What Is “Oracle”?
“Oracle” is a role-playing simulation game designed to introduce participants to the complexities of international cultural cooperation. Set within a fictional project consortium, the game places participants in the roles of key stakeholders who must work collaboratively to manage time, money, and relationships in order to deliver a successful project. Although the scenario is fictional, it draws heavily from real-world experiences in cultural project management and international funding frameworks like Creative Europe. The game’s structure encourages participants to think strategically, cooperate across teams, and reflect on their decision-making processes in a simulated environment that mirrors professional realities.
If you are a teacher, team leader, facilitator, or educator, this tool might be perfect for you. Read this article to learn how to get started, then visit the Resources section to become a Game Master and download everything you need to elevate your team’s work.
Getting Ready to Play: Game Master Preparation
The Game Master plays a central role in ensuring the success of the session. Approximately 40 to 50 minutes of preparation time is needed before the game begins. This includes downloading all game files, reading through the rules and facilitation guide, familiarizing oneself with the presentation slides and scoring sheet, and printing and cutting out all physical game components. The Game Master should ensure they are comfortable with both the technical and narrative flow of the game. It is also recommended to check that all necessary materials are printed correctly. Sending participants introductory materials in advance—including a short guide to the rules and a document describing the fictional characters, organizations, and context—is essential for effective gameplay and immersion.
Structure and Timing of the Game
The game requires a minimum of three hours to run effectively. It begins with approximately 20 minutes of preparation time during which the Game Master divides participants into teams, explains the rules, introduces the setting, and distributes materials. This is followed by the main gameplay phase, which lasts around 120 minutes. During this time, teams interact with one another, manage resources, and make strategic decisions to complete tasks and progress through the game. The session concludes with a 40-minute discussion led by the Game Master. This post-game debrief is a vital part of the learning process, allowing participants to reflect on their choices and connect the gameplay experience to real-world cultural project practices. If needed, this part can be extended based on the group’s engagement and the learning goals identified by the facilitator.
Space and Technical Setup
“Oracle” is ideally played during stationary workshops in a physical location, although an online version is also possible with adapted materials. The game requires a room that can accommodate up to max. five groups, each with their own table or workspace. A multimedia projector should be available for the Game Master, and both the Game Master and the teams should have access to WiFi. Each team should have at least one laptop or mobile device for collaborative noting. On each team’s table, there should be one printed and cut Money resource sheet, one printed and cut Time resource sheet, and a stack of character sheets placed face up in a specific order: Agamemnon on top, followed by Nausicaa, Helena, Gaia, Nestor, and Hermes. If needed, an additional Observer/Evaluator character can be added to support the facilitation or to accommodate odd numbers of participants.
Facilitation: Role of the Game Master
The Game Master is responsible for guiding the participants through the gameplay and creating a dynamic, educational, and engaging environment. They use mainly throughout the session: the presentation deck, which leads the narrative and introduces each game phase. During the game, they should introduce real-life examples from the cultural sector to enrich the participants’ understanding and encourage strategic thinking. As the game progresses, the facilitator provides context, clarifies rules, and introduces new challenges. After the game ends, they lead the feedback session, discussing the outcomes and highlighting key learning moments from the simulation.
After the Game
This debriefing process is where the simulation experience is most meaningfully connected to real-world project management and international cooperation. Participants are encouraged to compare their approaches, identify what worked and what didn’t, and consider how the strategies and values explored in the game relate to actual cultural initiatives and funding programs. This final phase often generates insightful conversations and helps solidify the educational value of the game.
What You’ll Need to Download
All components of the game are available in downloadable format on the CCPROM resources page. These include the game rules and setup guide for players, a detailed facilitation guide for the Game Master, printable character and resource sheets, name and organization labels, and the presentation deck used to guide the narrative. A separate section will provide short descriptions for each file to clarify its function and indicate whether it should be printed, used digitally, or prepared in advance.
If you’re interested in more information or would like to schedule an introductory one-on-one meeting, please get in touch with us via the contact form.