Deception Inc.
A downloadable game
Deception Inc. is a hybrid analog-digital board game developed as part of my master’s thesis in Interaction Design. It explores the hidden tactics behind persuasive systems and deceptive design, turning real-world dark patterns (Deceptive design techniques) into playable mechanics designed as a didatic experience.
It's for 2 to 8 Players, where they will face challenges drawn from actual User Experience Design manipulation strategies found in digital products, think disguised ads, trick wording, and endless scroll. The goal isn’t just to win, or in this scenario, not lose, but to recognize and navigate these patterns critically, and consider the precedents we're establishing for the next generation of tech.
The project combines physical gameplay with digital minigames (prototyped in Figma), combining research on behavioral nudging, data ethics, and human-centered design. All mechanics are based in academic research and game inspiration, later refined through iterative playtesting, still needing further testing and features finished.
If anyone takes the time to actually download and tryout my game, whether you’re a designer, researcher, or just curious about how interface tricks shape your digital behavior, this game is both educational and brutally honest at testing your capacity to not be deceived, i´d be thrilled and hope to hear your critics! It's a great tool to show people about the dangers of internet manipulation and how present it actually is.
Feel free to download and experiment with the game as you like for non-commercial or educational purposes. If you'd like to build on it for something bigger, just get in touch!
Download
Install instructions
To play Deception Inc. , you’ll need to download and print a few files as well as a cellphone with internet connection to access the digital Minigames and Battles.
Here’s everything you need and how to use it:
What's in the download:
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Game_Board_and_Tiles.pdf– full modular board and pieces (for print or digital use) -
Game_Rules.pdf– full rulebook with setup instructions and QR code to digital minigames Game_Rules_for_print.pdf– full rulebook in a printable/foldable format
Folding instructions:
- Fold a piece of paper into eighths.
- Unfold the paper.
- Fold the paper short edge to short edge.
- Cut the paper in the middle, only until half, use the fold line to know where to stop.
- Unfold the paper.
- Fold the paper in half, long edge to long edge, then sueeze to make a plus.
- Fold the paper into a book shape.
- Flatten your book.
*Do all this with the first pages of the instructions facing you and on top, alternatively just cut in half horizontally and vertically and glue togueder in order.
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Dark_Pattern_Discs.pdf– printable disc pieces representing different dark patterns
Each Dark Pattern has an image and a description, being 12 total, the intended descriptions match the placement of the images.
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Event_Cards.pdf– event cards to shuffle and draw during the game Event_Cards_BG.pdf– event cards backgrounds (optional)
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Minigame_Links.txt– direct access to the minigames (in case the QR code fails) Battle_Mechaninc_Tray_Link.txt– Link for the battle mechaninc prototype and limitation warningsCredits.txt– full credits and acknowledgments
Important Note: Battle Mechanic is unfinished due to system complexity, only 5 Dark Patterns work for the feature:
Misdirection;Obstruction;Pre- Selection;Disguised Ads;Nagging
Whenever a player wishes to attack another, only these patterns will work with the Objective Cards
Besides that, the game is functional, take some time to read the rules, after a first assembly and first round the game tended to be easily understood in the few tests ran. But i advise at least one player understand the rules clearly before starting a session, feel free to change or adapt rules to your liking.
Note: With basic software knowledge on programs like Figma, Miro, Google Slides or even Paint, this game can be played fully digitally and online, requiring a game host that knows the rules and operates the pieces sharing his screen on platforms like Discord or Zoom, but the intended hybrib gaming experience removes dead time handling material and distributing pieces creating better immersion, if you insist on playing this digitially, feed an AI chat bot with the pieces to handle the randomness factor and increasing ease of use/lowering dead time.
