Introduced as ‘Neon Party’ (privately printed), I’ve reworked the game into ‘SAMOA’ to be published by 999 Games. In this project I have worked closely together with the designer of this game, Lars Jansen to develop this idea into a published game. I have suggested and tested rule changes, added cards, done the development, and did balancing, testing, rulebook writing and art direction.

I have created the best possible storyline for this game that started as a very simple mechanic. Eventually after optimising the story into the mechanics, I’ve found the right illustrator in Andrew Bosley (Everdell – Tapestry)  and this transformed the game from an abstract concept to a nice and attractive family card game. The funny characters of the masks that were developed in cooperation with Andrew contribute greatly to the experience of the game. I tested various masks and names with my testing audience.

Original concept: Neon Party. Each player has one (out of five) secret identifier card and plays rounds where they place value cards at either of those. You must find the one identifier belonging to each of the other players and at the same time place as many value cards at your own to score victory points. At the end of the game you score additional victory points for each well guessed identifier card. But as soon as all other players guess your identifier right, you score no victory points at all.