‘But Honestly’: Young Malaysians Create Card Game Designed For Emotional Awareness and Vulnerability

By Quinny Tan  •  07 Sep 2021 in Games

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If you’re familiar with We’re Not Really Strangers, this new Malaysian card game might pique your interest.

But Honestly is a card game founded by three childhood friends – Ting Shi Qi, Sarah Wong and Davin Ngu.

“All three of us grew up together and were privileged enough to grow up in an environment where vulnerability was encouraged,” they shared in a story on Instagram. “However, we found not many of our friends grew up in an environment like this.

“This game is designed to build relationships that go beyond the surface. Our question and action cards will help create a safe space for meaningful conversations to foster long-lasting connections.”

 

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Shying away from sensitive topics can be second nature to many of us, especially those who grew up in Asian cultures. We’re taught from a young age that certain things are too taboo to talk about and that wearing your heart on your sleeve is a sign of weakness.

The team behind But Honestly created the game to challenge that belief by creating a safe space for honesty and vulnerability.

 

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This 100-card deck is filled with prompts that invite players to speak and share from the heart. You just might learn new things about yourself and the people around you!

“We believe in the importance of having real and meaningful conversations and want to provide an avenue for friends, family, or even strangers to connect with one another in a way like never before.”

 

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The game itself consists of three decks, to represent three levels. You begin by shuffling the deck and take turns drawing a card from each deck, with a selection of either a question card, a wild card, or an action card. Players can choose to turn it up a notch by moving on to the next level, and end the game with the Final Card.

The goal of the game isn’t to get through all the cards, but rather focus on having meaningful conversations and getting to know one another on a deeper level of understanding.

 

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“Such a simple yet underrated to encourage vulnerability. The questions are though provoking which leads to self reflection. I realised I learned a few more things about myself and a lot about the people around me,” a testimonial says, after playing But Honestly.

They also feature kickstarter bundles that come with tote bags to flex your new-found insight on your friends!

If you’re interested in preordering a pack for yourself and helping the team raise funds to support the game, click here.