Kazemi, Darius (Orbus Gameworks)

Thema: "Using Data to Argue Effectively in the Workplace"

Darius runs Orbus Gameworks, a small company that builds game play data metrics tools to help developers keep track of what their players are doing in-game.

Before Orbus, Darius analyzed gameplay metrics at Turbine, Inc., for MMORPGs, including Dungeons & Dragons Online and Lord of the Rings Online. He is also a technology officer for the IGDA Education SIG and a coordinator for the Boston IGDA Chapter. He's a co-organizer of the Boston GameLoop conference and he writes about networking and how to break into the game industry on his blog, Tiny Subversions

Summary of presentation:

This session covers strategies for using empirical data from player behavior as a political tool in the workplace. Player data can be used to end arguments, or it can be used to refocus arguments on something worth discussing (i.e., the data itself). Developers have data they don´t even realize is useful; they can use that data to make convincing arguments and there is an effective way to make those arguments.

The first half of this talk will discuss different types of data that exist that developers may not even be aware they have at their disposal. The second half of the talk will cover practical tips gleaned from the long history of rhetorical studies, reinforced with personal experience using such rhetorical strategies in the workplace. After laying down the basics of presenting a persuasive argument, the rest of the talk will demonstrate how to use Stephen Toulmin´s model of argumentation to sidestep time-wasting theoretical arguments and craft clear, concise, persuasive arguments quickly and easily.