Speaking at Game Forum Germany, Jan 29

I’m giving a talk at Game Forum Germany (English translation, which for some reason breaks the page formatting) on January 29th, titled “Using Data to Argue Effectively in the Workplace.”

This session covers strategies for using empirical data from player behavior as a political tool in the workplace. Player data can be used to end arguments, or it can be used to refocus arguments on something worth discussing (i.e., the data itself). Developers have data they don´t even realize is useful; they can use that data to make convincing arguments and there is an effective way to make those arguments.

The first half of this talk will discuss different types of data that exist that developers may not even be aware they have at their disposal. The second half of the talk will cover practical tips gleaned from the long history of rhetorical studies, reinforced with personal experience using such rhetorical strategies in the workplace. After laying down the basics of presenting a persuasive argument, the rest of the talk will demonstrate how to use Stephen Toulmin´s model of argumentation to sidestep time-wasting theoretical arguments and craft clear, concise, persuasive arguments quickly and easily.

I’m excited because this is something I’ve wanted to talk about for quite some time. The most important part of doing gameplay metrics is not the actual collection of the data. While that is important, data does not exist in a vacuum — it’s only worth something if you know how to use it.

This is also exciting to me because it’s my first time giving a talk at a conference outside of North America!