The board game Dilemma is an interactive tool designed to introduce the concept of sustainable development to 3-6 players per game. The game consists of a mix of fact-based questions and discussion questions. It challenges participants to step outside their comfort zones, discuss and debate, think critically, and explain key concepts to each other. The game can be used either as an introduction to sustainability or, for more advanced students, the questions can serve as a knowledge check.

Dilemma can be played in both small and, with multiple game boxes, for large groups. It is common for the game to be played during a facilitated seminar, but it can also be played by participants in their own time, with an introduction and debriefing held in seminar form before/after the game session.

Dilemma is available both as an in person board game and in a digital online version. The game is available in Swedish, English, and French.

How a game seminar with Dilemma works

A game seminar with Dilemma typically begins with a brief introduction to perspectives and values related to sustainable development. The seminar leader can explain how the game works, but the rules are simple enough that players can usually read through them on their own in about 5 minutes before starting to play and quickly get started. The game itself takes approximately 60-90 minutes to play.

Allow around 30 minutes after the game for a debriefing, during which the seminar leader and participants discuss what they have learned from the game. During the debriefing, some of the questions that came up in the game can be discussed, as well as the debate situation that arose around the dilemma cards in the game. The debates create polarized situations where players argue for and against different issues. The game determines who argues for which position, and sometimes players have to argue for a position they don't personally agree with. This is an interesting and useful learning situation. It can also be somewhat uncomfortable for participants, which is part of the learning experience. Bringing this up during the debriefing helps participants internalize the experience in a positive way and apply it constructively in future similar situations.

The debriefing can be conducted immediately following the game, or at a later time depending on what scheduling allows.

Are there different difficulty levels for the game?

It is possible to have players play in teams of two (6 players per game) or individually (3-5 players per game) for a greater challenge. The game comes with two decks of knowledge questions at different difficulty levels, as well as three decks of dilemma cards. Therefore, it is easy to adjust the game's difficulty level and format to most audiences, from high school to college/university or corporate training, and for different groups of people.

About Dilemma:

Type:   board game

Mode of playing: both in person and online versions are available

#players:   3-6 players per board

Level:   higher eduvation, highschool or in professional training

Languages:   Swedish, English, French