By Inventor Sam Greszes turns online toxicity into laughter with his new tabletop game, blending social media debates into real-life fun.
From Late-Night Scrolling to Game Creation
At 2:30 AM one April morning, Sam Greszes found himself deep in the grips of doom scrolling. Fueled by a legal substance and the endless stream of online arguments, inspiration struck. “I could either go to sleep and let the idea vanish or stay up, jot it down, and see if it’s worth pursuing,” Greszes recalls. Choosing the latter, he birthed Die on This Hill—a game that channels the often pointless debates seen on social media into a structured, yet hilariously competitive, party activity.
Greszes’s background in community management and social media for the gaming industry provided him with firsthand experience of the internet’s darker side. “Social media is a blight on humanity,” he admits. This frustration became the catalyst for his creative endeavor, aiming to transform online negativity into an engaging and entertaining experience for friends and family gatherings.
Gameplay That Mirrors Online Drama
Die on This Hill is designed for three to eight players, each striving to collect five Hill Cards by crafting the most outrageous arguments within a 45-second timeframe. The game mimics the chaotic nature of social media debates, encouraging players to outwit and out-argue each other in a bid to win tokens based on the emotional reactions they evoke.
- Hill Cards: These serve as connecting phrases, setting the stage for the debate.
- Debate Cards: Players receive two subjects to form their arguments, ranging from the wholesome (“Friendship is Good”) to the controversial (“A Podcast Made By Three Goofy White Boys is the festering rot at the heart of Fascism”).
As players debate, others respond by tossing emoji tokens like the poop emoji, angry faces, thumbs up, and hearts. The player who accumulates the most tokens during the round emerges victorious. “Any engagement is good engagement,” Greszes explains. “I wanted to make sure you can win by making people really mad at you, just like real life.”
Sabotage Adds a Twist
Die on This Hill isn’t just about arguing; it’s also about strategic sabotage. Each player has a two-sided Action Card:
- Let Me Cook: Allows you to directly counter the current argument.
- Die On This Hill: Forces your opponent to switch their argument entirely.
This mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy, making each round unpredictable and dynamic. Greszes shares a memorable moment when he used sabotage to make his sister-in-law argue, “The Coolest Guy You Know needs more Misogyny,” showcasing how the game can lead to both laughter and unexpected debates.
Kickstarter Success and Community Support
After deciding to pursue his idea, Greszes launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund Die on This Hill’s production. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with backers excited to bring a piece of their online experiences into their social gatherings. The game taps into a universal aspect of modern life—our love-hate relationship with social media debates—offering a way to laugh at ourselves and each other in a controlled environment.
- Player Count: 3-8
- Objective: Collect five Hill Cards by winning debates
- Components: Hill Cards, Debate Cards, Action Cards, Emoji Tokens
- Playtime: Approximately 30-45 minutes per session
Bridging the Online-Offline Divide
Die on This Hill successfully bridges the gap between the often impersonal nature of online interactions and the tangible, face-to-face dynamics of tabletop gaming. By translating digital conflicts into physical gameplay, the game fosters a unique form of social interaction that is both entertaining and reflective of contemporary communication styles.
Greszes believes that the game serves as a commentary on how social media can amplify trivial disputes, turning them into significant disagreements. By bringing these interactions into a playful setting, Die on This Hill encourages players to recognize the absurdity of certain online debates while enjoying the camaraderie that comes from friendly competition.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Community Engagement
With the Kickstarter campaign raising sufficient funds, Greszes plans to expand Die on This Hill’s reach. Future editions may include additional cards, themed expansions, and online components to keep the game fresh and engaging. Community feedback will play a crucial role in shaping these developments, ensuring that the game evolves alongside its players’ experiences and preferences.
Moreover, Greszes is exploring partnerships with influencers and gaming communities to promote Die on This Hill, aiming to create a widespread cultural impact. “If people enjoy the game, they’ll see a bit of their own social media lives reflected in it,” he says. This connection between personal experience and gameplay is what sets Die on This Hill apart in the crowded tabletop market.