The Team Behind A Life In Purgatory

At its core, A Life In Purgatory is the result of a singular, driving vision: to create a tabletop experience that is as much about psychological strategy as it is about card combat. We are an independent creator dedicated to bringing truly unique, high-concept games to life.

The Spark: A Test of Belief

The idea for A Life In Purgatory first sparked in August 2024. The concept was simple yet revolutionary: what if a card game's engine was fuelled entirely by Belief and Doubt? We wanted a game where your poker face and power of conviction were your greatest weapons, determining whether you earned the defensive might of Heaven Cards or the chaotic power of Hell Cards.

The core concept was derived from a fatal flaw in trivia gaming, you're penalised for not knowing and after a few games can easily remember the answers. The idea came from the desire to "fix" trivia games and make them more fun, and from there it grew!

The Hardest Road: Refining the Game

The path from that initial spark to the final, balanced game was a journey through its own kind of Purgatory.

• 7 full Iterations of Design: Over the course of development, the rule set went through seven major versions. We meticulously tested and refined every mechanic. We made numerous additions (like the strategic Lvl Stacking rule for advanced play) and hard removals to ensure a perfectly balanced, high-stakes experience.
• Artistic Rigor: The powerful, evocative artwork—featuring characters like the imposing Satan and the serene Unicorn—underwent rigorous testing and refinement. The goal was to ensure the art not only looked stunning but clearly communicated the divine and demonic essence of the cards.
• The Playtesting Grind: Hours upon hours were dedicated to playtesting, focusing intensely on the balance between rewarding lies and truths, and fine-tuning the combat exchange so that both Heaven and Hell felt equally viable.

The Final Reckoning: Kickstarter Success

After months of intensive development, design, and balancing, we finally brought our vision to the world. In mid-2025, we launched our campaign on Kickstarter.

Thanks to the incredible support and belief from backers—people who saw the potential in a game built on deception—the campaign was a resounding success, successfully kicking off the production and realization of A Life In Purgatory.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create memorable, engaging, and unique experiences that push the boundaries of social deduction and tactical card play. When you open a box of A Life In Purgatory, you're not just getting cards; you’re holding the culmination of a year of independent passion and the unwavering support of a community that believed in a risky, inventive idea.

Thank you for joining us on this journey! Now, let the games begin.