— as players will focus more on the mechanics of the game and scoring. The hyper-realistic experience will help players bond and troubleshoot in real-time, allowing them to address complex issues with low-risk.

See what other other sessions were presented at LGRC, including PowerPoint presentations from the sessions.

About the Presenter

James "Pigeon" Fielder joined Colorado State University as an Instructor after retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel and associate professor of political science at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He also serves as a Marine Corps University Non-Resident Krulak Fellow for academic years 2021-2026, director of professional and educational games for Mobius Worlds Publishing, managing editor of Active Learning in Political Science, associate editor of Simulation & Gaming, and is on the editorial board of The MORS Journal of Wargaming.