Games for searching technology landscapes

Abstract

The value of gaming simulation for the search process in innovation projects is currently unknown. This paper studies this value in the railway sector. Based on models of search, we build a typology of different search strategies. In a case study we focus on several innovation projects that have either used real-world case studies or gaming simulation as a test method. We found that the use of gaming simulation has two interesting influences. Firstly, they allow searchers to apply a lucky-shot search strategy by which they can recognize promising solutions further outside the local optimum. Game players help to determine the robustness of the solution by searching neighboring configurations during and after the gameplay. Secondly, we found hints that search breadth is limited to the extent that game players are able to recognize the simulated system. We portray both the opportunities and threats for gaming simulation in innovative projects. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.