MitiGate: Risk Management Collaborative Tabletop Strategy Game

Abstract

Risk management is a critical component of project management and academic training. However, traditional pedagogical approaches often fail to engage learners, leading to a shallow understanding of risk mitigation strategies. In practice, risk management is frequently perceived as a bureaucratic requirement rather than a strategic tool, resulting in hastily generated documentation that lacks practical relevance. Furthermore, time constraints in training schedules frequently lead to the omission of risk management modules. To address these educational and practical challenges, this study explores the potential of game-based learning through MitiGate—a collaborative tabletop strategy game designed to introduce risk management methodologies and simulate real-world countermeasures across academic and corporate training environments. Following a Design-Based Research framework, MitiGate underwent three cycles of prototyping and playtesting with university students, corporate learners, project management trainers, and professional game designers. Data were collected via feedback questionnaires, observations, and expert reviews to evaluate game mechanics and player perceptions. The findings demonstrate high overall player satisfaction and show that MitiGate successfully facilitated strategic risk discussions. While participants identified opportunities for mechanical refinement—specifically regarding the balance of luck and victory conditions—the iterative design process converted complex risk concepts into playable mechanics with the potential to support collaborative decision-making and soft-skill awareness.