Business Continuity

The game

The Business Continuity game provides teams with an opportunity to exercise their Business Continuity Plan (BCP) before it is needed. Instead of a dry exercise, the game works in a number of modes so all involved staff can understand their role and fix any gaps before the plan is called into action.

The game enables teams to exercise the full plan, from the first hour deciding on how to mobilise the plan, to the actions needed to cope with the failure(s) and the recovery phase.

The game can be played by the team who own the BCP at any stage of creating the plan. Just looking at formalising the approach? Use the game to drive debate on what will work and what might not. Got a defined plan? Use the game to identify any gaps to address in the next plan iteration. Want to ensure that the broader team have an understanding of what would happen in a cyber attack or other disaster? The game can help the team owners spread knowledge inside the firm.

Learning Outcomes

After playing the Business Continuity card game, participants will be able to:

• Understand their role in the plan: Experience the disaster without the risk
• See the gaps: Identify where the documented plan falls short
• Consider multiple perspectives: Understand how different stakeholders might view the same situation
• Navigate grey areas: Develop confidence in handling situations where the “right” answer isn’t obvious
• Articulate reasoning: Clearly explain the options to respond to an attack or disaster
• Understand consequences: Recognise how the firm could be attacked and how this could impact day-to-day operations
• Build open culture: Contribute to creating a workplace environment where issues are discussed openly

Why This Game Works

Traditional business continuity training often relies on lectures and abstract principles that feel disconnected from the reality of an incident. The Business Continuity game succeeds because it:

Creates Safe Practice Space: Players can explore difficult situations without real-world consequences, building confidence for when they face similar situations in their work. Would we pay a ransom? Should we pay a ransom? Explore the thought process without the potential real-world impact.

Encourages Discussion: The game format naturally promotes dialogue and debate, helping teams develop a shared understanding of risk to the firm, the options and likely impact.

Reveals Complexity: By exploring potential attacks, the game shows how the firm’s plan and the decision-making would work if the worst happens.

Builds Muscle Memory: Repeatedly practising difficult situations helps participants develop instincts and frameworks they can apply when facing real dilemmas.