The Shortcut Game (The Serious Gamers)

(This box contains two game boards with all the tokens, thus scaling from 2 to 10 players)

The Shortcut Game can be used to help people in both technical and non-technical roles understand the hidden costs of taking "shortcuts" in work. Consider continuous over-pressure leading to burnout, the price of "technical debt" or the hidden cost of doing essential parts later.

The game is played on a game board where dice and the choices players make determine which tokens they earn along the way and the final score. It then becomes a serious game by reflecting with the players on the metaphors in the game and their relationship to work.

The main topics for reflection are:

• Taking 'shortcuts' in work, often means paying off that debt later
• What are long-term effects if that debt is not paid off
• How does this affect work happiness of your colleagues