Idea and Origin

Oh Really? was impressed by Personal Preference, a classic board sport I performed after I was a child (though we needed to tweak the foundations for the reason that rulebook was now not within the sport field) in addition to how I spent many evenings as an grownup with buddies.

I at all times mentioned I’d make my very own model of the sport in the future. Even although I thought of it for a number of years, it wasn’t till I took a visit to Mexico in 2018 that I created the very first prototype of this little card sport. On the seashore with three buddies and margaritas, a number of dozen matters had been rapidly written on torn items of paper that had been held down by rocks so they would not fly away. We performed it time and again till it was clear that I actually ought to kick off this challenge.

During a motorcycle experience after a day of taking part in, my good friend requested me, “What are you going to name your sport?” I hadn’t thought of it but, so I mentioned the very first thing that popped into my head: “Oh Really? I’m pondering one thing alongside these strains.”

And like most of my selections in life, the primary spontaneous feeling caught.

Highlights of Playing

After tons of playtests with my buddies, I can say with certainty that we laughed quite a bit and even felt awkward generally. I bear in mind one second when a good friend admitted she most well-liked warfare over pushy salespeople. She defended herself by clarifying that she meant the historic educational topic, however we did not let it drop. It grew to become an inside joke after that!

There was one other time I used to be taking part in the sport throughout a primary date and realized the man hated all the things I beloved. I did not see him once more. (It ended up saving me a while ultimately.)

I admit, I’ve additionally at all times beloved taking part in with {couples}, particularly after they draw playing cards with extra
mature and intimate themes. Seeing their reactions or embarrassment in entrance of their associate usually says
quite a bit about their personal dynamic, and I like that!

Experience as an Artist

In addition to being the designer of Oh Really?, I’m additionally a graphic designer and visible artist with a moderately multidisciplinary observe and an immense want for artistic selection. I’m continually fueled by new initiatives and challenges, and the sort of product slot in nicely with my present line.

What occupies most of my time is my observe in galleries and exhibitions, the place I primarily deal with repurposing previous objects with typographic interventions and installations. These distinctive items can be found solely throughout these occasional expositions in numerous North American and European artwork galleries.

Between these expos, I deal with my firm Merci Bonsoir, which is in the identical spirit because the work within the galleries, however extra within the spirit of inexpensive reward concepts to assist make these creations accessible to any funds. I’ve my headquarters in Montreal in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. This place serves as my workshop, workplace, warehouse, assembly house, and Merci Bonsoir store — simply wanting a second residence.

Randolph Discovers the Game

I began on the challenge a number of weeks later in earnest. I conceived, designed, printed, and financed my very own card sport. The objective was to make it only for enjoyable and promote it on my on-line retailer.

The first print run was an excellent restricted version of solely 250 small packing containers. Since Montreal is a bilingual metropolis, I made the primary model in each languages and referred to as it Ah Ouinnn? on the French aspect of the field and Oh Really? on the English aspect.

Just a few months later, the Randolph staff heard about my well-liked card sport, and so they supplied to make an actual, extra industrial model utilizing their staff’s skilled expertise. I accepted their supply with pleasure since I may actually focus solely on the elements I loved: designing the field and playing cards, and the design/writing of the totally different matters.

Do you need to know what went by means of the thoughts of Joël Gagnon, the publishing director of Randolph? “I first noticed the sport as a prototype at one of many Randolph Game Pubs. A pair was taking part in this bizarre sport. I requested the demoer why they had been taking part in a prototype? He instructed me it was merely the perfect sport to play on dates! I requested to borrow the sport in order that I may play it with the staff on the Randolph workplace. We had plenty of enjoyable! I believed it might be a superb alternative to contact the creator and supply to publish her sport on a bigger scale. That’s how the collaboration with MC Marquis started.”

Present Day

We launched Ah Ouinnn? in 2019, and the English model Oh Really? in Canada in 2020, then Ah Ouinnn? Édition 25+ in 2021, and now the English model has made it to the USA! I can not say extra now, however extra editions are presently within the works, too. I hope you take pleasure in this enjoyable little card sport, whether or not it is on a primary date or in the course of sport night time with buddies!

MC Marquis