Business game
"WINTER IS COMING"
How can you not just tell employees about the importance of teamwork but make sure each one feels it deep in their soul? How can you ensure teams truly listen to each other and never lose sight of the shared goals that unite the entire company? How can you make the collective victory more important than short-term needs?
We’ve created a unique business game designed specifically for corporate settings—a perfect blend of learning and entertainment, a new Edutainment format:
Powerful team-building effect
Thrilling emotions inspired by the “Game of Thrones” TV series
Strong skill development for leadership teams
An amazing opportunity to see yourself and your competencies from a new perspective
Who will claim the Iron Throne? This isn’t about empty competition—it’s about smart team decisions.
Duration
Our proprietary game framework is fully scalable—from intimate teams to massive events with 1,000+ players.
2 HOURS
Business game in an entertaining format.
4 HOURS
Interactive business game for self-discovery of core competencies and growth opportunities.
8 HOURS
A full-scale business game with post-game skill development in data analysis, planning, and collaborative goal achievement.
What for?
Skills development:
01.
Teamwork
02.
"WIN - WIN" strategy
03.
Strategic thinking
04.
Business negotiations
05.
Planning
06.
CROSSFUNCTION
7-1000 participants
Your real business challenges - transformed into game scenarios!
Customized Game for your company
Your business. Your rules. We’ll build game scenarios that mirror your real-world challenges!
How it goes
Watch video:
Awards and Nominations
Awardee of the “Crystal Piramyd” award for achievements in the human capital management in “Corporate Training” category
Awardee of the “Golden Puzzle” award in nominations «Game-based event» (business game), «Best internal corporate motivational event» and «Dream event»
Awardee of All-Russian consumer rating of corporate training providers in: TOP 3 «Multidisciplinary education provider», «The most popular educational program» «Effective leader», «New on T&D market»
Awardee of WOW! HR award in the “Play Hard” nomination
Winner of an international competition of technological products in education EDCRUNCH AWARD PRODUCT 2020 in «Corporate Education» special nomination
Clients and Gratitude
Feedback
Nikolai F.
20 июля 2025 г.Санкт-Петербург
Head of Development Department, Major Retail Holding
“The ‘Winter is Coming!’ game was a true revelation for our team. We’d long searched for a tool that would practically demonstrate decision-making in chaotic conditions – and we finally found it. The ‘white noise’ mechanics and unpredictable rounds particularly impressed us. Teams quickly immersed themselves in the roles of lords, and within just a few moves we observed shifting dynamics: some groups bonded together, others clashed, but everyone realized survival was impossible without a clear strategy. The post-game debrief with our trainer was eye-opening – many participants said they now view risks in work projects completely differently. I highly recommend this for any team wanting to test their resilience!”
Irina K.
26 марта 2025 г.Москва
HRD, IT company
“We selected ‘Winter is Coming!’ for our annual strategy session – and it exceeded all expectations. What proved most valuable wasn’t just the business skills it developed, but how it addressed fundamental challenges: communicating objectives amid uncertainty, and adapting to constant change. The experience even inspired us to create an internal ‘strategy council’ after seeing unexpected leadership qualities emerge in team members. Our gratitude to Almaz Group for their professionalism and for creating an environment where gameplay transforms into profound learning. We’ll definitely be doing this again!”
Sergey D.
3 декабря 2024 г.Самара
Chief Operating Officer, Financial Institution
“The first thing that struck me was how accurately the game mirrors real corporate life. You think you know the rules, then suddenly realize they’re incomplete – with ‘Barbarians’ (aka competitors) surrounding you and resources critically scarce. The pivotal moment came when our team discovered the dragon (our goal) cost 100 gold while our income was negligible. We panicked, regrouped, and launched Plan A: aggressive expansion. Failed. Then Plan B: alliances. Only then did we understand – without flexibility and true teamwork, you’re doomed. Now at work, I catch myself thinking: ‘Hey, this is just like in Winter!’ – and immediately start looking for alternative approaches.”
Ivan P.
