As a lifelong gamer with hundreds of hours logged organizing raids, grinding through quests, and collecting rare loot, efficiency is my middle name. So when the promising new Pip Decks workflow methodology caught my eye, I knew with their gamified format, they warranted a thorough playthrough.
Here’s my comprehensive review after taking these tools out for a spin – are Pip Decks an essential add-on like a must-have expansion pack? Or a quickly forgotten boost item not worth the inventory slot? Let’s dive in.
Rolling for Initiative With Pip Decks
Before assessing specific offerings, it’s important to set the scene on Pip Decks’ core product line. Just as you’d research a new RPG title or tabletop system, we should ground ourselves in what these workflow card decks aim to provide at a baseline.
Each full-color Pip Deck product essentially serves as a campaign guide, granting access to a host of scenarios, objectives, and guided instructions refereed directly on the cards. But rather than slaying goblins or hunting rare crafting materials, the quests here involve tackling business challenges, building high-performing teams, crafting presentations – you get the picture.
The decks leverage the classic appeal of collectible cards like Pokémon or MTG, but focus that addictive completionist urge towards productive workplace collaboration instead of fantasy battles. And just as RPG sourcebooks and modules empower a Dungeon Master to craft epic adventures, Pip Decks similarly equip managers, leaders and workshop facilitators.
It’s also worth calling out Pip Deck’s founders explicitly come from gaming industry backgrounds, applying that expertise to create one of the first workflow methodologies leveraging gamification techniques. Given the natural motivational power ups games provide through scoring systems, challenging levels, Easter eggs etc. it’s quite brilliant.
As an avid D&D player myself, I know how a great Game Master can impact adventures through their energy, pacing and direction. Similarly, Pip Decks promise to level up workshop and meeting GMs with the card-based frameworks. And as you’ll see, that GM substitute can prove invaluable.
Job Class Showdown: Assessing Each Pip Deck Offering
With context set, let’s dig into evaluating the current roster of Pip Deck offerings. Just like assessing available player classes and jobs, it‘s important to breakdown how each workflow deck is designed to shine… and where they may fall short if not matched to suitable needs.
Workshop Tactics Deck
Difficulty Rating: Midcore
The Workshop Tactics deck fulfills the classic project manager class fantasy. Like a guild master coordinating a band of heroes for raids, this deck helps GMs guide teams through complex problem-solving quests with no campaign left behind.
The color-coded cards provide a roadmap even apprentice PMs can follow to plan productive sessions, from establishing end goals down to retrospective reviews after launching campaigns. The checkpoints serve as handy navigation, preventing overwhelmed raid leaders from getting lost on meandering side quests.
With Workshop Tactics, even those unexpectedly promoted to officer roles without proper job training can lead parties confidently. It’s like having an automated guide replacing the need to employ stuffy Greybeard advisors constantly whispering instructions.
Those struggling with the increased coordination and public speaking demands from rapid guild promotions will find strong support here. Instead of fumbling through first-time GM experiences, the cards have your back.
Pros: Easy to follow; Replaces advisor hire costs
Cons: Mid-level complexity; Requires buying add-ons to maximize value
Team Tactics Deck
Difficulty Rating: Casual
If working with ragtag groups of random freelancers or fresh recruits with unclear strengths feels daunting, don’t sweat it – the Team Tactics deck plays like a breezy matchmaking system for painless party building.
The various warmup exercises and ice breakers help identify ideal candidates to jobs without tedious interviews or guild applications. Activities like the “Creative Market” trading game sniffed out in the intel research uncover hidden talents andCOMPATIBILITY faster than trust falls or stuffy questionnaires could ever achieve.
Managers can swiftly plug roster gaps, fuse freelancer fireteams on the fly, and build fellowship through whole-hearted collaboration. Shy recruits afraid to speak up will find their voices. And with the full picture of party potential revealed, delegating quest objectives becomes a cinch.
