Could game nights feature a game that was created in Amherstburg?

If Frank D’Angelo and Jamie Lees have their say, people locally and beyond will be able to enjoy their new storytelling game that they are in the process of releasing.

D’Angelo and Lees, owners of the Richmond St. based business Jank Words & Pictures, have launched “Synopsis: The Storytelling Game.” D’Angelo came up with the idea and developed it into a board game.

Players are dealt five “Element Cards” from one of the four categories in the game. People can choose from mystery, romance, fairytale or situation and build a continuous tale that lasts until one of the players runs out of cards.

Other players rate the stories being told with a “Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down” and players could be challenged by those they are playing with to “recall” up to three cards used by others. 

“My dad was always a great storyteller,” said D’Angelo. “He came from a long list of storytellers in my family.”

From there came the concept for Synopsis.

“I like to ‘game-a-fy’ things. It was a natural combination for me, I guess,” he said. “The object of the game is to tell an ongoing story from player-to-player. The game creates three levels of interaction – storytelling, rating and recalling.”

D’Angelo’s background incorporates games in other ways, noting he operated games for 13 years while employed at Boblo Island Amusement Park. 

From the initial idea, D’Angelo said he had to work through the process of how it worked and how players would interact with each other. A graphic designer by trade, he also came up with how the game would look.

“I designed the entire package myself. That took a bit,” he said. 

The game was tested in focus groups D’Angelo and Lees presented. While the first person to run out of “element cards” is declared the winner and “Supreme Storyteller,” D’Angelo and Lees said those who have played Synopsis enjoyed it regardless.

“In the beta testing, people didn’t care if they won or lost,” D’Angelo said. “They just enjoyed telling stories.”

“Advanced play” could include the mixing of categories rather than just concentrating on one at a time. He noted the name comes from the fact people are telling a synopsis of a story.

D’Angelo and Lees believe the game could not only be a hit on game nights, but be used in schools and seniors centres as well. Lees said they have a lot of friends who are teachers and they are dealing with students who spend a lot of time in front of screens. “Synopsis” could help boost creativity, improve communication and encourage fair play and teamwork.

Seniors could also boost their recall capabilities, foster laughter and build community and engagement with one another. 

Lees added businesses could also use the game to help with training, communication and the formulation of new ideas.

“Synopsis isn’t just for game night,” said D’Angelo. “Teachers can use it to engage students and spark creativity in the classroom, while activity directors in senior homes will find it’s a wonderful way to bring groups together. Storytelling has a unique ability to build connection, sharpen minds, and encourage collaboration.”

The game was entirely funded through a Kickstarter campaign with people pledging $250 getting their name on the blue box the game comes in.

“We wanted our supporters to feel like part of the story,” said D’Angelo. “That’s why we made the box as special as the game itself. It’s a celebration of creativity and community.”

The tabletop game is for two to nine players. Rounds can take 60-90 minutes to play, but it depends on how many players and the creativity they bring to it.

“It’s hard to gauge,” said D’Angelo. “It’s personality driven.”

D’Angelo has sold games in the past to Canada Games Inc., such as “Monkey See, Monkey Do,” and is hopeful Synopsis gets into retail stores. Lees said they are 100 per cent funded through the Kickstarter campaign, which also serves as a pre-order for the game.

“We look to be shipping out at the end of March,” she said.

Lees added Jank Words & Pictures have other projects on the go. D’Angelo said they are working on a graphic novel as one of their upcoming projects.

“We’re going to roll the novel out soon,” said Lees.

Note: The Kickstarter campaign was fully funded on Jan.15/25. Synopsis will be for sale online momentarily. Meanwhile, sign-up to the Jank & File monthly newsletter to keep updated on Synopsis online developments.

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107.9 CKBG Radio, Amherstburg