Who is the game for?
Participants in the game play the role of department managers, but the lessons apply to anyone from front line workers all the way up to senior leaders. The game is rooted in systems thinking, an essential 21st century skill that is often overlooked at all levels in organizations.
How many people can participate?
We recommend at least 12 participants (three tables) and any larger group size will work. An experienced facilitator can manage up to 40 participants (10 tables) without assistance. For groups not divisible by four, a fifth player can be added to any table.
Can I hire someone else to lead a game session?
Yes, we have a network of experts that includes exceptional consultants, educators and leadership professionals who are experienced and skilled in the use of Friday Night at the ER. These individuals are content experts and well-qualified facilitators with great reviews. We are happy to arrange for an expert to lead your group in a team-learning experience at your site.
What are the learning outcomes?
These can vary significantly depending on your objectives. The game is most commonly used to teach soft skills in teamwork and leadership such as collaboration, communication, decision making, creative problem-solving and systems thinking.
Do you need hospital experience to play?
No. Our customers come from diverse fields (education, nonprofits, government, business, consultancies and community groups) and participants don’t need any hospital experience to play. The hospital scenario in the game is a metaphor; the simulation experience is designed to resemble any organization where the parts must work together to achieve system goals. People universally find the lessons to be applicable. See our customer list.
Is there a digital version?
Yes! We launched vFNER, virtual Friday Night at the ER, in early 2024. Get all the details here.
How much does it cost?
Our pricing is based on your organization type and the number of games you wish to purchase (the minimum is three games for 12 people). To learn more, simply complete a Price Quote request, and we will provide you with a personalized quote within one business day.
Are there any recurring fees?
It depends, but usually not. Customers who purchase a game kit for internal use (i.e. with students or employees) do not pay any recurring fees. However, customers who use the game to generate revenue from paying clients (i.e. leadership and management consultants) are required to pay a nominal royalty fee for each use of the game. Email us to learn more about our Commercial Permit.
Do you ship to countries outside the United States?
Yes. We ship game kits around the world on a regular basis. We use DHL for most of our international orders, and are happy to provide a shipping estimate for you.
How quickly can I get a game kit?
We ship orders within two business days of receiving payment and a signed license agreement, and most orders take one week after that to arrive. International shipments can take a bit longer if there are delays in customs. If you need a game kit sooner, we can usually expedite your order for a rushed shipping fee.
Can I buy a single game?
No, we do not sell single games. All our games are sold in 3-game units, the parts for which stack neatly inside a large tube. Additionally, if you have only four players using a single game, you eliminate most of the ‘aha’ learnings. This is because a major part of the game experience is the comparison of hospital performances. Each group of four players manages a single hospital together, and is then measured at game’s end for quality and financial performance. After the game play, the facilitator asks each of the hospitals to share their performance metrics with the entire group, which starts a rich discussion about what worked, what didn’t work and why?
Is any experience or certification required to lead game programs?
No, neither is required, although you will need to train in advance to be successful.
We do offer certification if you successfully complete our remote facilitator training course to indicate that you have followed our structured approach and have been evaluated by a content expert who believes you are prepared to deliver effective game programs.
How do I get trained to facilitate?
You can either self-train using the step-by-step Guide for Facilitators that comes with each game kit, or you can register for our Remote Facilitator Training, which we recommend. Designed for facilitators at all skill levels, our remote course blends online activities, private consultations with a mentor and hands-on practice. Either way, expect to invest some hours becoming familiar, planning your debrief, and practicing the facilitator role with a small test group.
We also offer face-to-face training at public workshops and in private programs.
Is the game available in languages other than English?
Yes. We can manufacture games kits in the following languages: Simplified and Traditional Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Please allow two to three weeks for non-English orders. We can also work directly with you to translate the game into another language. This process typically takes an additional two weeks.
Does the American hospital portrayed in the game work in other countries?
Yes. People in all cultures are familiar with the hospital as a setting where patients go and must wait for long periods to be seen. There are surges in volume and demand, resource limitations, and a need for better communication and more creative problem solving. The same dynamics play out across cultures, and are universally recognizable.
