About

THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE GAME

This experience was crafted to spark conversations that bring out vulnerability and deepen connections. It’s designed to be safe, fun, and meaningful—each step building anticipation and openness. Below is an outline of each stage and how it unfolds.

Setting the Stage

The game includes a Host and Players. The Host invites everyone, sets up the space, and guides the experience. A quick read-through of the blue cards will ensure they’re ready to create an unforgettable night.

A key component to this game is the central Character – The Collector. The universe that the Collector is part of gives the experience the stepping stone to explore the darker side of our nature. This Character makes the game flow, which makes it easier for the Host and is also a large part of the entertainment. To know more about this Character, go to the section called The Collector Explained.

Stage 1: Building Curiosity

Before the event, the Host sends two audio files: one when inviting players and one on the day of the event. These immersive sound clips introduce The Collector, the game’s narrator, giving just enough detail to spark curiosity and intrigue without revealing everything. This sets a tone of adventure from the start.

Stage 2: The Event Night

The Host’s main task on the night is to create a comfortable, relaxed environment—dim lighting, some snacks, and cozy seating to help set the mood. As players settle, they listen to The Collector’s introduction, which opens the door to a hidden world and invites each player to expand their perspective.

Then, a brief, eerie meditation begins, with immersive sounds designed to evoke deeper, darker thoughts, preparing players for the pledge they’ll take together. This group commitment may feel a bit unusual, but it sets a foundation of shared vulnerability, helping everyone feel more connected.

Stage 3: Stories and Reflection

Players close their eyes, letting the audio stories wrap around them, bringing to mind the shadows we all carry. The stories, reminiscent of ghost tales, prompt players to explore hidden parts of themselves.

Stage 4: Thoughtful Questions

The game then shifts to guided questions, inspired by the stories and exploring personal thoughts. Starting with lighter prompts, the questions gradually become more introspective, allowing for raw and authentic conversation. The Host’s role here is to nurture a safe space where everyone can share openly—or skip a question if it’s too personal. Some groups may find themselves laughing and bonding, while others might delve into unexpectedly deep territory.

Wrapping Up

Each session may inspire tangents, and you may not complete the game in one night. It’s designed to nurture real connections and is ideal for those who enjoy thoughtful conversations. For the game’s philosophical roots, explore What is Your Shadow Self to dive deeper into the inspiration behind this unique experience.

THE COLLECTOR EXPLAINED

Let me introduce you to the central figure of this experience: The Collector. Designed to be more than just a narrator, the Collector guides you through the stories and every state, creating a distinct universe that brings out the “dark side” in each player. By stepping into this removed world, players feel safe, connected, and ready to dive into deeper, sometimes darker conversations with ease.

THE COLLECTOR’S UNIVERSE

The Collectors are a secret society, journeying across the world to uncover and catalogue stories that reveal the full spectrum of human experience. Each story they gather serves as a mirror, reflecting aspects of humanity that we might otherwise overlook. Collectors are marked by unique identifiers, which designate the kinds of stories they seek. In this experience, you’ll encounter Collector X, tasked with gathering humanity's dark tales—the stories that stir fear and unease.

These tales are preserved in ancient volumes and stored in the Hidden Library, where they are passed down to spark insight and wisdom for future generations.

WHAT IS YOUR SHADOWSELF

I'm aware there are many interpretations of the Shadow Self, but this is my take and how it shapes the experience. Shadow Self has gained popularity on TikTok, with best-selling journals on the topic, but this game takes a lighter approach, inspired by psychologist Carl Jung's ideas.

Jung believed we all wear masks—a social mask and a Shadow Self, which holds our darker thoughts and feelings. We see this on social media, where we present our 'best self' rather than our authentic self. This game is designed as an antidote to that; it encourages awareness and acceptance of both sides of ourselves.

Jung suggested that embracing both masks leads to a more whole and authentic self. This game starts with self-awareness and moves toward group acceptance, recognizing that everyone has a Shadow Self—thoughts and feelings we don’t often share. By exploring these with people you trust, you gain a deeper understanding of each other and strengthen your relationships. The stories are intentionally darker, sparking conversations that go beyond the surface to grow authenticity within your circle."

“I must also have a dark side if I am to be whole” – Carl Jung

WHY I DESIGNED THE GAME

I debated including this section, as it felt a bit indulgent. But for those curious about the “why” behind this game, here’s the story.

After two decades in the creative industry, pushing audio’s impact on emotions and connection, I felt a strong pull to create something meaningful, something that would bring people closer. My motivation hit one Friday afternoon, looking at my partner after our toddler fell asleep—I realized we’d lost that deep connection. I felt afraid to have a real conversation, to be vulnerable. The same was true with friends; our chats were light but didn’t grow our understanding of each other. I realized this disconnect was likely universal.

Vulnerable conversations can feel uplifting, even healing, yet they’re rare. Inspired by Carl Jung’s belief that authentic connection requires understanding both of our societal “mask” and hidden “shadow self,” I set out to create an experience to bring to life each other’s Shadowself and to make deeper conversations easier. Using my knowledge, I knew I could unlock immersive audio’s full potential and a long-time student of behavioural science, gave me two powerful and unique ingredients to build something that hadn’t been done before. I built this experience to help people explore their darker sides and strengthen connections with partners and friends. It’s just the start—I have many more concepts to help relationships connect in authentic, lasting ways. If you support this quest more experiences will come, that I promise.