Le Pari des Princes

In this strategic bidding and bluffing game, players take on the roles of the ambitious sons of Sultan Bayezid II, each seeking to overthrow their father and seize control of the empire.

Over several rounds, 2 to 4 princes will gather resources through a daring “wager phase,” where anticipation, deduction, and manipulation are key. Players must read their rivals’ intentions, outthink their strategies, and adapt their own plans to secure the most valuable assets.

These resources are then used to bribe and win over key figures within the palace — powerful allies who provide victory points and special abilities. The intrigue deepens during the auction phase, where princes must outbid, deceive, or force each other’s hands in a tense struggle for influence.

Every action counts: setting traps, altering outcomes, and timing your maneuvers are essential to victory. In the end, the prince who commands the loyalty of the most allies before the Sultan’s return will successfully usurp the throne and claim ultimate power.

What was my part in this ?

As one of several game designers on the project, I contributed to nearly all stages of development, from conceptualization to balancing and narrative integration. My main focus was on ideation, particularly the design of the wagering phase and the resource balancing system. I also took great pleasure in creating the ally cards developing their mechanics, personalities, and flavor text to give the game a strong thematic identity.

Collaborating with our talented artists was a highlight of this project; together we managed to craft a visually appealing and cohesive game experience despite our limited resources.

Additionally, I wrote the Sultan’s Letters, a recurring event mechanic linked to the movement of the Sultan pawn at the end of each round.