The organizers of the NASAGA 2010 Conference have teamed up with HRDQ, a leading publisher of experiential resources for organizational learning, to bring you the second-annual NASAGA Game Design Competition. With the goal of encouraging and rewarding innovation in game design and application, the winning entries will be showcased at the annual NASAGA Conference in Vancouver, October 13-16, 2010.

COMPETITION RULES

1. This competition is open to members of NASAGA. Entries may be submitted by individuals, teams or organizations, and may include previously published games.

2. A game is defined as a structured learning activity designed for multiple players, with rules, competition or cooperation, and an outcome or goal that can be measured or scored.

3. Intellectual property rights (copyright) will remain the sole property of the authors.

4. The judging panel will comprise members of NASAGA selected by the 2010 NASAGA conference organizing committee and the publishing team of HRDQ. The decision of the judging panel is final.

5. Designs must be tested prior to submission. Ideally, test the game on a minimum of two independent peer or learning groups, and include in your submission any feedback or comments from this. If possible, have a third-party trainer deliver the game and record the results. Include with your submission the following information:

• Background for topic and training need
• A brief description of the game and the mechanics of play
• Game components
• Expected learning outcomes
• The intended learning audience
• Clear and concise instructions for facilitator and participants
• Please indicate if you would like HRDQ to consider you entry for publication

The judging panel will reward games where the following characteristics are present:

1. Original: The game must be unique, and not derived from an existing or previously published game by a different author.

2. Real-World Relevance: The game helps participants learn skills and concepts that are applicable to the workplace and the roles in the game relate to easily recognizable real-world counterparts.

3. Criterion Reference: Any scoring system included in the game design rewards achievement of the performance objectives rather than chance occurrences. And mastery of useful skills and knowledge is apparent to the participants.

4. Effective Instructions: Clear and concise instructions are provided for both facilitator and participant.

5. Ease-of-Use: The game can be facilitated out-of-the box by trainers with experience facilitating interactive training.

6. Time-sensitive: A trainer or facilitator of average ability should be able to use the game without having to devote excessive time to preparing the materials or learning the rules.

7. Appropriate Frame: The design uses an appropriate structure for the instructional objectives, participant characteristics, type of learning, and intended use.

8. Flexible Format: The game design permits easy modifications to suit local resources and constraints in terms of schedule, number and type of participants, and physical facilities.

9. Participant Involvement: Participants are actively involved in the training game at all times.

10. Intellectual Stimulation: Participants are engaged in challenging tasks rather than trivial rote memory activities. (It is unlikely that energizers, jolts, icebreakers or other similar methods will achieve this goal).

11. Effective Packaging: Winning designs will be showcased at the NASAGA annual conference. Aesthetics do play a part in helping participants engage with a game.

12. Consider, therefore, game components that are conveniently packaged, attractive and, above all, durable.

PLEASE DIRECT QUESTIONS TO NASAGA AT:

PROPOSALS@NASAGA.COM