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Let's Work Together... As a Spaceteam

It is not unusual to pass through the Explo IT department and overhear technical jargon that few can understand. However, it is unusual to see four people sitting in an IT “meeting” hollering at each other:

“Expel the Zero Gauge!”

“Enable Retro Spoon.”

“Set Quad Mill to three."

"Quad Mill to three!”

“Enable G-Pint... Nope, wait that's me.”

“Set Quad Arm to 1.”

“Quad Arm to 1, got it.”

“Asteroid! Everybody shake!”

Picture four full-grown adults all shaking iPads in a synchronized frenzy until a computerized voice signals, “Safe.”

“Ok, we’re safe.”

Our IT pros are not unstable. They are shouting incoherent technobabble at each other because they’re working together. As a Spaceteam.

Spaceteam, designed by Henry Smith, is a free game that runs on the iPhone and iPad. The game has a simple premise: each player gets a distinct section of a control panel. The computer will then quick-fire a list of timed commands. These commands may relate to the buttons and switches on your panel, or they may (and often do) relate to those on someone else's. Teams of two to four players must carry out each command efficiently in order keep their spaceship ahead of a rapidly expanding star.

To watch the craziness in action, check out this video: www.sleepingbeastgames.com/spaceteam

The iPad is a paradox: it can connect you with people from the other side of the world, but also insulate you from someone sitting in the same room. Spaceteam offers an alternative for the latter because it requires in-person cooperation. You are not only playing with other people all within earshot, but winning depends entirely on how well you work together.

Have a small group of kids or colleagues who can't seem to get along? Put them in a room and tell them to come out when they’ve reached Sector 8. Responsible for the icebreaker at your next retreat? Order the boss to deactivate the Proto Hole. Need a way to talk with mom and dad about something other than how school is going? Ask them to freeze the Zeta Canal.

In addition to forcing you to work on your teamwork skills, Spaceteam is really about “play” in the good old fashioned sense — the importance of which, for both kids and adults, is well documented. In his book, Play, Dr. Stuart Brown compares the importance of play with that of oxygen. (You can read our recent review here.)

The true benefit of Spaceteam? Attempting to outrun a fireball — and not leave any teammates behind — is the perfect antidote to a hectic day. Avoiding wormholes and asteroids while wiping goo off a cargo washer requires that you clear your mind and focus only on the task at hand: keeping your crew alive. If you’re like us, after a game or two, you’ll feel a bit more clever, creative, and ready to tackle your next project. You’ll also be itching to gather your team together — again — to save your ship.