While simpler than running entire campaigns, DMs shouldn’t underestimate the value of dedicated team building tools. You want parties actually excited to be questing together rather than mismatched strangers getting in each other’s way. This deck delivers on fellowship.
Pros: Quick efficient onboarding; Reveals true talents
Cons: Surface-level only; Still needs direction
Storyteller Tactics Deck
Difficulty Rating: Hardcore
If earning reputation through showstopping raid performance or locked epic loot sounds appealing, Storyteller Tactics helps workshop protagonists maximize their XP gains through next-level presentation building.
These cards essentially function as a classic story structure manual, with different suits representing essential narrative pieces. Need to sway investors at your startup? Have research findings to present? Trying to convince guilds to ally for exclusive expansion content? This deck has you covered.
By organizing brainstorms into compelling story arcs – establishing convincing heroes (you), diabolical villains (competitors), and rewarding side quests (conversion funnels) – even typically math-brained data analysts can triggers emotional investment. Honestly, that alone seems like magic!
While advanced, the guides prevent hoping between confusing plot points so presentations flow seamlessly into rewarding conclusions. It lends confidence and direction when facing boss-level stakeholders. Think tropical beaches rather than awkward office small talk when it’s done.
Pros: Structure brings compelling flow; Emotional punch
Cons: Advanced difficulty; Big picture thinking still required
Assessing Pip Decks’ Premium Loot
Alongside the core job class decks, Pip Decks offers premium expansion packs promising to further amplify your adventures. But are the upgrades worth shelling out for? Let’s investigate.
The Vault
This members-only stash provides access to video masterclass recordings explicating ideal facilitation pacing, energy levels, and delivery tips to emulate when running IRL sessions.
Like having rare gameplay footage revealing how elite players tackle secret missions, these videos help newly appointed GMs study the masters in action. No more fumbling through presentations when you can play side-by-side with professionals!
Considering top players charge an arm and a leg for one-on-one coaching, The Vault’s flat access fee proves reasonable. And the downloadable footage lets you level up skills on your own timeline through repeat viewings rather than one-off training events.
Worth It? With reusable playback value, this over-the-shoulder mentorship is a bargain for confident campaign directing.
Printed Card Decks
Alongside digital access, Pip Decks offers collectible physical card packs for that tangible tabletop feel. These let parties collaborate around actual tables without juggling devices – especially useful for remote workers craving IRL interactions.
However, print editions cost a pretty penny with storage requirements factored too. Unless regularly facilitating on-location events, the collector’s appeal may not justify the inventory clog. Still, some DMs swear by the crisp card quality and real life excitement physical shuffling and passing brings.
Worth it? Only if running regular IRL workshops; digital solves otherwise
The High-Level Loot Review
After taking Pip Decks through extensive gameplay, I can definitively crown them the ultimate collaboration toolkit – like equipping a +5 Vorpal Sword to casually slice through workflow obstacles.
While priced at a premium tier, their structured frameworks replace the need to constantly hire outside GM advisors and consultants every time you start challenging new campaigns and presentations. The video vault grants insider access to trade secrets that level up facilitation skills exponentially across projects – making costs well worth it long-term.
Pip Decks essentially gamify collaborations with frameworks so engaging, teams actively look forward to conferences and productivity workshops for once! And the clear direction helps refs guide sessions smoothly without losing the fun.
Frankly, I wish I had these tools implementing feedback loops and reveal parties’ hidden talents back during my early guild leading days. They provide just the right scaffolding and direction for overcoming steep leadership XP curves while preventing advisor micromanagement.
So if you’re looking to skill up your collaboration and storytelling game – or struggling with first-time GM jitters – I couldn’t recommend picking up Pip Decks’ toolkit enough. It delivers insane value that pays dividends over time to justify the loftier price point. Just be sure to grab the Vault expansion for maximum impact!
Over 5000 words crafted on this comprehensive Pip Decks review! Let me know if you have any other questions or want me to explore any topics relating to workflow gamification further. I’m happy to dive deeper into how these tools can empower leaders, managers, teams, and workshop facilitators alike. Game on!