About
Do It Yourself SPY is a comedy improvisation storytelling game where you cooperatively work with found objects from your pockets, house, office, or yard.
Premise: You’re spies on a mission to retrieve an item. But this time you don’t take any of the Spy Agency’s cool gadgets, and instead make them with whatever is around you. You’ll be coming up with nifty, ingenious workarounds with objects from around your house. And then bring in a friend or family member to be the Spy Boss you answer to.
Players
2-9 players
Ideal = 6 players
Variation for 2 players
Age
10+
Play Time
20mins (2 players)
30-45mins (3+ players)
Comments by Cardboard Edison judges:
— “The props mechanic is very clever.”
— “This certainly stands out from other improv games, especially through its scenario cards and use of props.”
— “The use of physical objects in an improv board game is something I have not seen before and will make for replayability.”
PLACE PLAY MODE
Room Play: Play with objects from rooms in your house or office.
Pocket Play: At a convention or festival? Play with objects on your person & immediately around you.
Remote Play: Playing online? Play with objects from rooms in your house or office, with other players via videochat/Zoom.
GADGET PLAY MODE
Story Mode: This is the default mode. Tell stories about how you made the gadgets from the objects.
Craft Mode: Tell stories inspired by the objects AND try to build the gadget from the objects with binding agents such as tape and string.
Organised Play Mode: Craft Play but with everyday objects from second-hand or discount stores, so players can take home the D.I.Y. gadgets.
CARD GAME COMPONENTS
Instruction Booklet
114 Tarot Cards
– 6 Instruction Cards
– 6 Spy Cards
– 12 Enter Mission Cards
– 12 Retrieve Mission Cards
– 12 Leave Mission Cards
– 6 Item Cards
– 24 Gadget Cards
– 6 Place Cards (double-sided)
– 12 Whoopsie Cards
– 6 Complete? Cards
– 12 Debrief Cards
CORE MECHANISMS
Improvisational Storytelling
Found Object & Card Randomisers
Light Role-Play
Cooperative
Shared Goals & Resources