saachi mehta
fables
I designed the complete project from the ground up—developing game mechanics centered on narrative construction and persuasion, establishing the card system architecture and gameplay loops, writing all content and copy, and executing the visual design and production.
The production process involved designing 60+ unique cards across multiple archetypes, the game board, dice, tokens, and other supporting pieces, developing the visual language, typography system, printing and packaging to ensure the physical components supported the core gameplay experience.
about the game
Fables is a board game that challenges players to construct and defend narratives inspired by character archetypes, exploring how stories create alternative pathways to truth.
Players must build compelling stories from three cards and convince others of their validity, celebrating storytelling as a fundamental tool for connection and knowledge transmission.
to tell a story
The game mechanics center on narrative construction and defense.
Each player receives three cards at the start: the Star (their protagonist), the Companion (a supporting character), and the Symbol (a thematic element). These three cards form the foundation of their story, establishing the core narrative they must sustain throughout the game.
As play progresses, players draw Scenario cards that challenge their stories with specific situations or conflicts. Players must defend their narratives by convincing others of how their Star, Companion, and Symbol would respond to each scenario.
Success is determined through persuasion—if other players believe the story, they award tokens. The game rewards not factual accuracy, but the ability to build and maintain a compelling, believable narrative.
designed for persuasion
The production process focused on creating components that encouraged open interpretation and authentic dialogue. I designed a game board that loops in on itself, making the gameplay endless and reinforcing the cyclical nature of storytelling. The character archetype cards featured deliberately open-ended descriptions for strengths and weaknesses, inviting players to interpret meaning based on context rather than fixed definitions.
This approach was intentional—I wanted to challenge people to examine their belief systems and remain open to shifting interpretations as scenarios changed.