Hatao Ya Patao: iOS Board Game

A Matchmaking Party Game for Bollywood Fanatics and Other Despos.

Summary

Hatao Ya Patao (HYP) is a satirical, multiplayer party game for Bollywood fans and dating app cynics alike. Originally envisioned as a mobile app, it began as a physical board game during the COVID lockdown and then the game evolved over four years into a full-fledged mobile app. The game humorously critiques modern matchmaking by letting players pitch iconic Bollywood characters as potential romantic partners.

Inspiration

The idea came from observing the superficiality of dating apps and how potential partners are often reduced to a set of traits. Bollywood characters provided the perfect exaggerated archetypes to drive this idea home.

• The gamified nature of swiping culture and dating apps.

• The larger-than-life personas of Bollywood characters.

• A desire to turn matchmaking into a performative, party-style experience.

• Personal interest in storytelling, satire, and playful social critique.

Objectives

The game was designed to be more than just fun—it’s a satire of dating culture and the way people “shop” for romantic partners. I wanted to create a game that was socially relevant, widely accessible, and deeply entertaining.

• Satirize dating culture and gamification in modern matchmaking.

• Create an engaging social game that appeals to Bollywood fans and beyond.

• Build both physical and digital versions for flexibility and global access.

• Provide a platform for creativity, debate, and laughter.

Gameplay Mechanics

Role Play: One player becomes the “Eligible Bachelor/Bachelorette,” while others act as matchmakers.

• Character Cards: Each matchmaker receives a card featuring a Bollywood character, complete with:

  • Name and Image

  • Green Flags (positive traits)

  • Red Flags (negative traits)

• Pitch Round: Matchmakers have 2 minutes to pitch their character as the perfect match.

• Decision Time: The bachelor/bachelorette must choose to:

  • Patao (accept) one character

  • Hatao (reject) the rest

• Rebuttal Round (optional): If undecided, shortlisted characters must “attack” each other’s red flags.

• Scoring: The chosen matchmaker earns a point. The role of bachelor/bachelorette rotates each round.

Challenges

Building the game wasn’t just about creativity—it was a test of patience, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. From technical hurdles to logistical constraints, each phase brought new lessons.

• Lack of confidence in mobile app development despite engineering training.

• COVID lockdown restricted access to printing and prototyping tools.

• Moving frequently made physical production and distribution difficult.

• No prior experience in mobile development or full-scale game creation.

Design and Development Journey

The project evolved organically from a lockdown distraction into a personal milestone. Each phase—physical and digital—taught me new skills, from UI/UX to full-stack development.

Phase 1: Physical Board Game

Creating a physical prototype helped bring my vision to life. Even with minimal resources, I managed to test and iterate the game with real players.

• Designed cards, packaging, and visuals using Figma.

• Printed a prototype in the U.S. and transported it to the UAE.

• Initial version had 30+ Bollywood character cards.

• Playtested with people of all knowledge levels—fans and non-fans alike.

• Game design focused on universal mechanics like debate and persuasion.

Phase 2: Mobile App

Realizing the limitations of physical production, I shifted to digital. A mobile app allowed for broader reach, easier updates, and a lower barrier to entry.

• Chose React Native and Firebase for cross-platform capability.

• Learned coding and debugging from scratch during the pre-AI era.

• Used Midjourney to generate whimsical, caricatured character art.

• Added custom background music and sound effects for immersion.

• Prioritized intuitive UX and dynamic character databases for scalability.

• Coded to allow for people to play online from different countries.

Collaborations and Marketing

To prepare for the app launch, I reached out to a global creative community. Their talent helped transform my vision into a compelling brand experience.

• Collaborated with artists from India, Spain, and Turkey.

• Created teaser trailers, promo art, and social media content.

• Playtested at popular board game cafés in NYC: Hex&Company and Uncommons.

• Used feedback from players to refine digital game mechanics.

• Launched the app on Apple iOS with soft marketing outreach.

Download Now

Check the link here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hatao-ya-patao/id6466180755

Conclusion

HYP is a labor of love. While the app continues to reach new players, I plan to revisit the physical version to preserve the tactile charm of in-person game nights.

• The mobile version solved many logistical issues and broadened reach.

• The physical board game offers a screen-free, social experience worth preserving.

• Future updates will likely include new characters and localization features.

• Long-term goal: develop a hybrid product that blends digital and physical gameplay.