Pretense

You know those game nights where everyone is gathered around a big strategy game or a classic tabletop title? Well, Pretense is the game you play *while* that is happening. It doesn't interrupt the fun; instead, it acts as the secret spice that turns a regular night into a field of espionage and social lies. It is what we call a metagame: an extra layer of chaos happening right under the table.

The concept is brilliant in its simplicity. As the night begins, every player is dealt a secret role and, more importantly, a secret objective. Your job is to fulfill that objective without anyone realizing what you are up to. If you are clever enough to complete your mission, you don't just score a point—you also get to 'steal' someone else's identity. This creates a domino effect of paranoia: you start questioning if your friend's casual comment was just small talk or if they just completed an objective and are now trying to seize control.

Supporting 2 to 12 players, Pretense truly shines when the group is around 5 to 6 people, creating that perfect balance between chaos and control. Don't expect complex rules or massive boards; what you have here is pure applied psychology. You will be watching glances, analyzing tones of voice, and trying to deduce who is pretending to be whom. It is a game of pure social interaction, where your best tool isn't a die, but your ability to keep a straight face. If you love bluffing, deduction, and want to upgrade your game nights with your crew, Pretense is the kind of 'game within a game' you didn't know you needed, but will want to play at every single gathering.