New Card Game Explores Human-Pigeon Conflict with Humor

A fresh card game titled Kabutar has emerged as a humorous exploration of the longstanding conflict between humans and pigeons. Developed by Upar Ek Studio, the game invites players to navigate a whimsical scenario involving a fictional building besieged by an elusive pigeon. Participants must choose to either hunt the bird or protect it, adding a layer of strategy and engagement to the experience.

The game concept has roots in personal anecdotes, particularly from co-creator Omkar Rege, who recalls an incident from sixth grade when a pigeon disrupted his exam by leaving droppings on his answer sheet. “I was furious. Little did I know that it would be the beginning of a long war against the birds,” he shared, reflecting on the inspiration behind the game. Rege teamed up with fellow co-creators Mayuresh Paradkar and Divij Ingale, both of whom previously collaborated on successful board games like Shasn and Azadi.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

In Kabutar, players are dealt a hand of six cards that represent their apartment within the building, while a central deck signifies the building itself. The objective is to locate the hidden “kabutar” card among the deck. Players can either draw cards, play from their hand, or exchange cards in their quest to identify the card’s owner. Interestingly, if a player possesses the kabutar card, they can still win by protecting it until the end of the game, effectively evicting other players from the building.

The game includes a deck of 52 cards featuring comical illustrations that depict relatable scenarios. Among the cards are Hunt, Protect, Hide, and Clean, alongside the notorious Poop cards. These Poop cards force players to discard cards, nudging them closer to eviction. “We were at a game-testing event earlier this year when a pigeon flew in, sat on a fan, and pooped on one of these cards. You can’t make this up,” Rege remarked, highlighting the game’s humorous connection to real-life pigeon encounters.

Community Response and Future Prospects

Since its inception in 2019, Kabutar has undergone extensive testing, culminating in its debut at the well-attended tabletop game convention Meeple Con in 2024. The official release is scheduled for May 2025. Initial feedback has revealed a fascinating trend: players often start with strong opinions about pigeons, but many find themselves empathizing with the bird as they engage with the game. “It’s almost as if they feel the need to protect it,” Ingale noted.

The game, originally aimed at younger audiences, has attracted interest from a broader demographic, including individuals in their fifties who have expressed enjoyment and plans to introduce it at family gatherings. Rege emphasized the game’s potential to shift perspectives, noting, “We initially targeted younger audiences with the game, but now we see it appealing to all ages.”

As Kabutar continues to gain traction, it has also inadvertently benefited from ongoing discussions about pigeon populations in Mumbai. Rege commented on the complex relationship people have with the birds, stating, “While I despise the birds, it is also true that we have fueled the pigeon population by feeding them over the years. The threats are immediate and grave, but it feels wrong to evict them in one swift move.” This nuanced perspective is likely to resonate with players as they engage with the game.

Priced at Rs 499, Kabutar is now available for purchase, and its creators are actively promoting it through social media channels, such as their Instagram account @uparekstudio. With its unique premise and engaging gameplay, Kabutar is poised to become a popular addition to the tabletop gaming scene.