We are pleased to announce a new in-house production game called Habemus Papam , which will be released in 2025. Designed by Francisco Gradaille (Plantagenet and Onoda ) with art by Jasper Rietman and graphic design by Joao Duarte, Habemus Papam is a game for 3 to 6 players. It immerses players in the depths of Vatican politics, where each participating cardinal seeks not only to elect the Pope that suits them, but also to secure the future of the Church according to their own vision.
Black smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel as the doors close behind the last cardinal. In the Vatican corridors, whispers become promises, and promises become alliances. The throne of St. Peter awaits its next occupant, but the path to it is paved with secrets. Will your candidate be the one chosen to lead the Church?
The cardinals must carefully manage their influence within the Roman Curia, jealously guarding secrets that could elevate or destroy candidacies, while maintaining an image of piety before their peers and the faithful. Each player must weave their own network of allies, knowing that loyalty can be as fleeting as the smoke that signals the outcome of each vote. The most astute cardinals will know when to reveal their hand and when to keep their true intentions hidden beneath the weight of their red hats. The art of deception intertwines with the need to build credible coalitions, creating a delicate balance between personal ambition and the greater good of the Church.
The next Pope will not necessarily be the most devout or the most virtuous, but the one who best knows how to navigate the murky waters of ecclesiastical politics, combining cunning, diplomacy and, perhaps, a touch of divine inspiration.
The people in St. Peter's Square are waiting to hear two words: Habemus Papam . Let the conclave begin.
Habemus Papam will be seeking funding through Gamefound on March 5, 2025. You can follow the campaign here and get exclusive action cards: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/saltandpepper/habemus-papam
