Motley, an independent creative agency based in Mumbai, has introduced Cards Against Advertising, a parody party card game that uses humour to reflect the realities of life inside the advertising industry. Designed as both entertainment and social commentary, the game offers a light-hearted way for professionals to recognize and process shared workplace experiences.
Comprising 150 cards, Cards Against Advertising draws on the chaos, clichés, and uncomfortable truths familiar to anyone who has worked in advertising, marketing, or the wider creative services sector. From pitch stress and internal alignment calls to jargon-heavy conversations and last-minute changes, the game transforms everyday agency moments into satirical prompts meant to spark laughter and recognition.
The project takes inspiration from the gameplay mechanics of Cards Against Humanity but adapts the format to the specific culture of advertising. It was developed under Motley Orgnls, the agency’s internal initiative that supports crew-led creative projects. Through this platform, employees are encouraged to propose independent ideas rooted in their own experiences, with selected projects receiving production support and long-term profit participation.
While advertising remains one of the world’s most influential industries, it is also commonly associated with long hours, high pressure, and burnout. Many professionals enter the field driven by ambition and creative energy, only to encounter challenges that are rarely discussed openly. Cards Against Advertising was conceived as a way to acknowledge these shared realities, using humour as a release rather than critique or instruction.
“This is more than just a game; it is a unique advertising-specific party experience,” said Priyanka Surve, Founding Partner and Creative Head at Motley. She emphasized that the product was designed by people working in the industry, for those who experience its realities every day.
The initiative also reflects Motley’s broader philosophy around creative ownership and workplace culture. According to Jason Menezes, Founding Partner and Business Head at Motley, creativity should extend beyond client briefs. Motley Orgnls, he noted, exists to ensure ideas can generate long-term value, equity, and pride for their creators, rather than remaining limited to salaried output.
The content of the cards has been written collaboratively by professionals across different roles, including creatives, strategists, account managers, and interns. This diversity ensures the scenarios resonate widely, referencing both formal processes and informal conversations that shape agency life. The intent is to create a shared space where industry frustrations can be released collectively and harmlessly through humour.
Designed for small teams as well as larger gatherings, the game is aimed at current and former agency professionals, as well as clients with a self-aware understanding of advertising culture. Gameplay typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes and is intended for players aged 18 and above. Expansion packs focused on specific disciplines such as copywriting, design, and social media are already planned.
Launched amid ongoing conversations about burnout, mental health, and sustainable work cultures, Cards Against Advertising does not claim to offer solutions. Instead, it positions itself as a moment of shared reflection, using humour to acknowledge the pressures of the industry while reinforcing the value of collective experience.
