What Are You Doing?! A Hilarious and Engaging Game of Charades With a Twist!

Prepare for a side-splitting good time with “What Are You Doing?!” This isn’t your grandma’s charades. While it shares the core mechanic of acting out words or phrases without speaking, “What Are You Doing?!” throws in unexpected twists and turns that keep players on their toes (and gasping for air from laughter). Imagine the classic game of charades infused with a dose of absurdity and a sprinkle of social deduction – that’s the magic of “What Are You Doing?”

Developed by the innovative minds at Exploding Kittens, known for their quirky and wildly popular card games, “What Are You Doing?!” is designed for 3 to 8 players aged 10 and up. The game comes packed with a deck of 250 double-sided cards featuring a variety of prompts ranging from everyday actions (“brushing your teeth”) to hilarious scenarios (“a squirrel stealing a donut”).

The Mechanics: A Wild Ride of Acting, Guessing, and Deception

“What Are You Doing?!” is incredibly easy to learn but surprisingly deep in its strategic possibilities. Each round follows a simple structure:

1. Choose an Action: One player draws a card and selects one side – either an action or scenario.

2. Act it Out!: This player then acts out the chosen prompt without speaking. They can use gestures, facial expressions, and even sound effects to convey their meaning (but no words allowed!).

3. Guessing Frenzy: The other players try to guess what’s being acted out. Here’s where things get interesting:

• Correct Guesses: If a player correctly guesses the action or scenario, they earn a point.

• Wrong Guesses: Incorrect guesses can lead to hilarious tangents and unexpected interpretations.

• “What Are You Doing?!” Twist: The real kicker comes when a player thinks they’ve guessed correctly but actually isn’t right. In this case, they can shout “What are you doing?!” The actor must then reveal their prompt, and the player who made the incorrect guess loses a point!

Themes: Embracing Absurdity and Social Connections

Beyond its mechanics, “What Are You Doing?!” thrives on its embrace of absurdity and its ability to foster genuine connections among players. The game encourages silliness, creativity, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Players often find themselves contorting their bodies into ridiculous shapes, making exaggerated facial expressions, and coming up with outlandish interpretations of the prompts.

The social deduction element adds another layer of intrigue. The “What are you doing?!” mechanic introduces an element of risk and reward, encouraging players to carefully consider their guesses. Will they play it safe or take a chance on a wild guess? This uncertainty keeps everyone on edge and laughing throughout the game.

Production Features: Quality Design and Replayability

“What Are You Doing?!” boasts high-quality production values that enhance the gameplay experience. The cards are sturdy and feature clear, colorful illustrations that capture the essence of each prompt.

The game’s compact size makes it ideal for travel or impromptu gatherings. It comes in a sleek box with a magnetic closure, ensuring all the components stay organized.

One of the greatest strengths of “What Are You Doing?!” is its incredible replayability. With 250 double-sided cards, there are countless combinations and possibilities to explore. Players can invent their own rules and variations to keep things fresh, making each game a unique and unforgettable experience.

“What Are You Doing?!” In Action: A Hypothetical Round

Let’s imagine a scenario with four players: Alice, Bob, Charlie, and Diana.

1. Action Selection: Alice draws a card and chooses the “squirrel stealing a donut” scenario.

2. Acting it Out: With mischievous glee, Alice begins to scamper around the room on all fours, mimicking a squirrel’s movements. She makes snatching motions with her hands and attempts to convey the sweetness of a donut through exaggerated facial expressions.

3. Guessing Frenzy: Bob shouts, “Are you a cat stealing food?!” Charlie chimes in, “You’re a dog digging for bones!” Diana pauses, then confidently exclaims, “A squirrel stealing a donut!”

4. The Reveal: Alice reveals the card, confirming Diana’s correct guess. Diana earns a point.

Why You Should Give It a Try!

“What Are You Doing?!” is a fantastic game for families, friends, and anyone looking for a night of laughter and unforgettable memories. Its simple rules make it accessible to all ages, while the absurd scenarios and social deduction element add depth and intrigue. So gather your loved ones, unleash your inner actor, and prepare for a wild ride with “What Are You Doing?!”