Fun, fantasies, fetishes in adult card game

THERE is a new game on the market that asks Wha We Go Do? a phrase with many meanings and answers. But for Krystal Regis, 40, and her business partner Sean Mahon, 41, it's about sex, specifically their adult card game.

The pair created the game to address intimacy and communication issues in relationships.

Regis told Newsday her work with a therapist made her realise how uncomfortable people are discussing sex, herself included.

"When it came to the topic of sex, it opened my eyes to how a lack of intimacy can devastate relationships. I thought to myself, I can help by creating a game that starts a conversation."

Regis, who has a degree in psychology with certification in counselling, believes her studies and daily psychoanalysis of people and situations in her personal life influenced her decision and the game.

She noticed couples were less shy about exploring sexual topics at the early stages of dating, but as they get further into their relationship, their behaviour changes.

"They no longer open up to each other, they get bored. They grow apart and lose each other, they stop exploring."

The journey to creating Wha We Go Do? began three years ago, when Regis was working with a local company hosting game nights and interning with a sex therapist.

She was the production manager for the game company and was tasked with conceptualising and developing card games.

"A lightbulb went (on) in my head and I started with a book, a pen and an idea. Looking back, I think I just needed to prove to myself that I could do something on this scale."

Regis contacted Mahon, who had experience with party promotions and insurance. The two had worked together before.

"I asked if he was willing and here we are."

The game’s questions were inspired by watching adult movies, reading Reddit and Quora stories and learning about kinks and BDSM.

"We wanted it to have something for almost everyone. The majority of the content was derived from fantasies and fetishes."

Regis, who has a 9-5 job, originally wanted to be a sex therapist after completing her bachelor's. She took a year to herself before starting a master's programme and working with a licensed therapist. During that time, she saw first-hand the role of sex in relationships.

She describes the target audience as people in relationships who have lost their spark.

"We are taking an approach to a serious topic so couples could be more open with each other."

She said the game's $280 pricing came after "considerable research."

Word of mouth and an Instagram page have been the pair's best marketing strategies. Regis said earlier this year, they hosted game nights at a bar on Ariapita Avenue to generate interest and conversation around the game.

Regis, the mother of three boys, 21, 19 and 17, plays her own game in her free time. Her friends and family have been very supportive. Asked about her children's views, Regis said she never discussed it with them, but they are aware of it.

"My eldest son does advertising and sales for me."

However, she said as a woman developing and selling an adult game, there are moments she feels judged, mainly by other women, but that does not deter her.

"Interestingly, older women praise it, and men openly love it."

She said while she was promoting the game, a customer called her a pervert after inquired about its content.

Regis said she and Mahon took eight months to develop the 160 questions and graphics, initially done in Publisher desktop publishing software, but it later caused print-quality issues.

She described the first print trial, by a Chinese manufacturer, as "horrible."

Regis said they wanted the game produced locally, but found the printers were unhelpful and offered poor customer service.

"Eventually, I found the best printer in China. They walked me through everything.

"It was cheaper to order and ship. The first shipment of 500 units came via sea freight in February.

"This experience was expensive – and priceless."

The game’s raw and unfiltered language is what she believes sets it apart from others. Despite advice to tone down the language, she insists on keeping it as close to local "parlour talk" as possible to ensure it keeps making a "local taboo topic" fun and engaging.

Her goal is to get Wha We Go Do? into international markets. At the moment, customers can buy the game directly via its Instagram page, @whawegodogame.

Her advice to anyone thinking about entering the adult game market is to just do it and fight their self-doubt.

"I doubted myself a lot, and I have succeeded...Doubt is one of the greatest deterrents to getting where you want to be. Focus on positive things that get you excited and scared at the same time."

Her favourite part is "the public’s reactions when they read the cards."

Regis hopes her game can expand the local game market and help people learn about themselves, understand their boundaries and keep their relationships fresh. She said the game can also be played in large groups.

As for the future, Regis is working on another game that focuses on Caribbean history and culture.