Mumbai: Mumbai-based independent creative agency Motley has announced the launch of Cards Against Advertising, a parody party card game that offers a humorous yet honest take on the realities of agency life. Developed under Motley Orgnls, the agency’s internal platform for crew-led creative projects, the game uses satire to reflect the chaos, clichés and unspoken truths of the advertising and marketing ecosystem.
Comprising 150 cards, the game draws inspiration from the popular format of Cards Against Humanity and is designed to resonate with professionals across advertising, marketing and creative services. By turning familiar workplace scenarios into shared moments of laughter, the game aims to help industry insiders process their experiences collectively and light-heartedly.
Advertising continues to be one of the most influential global industries, but is also often associated with long hours, intense pressure and cultural burnout. Cards Against Advertising was conceived as a way to acknowledge these widely shared experiences through humour, rather than critique or instruction, creating a safe space for reflection and release.
“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. “It’s a product designed by people who work in the industry, for people who live its realities every day.”
The project also reflects Motley’s broader philosophy around creative ownership and workplace culture. Through Motley Orgnls, team members are encouraged to pitch independent creative ideas, with selected projects receiving production support from the agency and profits shared with the creators over time.
“In an industry driven by ideas, it’s important that creative ownership extends beyond client work,” said Jason Menezes, Founding Partner and Business Head at Motley. “Motley Orgnls exists because creativity shouldn’t just earn a salary – it should build equity, ownership, and pride.”
The content for Cards Against Advertising has been written by professionals across roles, including creatives, strategists, account managers and interns. The cards reference familiar industry moments such as late-stage presentation changes, pitch pressures, alignment calls and workplace jargon—conversations often left out of formal forums.
Designed for groups ranging from small teams to large gatherings, the game is aimed at agency professionals, former agency employees and self-aware clients. Gameplay typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes and is intended for players aged 18 and above. Expansion packs focusing on specific roles such as copywriters, designers and social media professionals are planned.
Launching amid ongoing conversations around burnout, mental health and sustainable work cultures, Cards Against Advertising does not claim to offer solutions, but instead provides a shared, humorous way to acknowledge collective industry experiences. Interested players can reach out to the agency by DMing @motleyhq on Instagram.