17 сентября 2024 г. Москва
Chief Engineer, Manufacturing Company
“Before ‘Winter is Coming!’, we attended countless crisis management trainings – all theoretical. This was different: raw and real. You sit there calculating resources, negotiating with other ‘Houses,’ then suddenly realize your ‘strategy’ is collapsing because someone formed an unexpected alliance against you. The key lesson? In chaos, action for action’s sake is worthless – clarity of purpose is everything. And crucially: leaders must articulate direction even when uncertain themselves. Post-game, we overhauled our task delegation system – now every employee understands not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why.’ The results speak for themselves.”
OThER GAMES
- Эффективная работа в команде
- Win-win мышление - стратегии взаимодействия
- Синхронизация целей и ценностей
- Расстановка приоритетов
- Анализ информации и принятие решений
- Мышление "за рамками"
- Управление проектами и задачами
- Снижение рисков, риск-аппетит
- Эффективное использование ресурсов
- Креативность и творчество
- Убедительная презентация идей
- Инновационное мышление
- Кросс-функциональное взаимодействие
- Процессный подход: описание и оптимизация
- Клиентоориентированность
- Cтратегическое и системное мышление
- Сценарное планирование
- Внедрение изменений и инноваций
Business Simulation "Winter is Coming!" – Leadership in Uncertainty by Almaz Group
“Decision-Making in Chaos: Lessons from Russia’s Most Popular Business Simulation”
Over 30,000 executives from SMEs to Fortune 500 companies have experienced “Winter is Coming!” by Almaz Group. This award-nominated business simulation – a finalist for the Golden Puzzle, WOWHR, and Crystal Pyramid awards (among others) – has become a corporate training phenomenon. Its success stems from addressing today’s most critical management challenge
Why Leaders Fail in Crisis Situations (And How 'Winter is Coming!' Prepares Teams to Succeed)
Harvard Business Review research reveals that 70% of managerial decisions made under uncertainty prove ineffective. The root cause isn’t lack of information, but rather unclear objectives and failure to communicate strategic vision to teams.
The “Winter is Coming!” business simulation embodies principles from Gleb Smirnov’s book “Anti-Strategy: Chaos as Method”. Participants confront the same challenges faced in real business:
▸ How to decide when rules keep changing?
▸ How to act with incomplete data?
▸ How to lead when time is collapsing?
Through immersive gameplay, executives experience these pressure-cooker scenarios safely – and develop the neural pathways for better real-world decisions.
This Game of Thrones Metaphor Could Save Your Business
The “Winter is Coming!” simulation unfolds in a world inspired by Game of Thrones. Seven noble Houses compete for the Iron Throne—but the true threat looms beyond the Wall: the approaching Winter and the onslaught of Ice Barbarians. The only hope? A dragon worth 100 gold, while each House earns just 10 gold per round. The catch? No one knows how many rounds remain—not even the Game Master (4 to 8? Maybe).
This uncertainty isn’t just a game mechanic—it mirrors reality. McKinsey research confirms that 60% of critical decision-making factors remain unknown until the last moment in today’s business world.
Core Insight: Goals Define Everything
Through gameplay, participants discover a crucial truth: In chaos, survivors aren’t those with more data—but those who:
Define Victory
Clearly articulate what “winning” means for their team
Align Their Tribe
Ensure every member understands both strategy and their personal role
Stay Flexible
Adapt tactics relentlessly while holding true to core objectives
MIT Sloan Management Review research validates this: Teams with clear goal alignment achieve 45% better crisis performance.
