Mob gaming
About mob programming
In 2019, I have done a lot of mob programming. For more than 9 months, I have worked in two different teams where we could not find a better way to spend our time to bring value to our company. Before that, I used this technique in various contexts, but was left with the impression that mob programming is really hard. And it is. I have found that this way of programming really matches the way I see software — a group activity — and each time I had to explain it to someone or even show it, it was really hard to pass this message.
I feel that the best way to understand the value of mob programming is to experience it — the same way than to really understand what agility is, you have to live it.
And so far, I have not been convinced by how efficient it was to show people how it can be done or facilitate a few sessions for them.
Because each time I have done this, people struggled on two aspects: technical difficulties, and communication difficulties.
Some teams will face difficulties refactoring a piece of code, others will have an issue with their build tools, and mainly focus on that.
And that is OK because this is the kind of issues they will face when developing their software. But when learning mob programming, I believe you should only focus on learning the required skills to mob efficiently, and not be slowed by any other issue.
Because I believe we are not used to listening to each other.
Because I believe we are not used to be biased toward action and prefer discussions.
Because I believe we are not used to try several solutions before choosing one.
That’s why I believe mob gaming is a wonderful first step toward mob programming.
Mob gaming: what is it?
Mob gaming is a simple thing, and if you are a gamer, you probably already did it.
The rules are the same than in mob programming, but for gaming.
As a group, you pick a game.
There is one driver with the controller. The driver cannot make any decision on their own.
Everyone else is a navigator. As a navigator, your goal is to help the driver to complete the game by giving them instructions.
And that’s it!
I have facilitated some mob gaming sessions, and here is what happens when you play as a mob.
Mob gaming: what happens
The first thing that stroke me about mob gaming is how easy it is to bring the focus on the interactions happening within the group, instead of the problem the group is trying to solve.
Because it is a game, the different tasks the group will have to complete are considerably simpler than programming software, and it helps them being more aware of their behavior and how they interact with each other.
Playing a game also helps to make differences of experience disappear: everyone starts from zero (more on the games used for mob gaming later). This means that everyone can propose their idea more easily, without fear of being wrong: no one knows anything anyway!
As a facilitator, it also is easier to interrupt the group and make them aware of what they are doing or not doing (having 2 conversations, not listening to each other, talking instead of trying and learning). The context is safer than when you are doing production code.
Many other things happen, but I will let you discover it when you try it.
Most of all, it is a really fast way for the group to learn mob programming, and reflect on the interactions and behavior inside the group.
Which games to play?
There are a lot of games that can be used to do a mob gaming session. I would not recommend any game based on skills or reflexes, such as platform games or shooters.
My favorite game is definitely Baba is you.
And here are some other cool alternatives:
The last 2 require you to have at least 3 hours to play (with the explanations and the debrief).
And now…
And now, whether you are convinced or you have questions, you should probably experiment this with your team. It is really easy (and cheap), and what are the risks?
And by the way, let me know if you find a cool game for mobbing :)
Happy gaming!