Date Dream:
A Card Game
About
Date Dream is a card game inspired by my life as a caregiver for my chronically ill spouse. When my husband’s health flares, simple communication and activities become monumental or impossible.
As a result, we haven’t been on a “real” date in years.
So I started designing a low-energy role-playing game where my husband and I could have imaginary “dates” while homebound or bedridden.
Date Dream is currently not in production, but someday I hope I can share the game with other caregivers, people with chronic illnesses, long-distance couples, or people who just need a quiet date at home.
Logo & Branding
The game name “Date Dream” is a combination of the words “Dream Date” and “Daydream”. I wanted the logo to be simple, yet invoke an ethereal, whimsical feel. The logo was inspired by imagery of clouds and thought bubbles.
Card Design
Date Dream includes five different sets of cards for players to draw in order to continue the narrative of their date. The cards are meant to be a starting point to encourage additional discussion and creativity, but it’s up to the player’s energy levels and imagination how detailed they choose to play. The game ends when the Action, Emotion, or Dialogue decks are depleted, or at the players discretion.
Location Card - determines the setting where the imaginary date will take place.
Attire Card - determines what one or both players will wear during the date.
Action Card - lists potential physical “actions” the player can take.
Emotion Cards - players can place this card to describe an inner thought or emotion they would experience during the date.
Dialogue Cards - lists options for spoken dialogue between the players.