Why It Works:
“Winter is Coming!” Business Simulation Develops Mission-Critical Skills:
Strategic Thinking: Making high-stakes decisions with incomplete data
Chaos Navigation: Setting and prioritizing goals amid turbulence
Leadership Communication: Translating vision into actionable team understanding
Competitive Collaboration: Negotiating alliances in zero-sum environments
Resource Agility: Allocating scarce assets under time constraints
Pattern Recognition: Identifying hidden variables in complex systems
This business simulation creates a risk-free environment for developing mission-critical skills. Participants can:
• Test strategies without business consequences
• Fail productively and learn from mistakes
• Practice navigating ambiguity in real-time
Proven Impact (30,000+ Executives Trained):
✓ 89% report improved decision-making in uncertain conditions
✓ 76% demonstrate measurable gains in team collaboration efficiency
✓ Skills transfer to workplace within 2-3 weeks (post-training assessments)
Why It Sticks
Post-Game Deliverables for Participants
Personalized Leadership Profile
Identified strengths/gaps in crisis management
Actionable development roadmap
Team Performance Memorandum
Documented collaboration patterns
Customized recommendations for real-world implementation
Uncertainty Navigation Toolkit
Goal-setting frameworks for volatile environments
Decision-making checklists
Crisis Protocol Handbook
Team roles/responsibilities matrix
Escalation pathways for urgent scenarios
Order the 'Winter is Coming!' business simulation from Almaz Group today
Ready to Equip Your Team for Chaotic Times?
The “Winter is Coming!” business simulation is a proven leadership development tool, trusted by thousands of Russian corporations to:
✔️ Master decision-making under pressure
✔️ Turn uncertainty into competitive advantage
✔️ Forge teams that thrive in disruption
Flexible Delivery Options by Almaz Group:
• Standalone training events
• Conference breakout sessions
• Customized corporate learning programs
• Tailored adaptations for your unique challenges
FAQ
What is the "Winter is Coming!" business simulation?
It’s a corporate training game in the edutainment format (learning + entertainment), where participants lead rival “Houses” in a Game of Thrones-inspired world. This immersive experience develops:
✔ Strategic decision-making amid chaos
✔ Crisis leadership under pressure
✔ Team dynamics in competitive scenarios
Who is this for?
The “Winter is Coming!” simulation is ideal for:
Executives & Leaders
Develop crisis leadership and strategic agility
Intact Teams
Strengthen collaboration under pressure
Reveal hidden dynamics affecting performance
Corporate Event Participants
Transform conferences with hands-on competitive learning
Core Skills Developed
Participants master:
Strategic Agility
Making high-stakes decisions with incomplete data
Collaborative Execution
Aligning team efforts toward shared objectives
Leadership Communication
Translating complex strategies into actionable guidance
Competitive Diplomacy
Building alliances while managing conflicts
Resource Intelligence
Optimizing limited assets under constraints
How the Game Works
The “Winter is Coming!” simulation unfolds over 4–8 rounds, each presenting real-world leadership challenges:
Key Gameplay Dynamics:
Crisis Events
Unexpected threats (e.g., “Ice Barbarian invasion”) force rapid adaptation
Resource Scarcity
Teams compete to gather 100 gold for a game-changing “dragon”
Base income: Only 10 gold per round
Competitive Alliances
Negotiate temporary partnerships
Balance trust vs. self-interest
Why It’s Effective:
Time pressure mimics real decision fatigue
Hidden round count eliminates “endgame thinking”
McKinsey-confirmed: 60% of crisis factors remain unknown until the last moment
Tangible Outcomes
Participants receive:
Personal Leadership Assessment
Identified strengths/gaps in crisis management
Actionable development plan
Team Performance Blueprint
Collaboration pattern analysis
Customized improvement strategies
Chaos Navigation Toolkit
Goal-setting frameworks for volatile environments
Decision-making algorithms
Crisis Protocol Handbook
Role/responsibility matrices
Escalation workflows
Proven Impact
2024 Participant Data:
✓ 78% still use materials 6+ months later
✓ Teams adopting protocols show:
40% faster crisis response
35% fewer conflict escalations
Can the game be customized for your company's needs?
Absolutely! We tailor the simulation’s parameters to your objectives, including:
Leadership Skill Development
Crisis decision-making under pressure
Adaptive strategic thinking
Strategic Hypothesis Testing
Simulate market shocks, mergers, or disruptions
Validate business models in a risk-free environment
Leadership Potential Assessment
Identify hidden strengths in high-pressure scenarios
Evaluate decision-making styles (analytical vs. intuitive)
Decision-Making Culture Building
Foster agile, data-informed leadership
Reduce “analysis paralysis” in uncertainty
Ready to Test Your Team’s Resilience?
Order “Winter is Coming!” today and equip your leaders with real-world strategic skills through immersive, high-stakes gameplay.
