And That’s How GALO Came to Life!
This year, I did something I could have never imagined — I published a Card Game. A real, hold-in-your-hands, play-with-your-kids tabletop game. It’s called GALO — and yes, I’m still pinching myself. Imagine being on a rollercoaster… and realizing mid-loop your seatbelt’s loose. You just hold on tight and ride it out. That’s exactly how building GALO felt. Thrilling. Terrifying. Unforgettable.
Problem Statement: Like many parents, I wanted to reduce my kids’ screen time — but without turning playtime into punishment. Tried books, puzzles, board games…some worked, but only for a while. Eventually, the excitement faded, and the dreaded “I’m bored” came back. That’s when the engineer in me (🛠️) kicked in. I noticed a pattern: too many games rely heavily on luck. Roll a dice, draw a card — and boom, the game’s decided. Even the best games became predictable. No thinking, no challenge. Once kids figured out the pattern, the thrill fizzled out. So, I asked myself: What if there was a game that rewarded thinking, challenged memory and logic, had a seesaw-like balance and kept growing over time? And just like that, the seed of GALO was planted🌱
Inspiration from the Past: As I brainstormed, I found myself time-traveling to childhood — the days when I was obsessed with playing cards, constantly tweaking rules to keep it fresh and unpredictable. I knew then: Cards would be my canvas. 🎨
Design Phase: As I started layering challenges — memory, logic, strategy — I realized I had to strike a balance. Some games are brilliant… but they throw you straight into the deep end, with too many rules and powerful pieces. It’s like being handed a superhero squad before you even know how to fly! 🦸♂️🌀 The result? Many beginners give up before they even get to the fun part. So, I made GALO modular — with plug-and-play twists that let you start simple and level up as you go.
Play Testing: Entered my two fearless guinea pigs💛 Eklavya (9) and Rajan (6). We played. Tweaked. Argued. Played again. What amazed me was how quickly they transformed from being testers to my co-pilots and toughest critics. They challenged me, invented new rules, and even sketched card ideas. What more could I have asked for as a parent!
The BIRTH: When we shared GALO with friends and family, the response was electric. I realized that GALO had turned into a complete family game; with no age limit. And thanks to the guidance from a close friend, I learnt how to get it published. And That’s How GALO Came to Life…A game where luck takes a backseat, and smart moves, surprise twists & creative thinking take centerstage. A game that starts simple, and grows with you — just like a great story…
Why Am I Sharing This: Because sometimes, a wild idea at your dining table can turn into something real. I hope this story inspires someone to act on that “what if” idea. You never know what kind of magic you’ll create…until you try🌈