The Imaginary Game
Participants connect via audio call, invent and play an imaginary game together.
Practice Instructions
Duration
The length of the session is decided by the group (recommended: 1 to 1.5 hours).
Entry: the session begins with an explanation of the "imaginary game" concept.
Exit: 15 minutes before the end, a designated timekeeper lets everyone know how much time is left.
2. Structure
The goal is to co-create an imaginary computer game through collaborative discussion and visualization. Together, the group invents the interface, purpose, characters, and other elements of the game.
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All participants are equal.
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Ideas are added one at a time, in turns.
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The order is determined by a list: participants write their name and a “+” sign in the group chat.
3. Contribution Rules
Each participant contributes one developing idea per round.
An idea can:
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Build on the previous one,
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Be unrelated,
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Introduce a different angle, or
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Even contradict/change the direction of the game.
However, a non-confrontational flow of the game is encouraged.
4. Starting the Game
The first person on the list gives the opening prompt—for example:
"We’re all sitting down at the same computer..." (or another setup to begin the imaginary session).
5. Ending the Game
The last person of the last round chooses the exit point—such as “we turn off the computer,” or another way of closing the game world.
6. Guidelines
All ideas are accepted without question and are immediately integrated into the shared imagination.
However, please keep in mind that this practice is designed to be accessible for participants aged 6 and up.