Our first game is a party card game called ABSOLUTISM.
We started working on it at the beginning of the year. Step by step— concept, premise, system, rules, content, graphics. After spending numerous sleepless nights and fervent weeks, we reached a point where we thought we had enough and we needed to test it. We had to see what others were thinking of our baby. We printed our first prototype and we organized the first playtest two months back and we had a blast. Lots of laughter, advice, and opinions.
We took them all to heart and for a couple of weeks, I wrote like crazy. Vali seconded me, trying every joke, pulling me back when I was going too far with them. We also made some changes to the design and added a new set of cards. Printed the second prototype and organized another playtest. The second time we playtested it with a different demographic group, using the new cards.
We couldn’t believe it how well it was received. I know you’ve seen testimonials done a million times, but we couldn’t hold back. So, on the pictures, you can see some of the reactions we got. Even more opinions and amazing feedback.
We kept working on the game, improving it, following the ideas vehiculated at the second playtesting. Several new types of cards, a few new rules, a game a bit more complex and tensed. We’re now preparing to print our third prototype. We’re getting ready for a third playtesting at the Games Designers Night organized by 401Games.
ABSOLUTISM uncovers the hilarious truth about who is the most dictatorial in your group of friends or among your family members. It should be played in groups of four or more, up to ten players and it is perfect for grown-ups.
I confess that the game is inspired by the current international political situation, where a lot of traditionally democratic countries are on the verge of sliding into totalitarian societies. It is also based on our personal experience from the dictatorship period in Romania. This is something that has preoccupied my thoughts lately and gave the premise for my latest novel, SERVITUDE, as well.
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