In November 2024, the consortium of European cultural institutions participating in the Cultural Cooperation Project Management Training (CCProM) met in Brussels to pilot test an innovative educational tool—Oracle game.
Oracle is an innovative educational game designed for cultural management enthusiasts, from students and beginners to professionals. Players assume the roles of members of an international consortium managing a cultural project inspired by European heritage and Greek mythology. Guided by a Game Master, one to seven teams of 3-5 players navigate multiple rounds, facing project management challenges that demand strategic thinking, resource allocation, and collaboration, learning how to make strategic decisions and cooperate.
On November 21st, representatives from the Marcel Hicter Association in Brussels, the University of Barcelona, Goten Publishing in Skopje, and the Villa Decius Institute for Culture in Krakow gathered for a full-day review and testing session. The objective was to examine Oracle for potential weaknesses, inconsistencies, or areas for improvement before the pilot test. Managers engaged in multiple rounds of the game, carefully analysing its rules, scoring system, awards, and value points to ensure the game could be effective and ready to be played.
The following day, Oracle was officially pilot tested with participants of the Res Urbis program, a training program for cultural operators run by the Marcel Hicter Association in Brussels. The session began with the Game Master dividing participants into teams and presenting the rules of the game. The explanation was delivered in French, accompanied by English slides, with translations provided in French to accommodate the predominantly French-speaking audience. From the beginning, participants showed enthusiasm, immersing themselves in their roles with excitement and dedication.
The game session lasted three hours, including a brief break in between. Players actively engaged in the challenges, demonstrating creativity and strategic thinking as they navigated the scenarios presented by the game. Following the session, participants shared valuable feedback, offering constructive suggestions, opinions, and insights about their experience. This exchange highlighted the game’s strengths, such as its dynamic structure and educational potential, while also identifying areas for improvement.
The consortium convened for another internal session to discuss the outcomes of the pilot test. Feedback was carefully analysed and used to refine the game’s mechanics, rules, and overall flow to ensure its effectiveness as an educational tool.