Is the Scrum Game at all useful?

Question

Seriously, is this any help with getting your team to understand and comprehend the practice?

Scrum Game

Answer 1

I don't think so. The best way for getting the team up and running with Scrum practices is to have a good Scrum Master reasonably knowledgeable in Scrum methodology. He/she can create the necessary artifacts for driving the Sprint cycle and educate the rest of the team.

Sprint cycles are easy to get up and running - the basic problem faced by most teams is to be able to manage the cycle when there are incoming requests. Here is where the Scrum Master plays a vital role in ensuring adherence to the backlog.

You generally need 2-3 Sprint cycles before you get comfortable with Scrum for your organization. Playing the game trivializes some of the general and organization-specific complexities that you may have.

Answer 2

You mean the planning game? Absolutly! no planning game, means no story points, and no stories, how will you estimate anything? Estimating is a team sport in scrum..

Answer 3

If you have an scrum leader that understands scrum properly then I don't think a game is necessary.

I don't think the rules of scrum are that difficult to grasp.

Answer 4

I think what you are referring to as the "Scrum Game" is the 4 hour 'training' Scrum that many Scrum trainers recommend 'performing' up front (Ken Schwaber himself recommended it in the ScrumMaster training that I took) to introduce all parties involved to Scrum, the artifacts, and ceremony.

I led a Scrum team for two years, rolling out Scrum in an organization that was not used to change and not at all familiar with Agile software development techniques. The one thing that I would change from the whole experience would be to have had the 'Scrum Game' upfront. For months and months it seemed we struggled with managment and other interested stakeholders that just didn't understand what we were trying to do. If your organization is resistant to change I think the Scrum Game is a great way to 'break the ice' and show everyone what you are trying to accomplish.

Answer 5

The game is necessary if anyone says it is necessary. Different people have different learning styles. Some can't learn without the kind of practice that a game brings to the table. Often, those who say the game is not necessary are individuals who grasp new processes in different ways; sometimes better, sometimes not. One thing is is certain, a game can reveal group strengths and weaknesses that would not show up with any other kind of training.

For the benefit of all involved the game can generate tremendous value.

Answer 6

Bring on the games. Games are the best way to learn almost anything. They provide a safe environment to practice and make mistakes.

Answer 7

I lead the trainings and I noticed that the best form of learning are games combined with discussion of the results obtained. So I recommend playing games.

Answer 8

I believe the scrum game being referred to is this one: http://www.mountaingoatsoftware.com/products/scrum-game