Affection Game contains a small deck of cards and guidelines through the mechanics of intentional conversations.
By following the steps, you will:
thoughtfully invite people to meet with you
create a space that is comfortable for you and your companion(s)
choose cards for each session based on your levels of comfort with each other
practice your listening skills so everyone at the table feels considered
share what you appreciated learning about your companion(s)
Why did I make this game?
The condensed version is: I reunited with someone very dear to me, and when we decided to start a relationship together I realized... wow I am bad at communicating my feelings. Emotionally constipated, if you will. Great at performing, but bad at actually revealing what is underneath all my armor and costumes.
My partner and I both make games, so it made sense to develop a card game for us to communicate through.
Affection Game has grown with that relationship and my own personal development since 2017, all the way until mid-2022 when I was finally satisfied by how I worded the prompts. By that point, I realized my communication issues stemmed from anxiety, and I knew I needed these cards to help me overcome my fear in order to advocate for my needs and speak about my insecurities.
So yeah! The game says “You Win With Vulnerability” in the physical box art, and it rings true. Speaking up for my needs and opening up to navigating differences in a relationship with kindness really helped my relationship survive a lot of my historic bad habits.
Full disclosure: the game by itself doesn’t make relationships better.
You and whoever you invite to your table must have the intention to be there for each other as both separate parts and pieces that make up a sum. All must be willing to navigate difficulties and celebrate strengths together. And you ultimately should make improvements that feel good for yourselves and each other.
I will always be anxious and have insecurities, but I can find ways to focus more on the fondness I have for my long-term partner. I can use those kinder feelings to fuel how I talk about my needs and insecurities.
Basically: your game sessions will only be as good as the energy you and other people bring to them.
Where can you get this game?
Get the digital game on the Roll 20 platform
Get the physical card game on The Game Crafter site
If you play, let me know how you liked it! I love to learn how my game is used in different relationships (even if the result is “my partner felt so uncomfortable they begged me to never bring these cards out again”)
If you have any questions about the game that I haven’t answered yet, drop them in my ask box! A ton of work went into this game that I forget to mention when I'm writing these things unprompted on my own!!
