Game Break

The remote work connection problem

The shift to remote work during COVID-19 made it harder to connect personally with teammates — but remote and hybrid models were clearly here to stay. Team Tech Pragmatists was sponsored by Xbox to explore how the connective power of virtual gaming might be applied to remote work environments.

Literature review early in the process found a compelling insight: cooperative gaming increases empathy and cohesion within groups regardless of how long the game is played. Meanwhile, no existing products were specifically addressing workplace gaming as a connection mechanism.

• Anton SirotinResearcher
• Aryan PorwalDesigner
• Ivan KhrulenkoDesigner / Generalist
• Linda MartinezResearcher

Understanding the problem space

Formative research was designed to understand the target audience, validate the problem, and scope the project direction.

Validating the design direction

With the problem validated, Round 2 focused on understanding what the virtual gaming environment should look and feel like — and how it would integrate into the workday.

1. Participants responded positively to a gamified virtual environment for group play.
2. Both focus groups gravitated toward game rooms and game-related activities over productivity spaces.
3. Most expected gaming sessions to be no longer than 20 minutes.
4. 2D environments primed participants toward gaming; 3D prompted productivity use cases.
5. Content and user experience were prioritized over realism.
6. Participants envisioned using it with immediate teams of 6–15 people.
7. Strong interest in competitive games, especially Trivia, as well as personalized avatars.

Evaluating the final concept

Round 3 evaluated the Game Break prototype with working professionals on distributed or hybrid teams who used Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

1. Almost all participants responded positively to Game Break as a team connection tool.
2. Almost all said it would significantly improve or add to their team's current social methods.
3. All participants wanted a wide range of game types to accommodate different cultures and preferences.
4. Most enjoyed the AI game selection component, though some had concerns about AI/ML extent.
5. It's not just gameplay that builds connections — conversations during and after are equally important.
6. Games should be inclusive, accessible, and have a low barrier of entry.
7. All participants said they would highly recommend Game Break to a friend or colleague.

From prototype to Phil Spencer's desk

My contributions spanned all three research rounds: designing and conducting primary and secondary research, scoping and analyzing quantitative and qualitative studies, co-writing the final report, and presenting findings to executive stakeholders.