We present insights from ‘Intelligence Rising’, a scenario exploration exercise about possible AI futures. Drawing on the experiences of facilitators who have overseen 43 games over a four-year period, we illustrate recurring patterns observed throughout gameplay: the destabilising effects of AI races, the critical role of international cooperation in mitigating catastrophic risks, and the challenges of aligning corporate and national interests. Recurring themes include the emergence of international agreements and their fragility, the importance of cybersecurity, and the potential for unexpected crises to dramatically alter AI trajectories.