Dungeons, Dragons & Developers

Explore the fascinating parallels between Dungeons & Dragons and software development in this engaging 37-minute conference talk from GOTOpia February 2021. Embark on a quest with Dungeon Master and cybersecurity professional Matt Brunt as he guides you through the challenges of building software, using lessons learned from fantasy role-playing adventures. Discover how the roles of wizards, party dynamics, and quest requirements in D&D translate to real-world software development teams. Learn valuable insights on team productivity, decision-making with context, and overcoming obstacles in your development journey. Gain practical tips for improving team spirit and human factors in software projects, all while enjoying a unique blend of fantasy gaming and professional development concepts.

Intro
Dungeons & Dragons
The dungeon master
Our story begins with you
Wizards
Our party
The quest
Quest requirements
Losing the path
Decisions need context
The final hill
Summary
Outro