• team@missiondrive.io
  • London | Brighton | UK

Discover Datopolis: the data skills game

Datopolis is the data skills board game for leaders

Data has the potential to create long-lasting change that helps businesses and communities make better decisions and improve the products and services we all rely on. But, long-lasting change needs energy, creative thinking and new ways of working. By bringing key data concepts to life, inspiring new thinking and sparking debate Datopolis is a powerful tool for anyone working in strategy, business growth, data literacy, data ethics and innovation.

The session Simon ran worked brilliantly as a learning experience for our visiting start-ups.
Ryan Goodman
Ryan Goodman, the ODI
"Would definitely recommend Mission Drive, particularly if you don’t want blank faces staring at you, but want people to get involved"
Lauren Thomson, freuds
Very interactive. I learnt without feeling like I was. The reflection after the game was very informative.
Datopolis Player
Datopolis Player
Datopolis is entertaining and educational. It's a great way to initiate conversation amongst people.
Ana Garzon
Ana Garzon, ISEAL Alliance
Datopolis is an absolutely brilliant way to get young minds thinking about the greater implications.
Emel Rizwani
Emel Rizwani, RedGem
It was such a fun session, and a really memorable way to learn more about data
Emma Cohen
Emma Cohen, Freelance copywriter

What is Datopolis?

What is Datopolis?

From AI to Blockchain, data is the raw material that powers the new economy. Datopolis is a tactile and engaging game that brings this dynamic new world to life by simulating how you build things with data - services, websites, devices, apps, research - using closed, shared and open data. Developed by the Open Data Institute hundreds of people across the world have played Datopolis to improve their data literacy.

Why play Datopolis?

Why play Datopolis?

A facilitated Datopolis session stimulates lively debate, learning and action. Complex concepts like data strategy, data infrastructure and the data spectrum are brought to life through collaborative gameplay, negotiation and decision making. This sparks new insights and helps players think about data differently. It’s a fun way to catalyse change.

What do you get from Datopolis?

What do you get from Datopolis?

By combining data, strategy, negotiation, and collaboration you’ll get both learning and lively debate. When you experience a Datopolis session facilitated by Mission Drive you'll be better prepared for the next steps in your data journey. You'll understand key data concepts. You’ll experience how data ecosystems develop. You'll explore your future alongside peers.

What’s the game like to play?

What’s the game like to play?

Datopolis is a hands-on game with data tiles, event cards, tools to build, and a dashboard that measures the health of the fictional city of Sheridan. Players take turns to pick data, plan what they want to build and negotiate deals. Your strategy and the way you go about building data tools and services will influence both your success and that of Sheridan. You’ll need to collaborate with other players to maintain the health of the city whilst plotting your own path to victory.

Who is Datopolis for?

Who is Datopolis for?

We work with L&D professionals, consultants, data leaders, commercial teams, and event organisers looking for an innovative way to engage with data. Our experienced team has facilitated Datopolis for senior leaders, salespeople, start-ups and data novices, at workshops, conferences and team events.

What’s involved?

What’s involved?

Before the session you’ll chat to Simon, who helped develop the game, to understand your goals and context. Do you want to kick-start your data strategy? Maybe you need something that’s memorable and fun for a data skills project? On the day we’ll need tables for 6- 16 participants. We bring the game and prizes. We’ll then set the scene, and explain the rules. Your group will be facilitated through 1-2 or rounds of simulations, explore some key data concepts and analyse how they played out in practice. The session then finishes with discussion and group or individual action planning.

How can I play?

How can I play?

Which version of Datopolis do you need?

Develop Strategy
Work with leaders to understand how data strategy works in practice, discuss your options, plan your future.
Learn more
Develop Data Literacy
Deepen understanding of key data concepts like data infrastructure, the data spectrum and data-driven collaboration. Identify individual development pathways. Build personalised learning pathways.
Learn more
Data powered business growth
Explore how data generates leads and sales. Discover how data pioneers accelerate growth. Create ideas for sales and marketing campaigns.
Learn more
Make your event memorable
Bring the fun and energy of Datopolis to your next conference, client event or away day. Help people engage with complex data concepts. Provide participants with an innovative and useful experience.
Learn more

Want to find out how Datopolis could work for you?