Conflict resolution game
Here’s a game idea with a conflict resolution theme that is fun, interactive, and educational. It can be played in 15-20 minutes with 4-8 participants. The game combines role-playing and quick decision-making to teach communication and problem-solving skills.
Game Name: "Resolution Quest"
Objective:
Players work together to resolve fictional conflicts by using negotiation, active listening, and problem-solving skills. The team earns points based on how effectively they resolve conflicts.
Setup:
- Roles:
- 1 Moderator (facilitates the game and judges solutions)
- 3-7 Participants (players who resolve conflicts)
- Materials:
- Conflict Scenario Cards (10-15 cards with short descriptions of conflicts)
- Resolution Points Tracker (a score sheet or board)
- A timer (or phone with a stopwatch)
How to Play:
1. Choose a Scenario (2 minutes):
The Moderator draws a Conflict Scenario Card and reads it aloud. Each card includes:
- A brief description of the conflict.
- The parties involved (fictional characters or groups).
- Stakes or goals for each party.
Example Scenario:
"Two neighbors, Alex and Taylor, are arguing over a tree on their shared property line. Alex wants to cut it down for safety, while Taylor values it for its beauty and shade. Both feel strongly about their stance."
2. Role Assignment (1 minute):
The Moderator assigns roles:
- Some players act as the conflicting parties (e.g., Alex and Taylor).
- Others act as mediators or support characters who propose solutions.
3. Role-Play & Resolution (10 minutes):
Players role-play the scenario. They:
- State their positions clearly.
- Negotiate, listen, and try to understand the other party’s perspective.
- Work together to find a solution that addresses everyone's key concerns.
The Moderator can:
- Introduce small twists (e.g., "A storm is coming, making the tree issue urgent!").
- Reward players for showing empathy, suggesting creative solutions, or staying calm.
4. Scoring (2 minutes):
The Moderator assigns points (0-5) based on:
- Collaboration: Did everyone participate?
- Empathy: Were feelings and needs addressed?
- Creativity: Was the solution practical and innovative?
Write down points on the tracker.
5. Repeat (Optional):
Play multiple scenarios or let players rotate roles for variety. Aim to complete 2-3 rounds within 20 minutes.
Winning the Game:
The team’s final score reflects how well they resolved conflicts across all rounds. The goal isn’t necessarily to "win," but to improve conflict resolution skills as a group.
Example Scenarios for Cards:
- A workplace dispute over loud music in a shared office.
- Two siblings fighting over who gets to borrow the family car.
- A sports team arguing about who should be the team captain.
- Friends planning a trip but disagreeing on the destination.
This game is quick, insightful, and great for learning practical conflict resolution skills while having fun!
Cards
Here’s a set of Conflict Scenario Cards for the game "Resolution Quest." Each card includes a brief description, the conflicting parties, and their stakes or goals. You can print or write these on index cards.
Conflict Scenario Cards
Card 1: The Noisy Neighbor
Description:
Jordan loves hosting late-night parties at their apartment, but their neighbor Casey needs quiet to study for a big exam.
Parties:
- Jordan: Wants to enjoy their freedom and host parties.
- Casey: Needs peace and quiet to focus on studies. Goals:
- Find a way for both parties to coexist peacefully.
Card 2: The Borrowed Bike
Description:
Jamie borrowed Alex’s bike and accidentally scratched it. Alex is upset, but Jamie feels it was an honest mistake and doesn’t want to pay for the repair.
Parties:
- Jamie: Wants to avoid paying for a small scratch.
- Alex: Wants the bike restored to its original condition. Goals:
- Resolve the disagreement while preserving the friendship.
Card 3: The Vacation Clash
Description:
Four friends are planning a vacation but can’t agree on the destination. Two want a beach getaway, while the other two prefer hiking in the mountains.
Parties:
- Beach Fans: Want to relax by the ocean.
- Mountain Fans: Want an active adventure. Goals:
- Decide on a destination that satisfies everyone.
Card 4: The Office Coffee Fund
Description:
In an office of 10 people, some employees contribute to a coffee fund, but others drink the coffee without paying. This is causing tension among the group.
Parties:
- Contributors: Want fairness and accountability.
- Non-Contributors: Feel the coffee should be free as a shared resource. Goals:
- Address the fairness issue without creating resentment.
Card 5: The Tree Debate
Description:
A tree on a property line is causing a dispute. One neighbor wants it cut down for safety, while the other wants it preserved for beauty and shade.
Parties:
- Neighbor 1: Worried about the tree’s potential to fall.
- Neighbor 2: Wants to preserve the tree for aesthetic and environmental reasons. Goals:
- Find a safe and fair solution.
Card 6: The Team Captain
Description:
A soccer team is voting for a new captain. Two players, Riley and Morgan, are both popular candidates, but their rivalry is dividing the team.
Parties:
- Riley: Feels they’re the best leader due to seniority.
- Morgan: Believes they bring fresh energy and ideas. Goals:
- Choose a captain without damaging team morale.
Card 7: The Group Project
Description:
A group of students is working on a project, but one member (Taylor) isn’t contributing, which frustrates the others. Taylor feels overwhelmed and unsupported.
Parties:
- Taylor: Feels excluded and stressed.
- Group Members: Want Taylor to contribute fairly. Goals:
- Balance workload and address feelings of frustration.
Card 8: The Wedding Disagreement
Description:
Two siblings, Chris and Sam, are planning their wedding together. Chris wants a small, intimate ceremony, while Sam wants a large, festive event.
Parties:
- Chris: Prefers simplicity and intimacy.
- Sam: Loves big celebrations and inviting everyone. Goals:
- Plan a wedding that feels meaningful to both.
Card 9: The Roommate Struggle
Description:
Roommates Alex and Jamie are arguing over cleaning responsibilities. Jamie feels Alex doesn’t clean enough, while Alex thinks Jamie’s standards are too high.
Parties:
- Alex: Wants a relaxed approach to cleaning.
- Jamie: Values a clean and organized living space. Goals:
- Create a fair and manageable cleaning schedule.
Card 10: The Festival Booth
Description:
Two community groups are competing for the same booth space at a local festival. One group focuses on raising money for charity, while the other promotes environmental awareness.
Parties:
- Charity Group: Needs the booth to raise funds.
- Environmental Group: Wants to educate the public on sustainability. Goals:
- Find a fair way to share or allocate the booth.
Card 11: The Family Recipe Feud
Description:
During a family dinner, two siblings argue over the "right" way to make a traditional dish. Each insists their recipe is the best.
Parties:
- Sibling 1: Wants to preserve family tradition.
- Sibling 2: Believes modernizing the recipe is better. Goals:
- Resolve the conflict and enjoy dinner together.
Description:
Two coworkers, Mia and Ethan, share a desk. Mia needs a tidy space for focus, while Ethan likes to keep all his papers and materials visible.
Parties:
- Mia: Wants a clean and organized desk.
- Ethan: Prefers an open and cluttered workspace. Goals:
- Agree on how to share the desk harmoniously.
