Subito is a card game designed and developed for an art school project, with the goal of creating a physical game that fits a specific target group. The game merges two distinct concepts: quick, fast-paced gameplay and daring challenges, appealing to players who enjoy both strategy and risk-taking. In Subito, players take on the role of robbers trying to discard all their evidence (cards) before being caught by the cops (game over). Every player competes individually, and while trying to lose their own evidence, they can also slow down their opponents using «lock» cards. These cards force opponents to complete a challenge from the dare deck before continuing. The blend of strategy, quick thinking, and daring twists makes Subito an exciting and engaging game for various players.

Idea

The concept for Subito was a collaborative effort between myself and a classmate. We each had different visions for the game. I wanted something quick and dynamic, while my classmate preferred something that involved a risk factor, similar to truth-or-dare. We decided to combine these two ideas, resulting in a fast-paced game with an element of daring and unpredictability. Research into game mechanics and audience preferences helped us shape the game to appeal to players who enjoy short, engaging rounds with strategic and spontaneous challenges.

Development

Our process began with extensive research to define a clear target group for the game. We wanted to design a game that could be played quickly but also had depth in terms of interaction and strategy. Once we developed the basic concept of players being robbers trying to get rid of evidence, we incorporated the «lock» cards, which add a truth-or-dare component to the game. These cards force players to pause their progress and solve a challenge before they can continue, adding tension and excitement to the game.

Design

The design of Subito plays into the theme of robbers operating under the cover of darkness. The cards feature a dark background, symbolizing the stealth and secrecy of their actions. However, the content and symbols on the cards are contrasted with vibrant, eye-catching colors, ensuring they are easy to read and recognize during gameplay. These bold colors serve a dual purpose: while they enhance the user experience by being visually clear, they also metaphorically represent the urgency and difficulty of hiding evidence, as the bright elements are unmistakably visible, just like evidence that can’t be easily concealed.