ADRIENNE ALAN ARNOLD AUDREY BRANDO CARD DANNY EDDIE EVIE FRENCH_CHEF HOSTESS JACLYN KIKI MARSHALL MATTHEW MATTHEW_AUDREY MICAH MICHEAL MIKE NARRATOR PATTI PATTI_MARSHALL PIERRE RACHEL ROBBIE SUSIE SUZIE AUDREY Like a good chess match Your turn, Free-Hugz AUDREY Like I am on mocha lattes AUDREY Hmmmm sounds athletic AUDREY You had that card up your sleeve the whole time?! EVIE I save the best for last AUDREY At least give me a chance to save my pride One more round? EVIE Absolutely not! I believe you have someplace to be AUDREY Uh yeah about that EVIE Oh, no you don�t He�s expecting you You can�t just-- AUDREY Evie, I appreciate the gesture, but- EVIE I�ve made promises! AUDREY To whom? EVIE To Phyllis! From yoga? It�s her son He�s cute Reminds me of a young Lawrence Olivier An older Harry Styles Audrey, you agreed to this AUDREY It was a moment of weakness Blind dates are terrifying and horrible and awkward and I get anxious when I don�t know exactly what I�m walking into EVIE You talk to Mr Gamer guy all the time and he�s a complete stranger AUDREY �Free-Hugz� isn�t a stranger I know he likes jogging and using adverbs EVIE What�s his emoji look like? AUDREY A chubby penguin EVIE Okay, Free-Hugz does sound adorable But if he�s so great, why not meet him in person? AUDREY We decided to keep our identities hidden It�s part of the fun EVIE Well, go do something fun, offline! In real life Phylis is counting on this and I don�t want to have to move yoga classes! AUDREY Alright, alright I�ll go EVIE I say this as your friend, please tell me you�re gonna stop home and change first AUDREY What�s wrong with what I�m wearing? EVIE You don�t have enough time for me to answer that AUDREY I�m sure this is just a casual date Is this better? EVIE Impossibly you�ve made it worse AUDREY You know you love me See you here next week EVIE Have fun and don�t do anything I wouldn�t do! AUDREY That�s a recipe for danger! AUDREY Hi, are you Alan? I�m Audrey ALAN Yes, hey AUDREY I�m late, obviously But why dwell on the past? I�m here now And what a �here� it is This place is really fancy ALAN I�m guessing you didn�t know AUDREY Nope Sorry I clearly did not But in my defense, I didn�t even know what you looked like Not that I�m complaining That�s a nice tie What is that? Silk? ALAN Yeah So um maybe we should grab a seat HOSTESS Sorry to interrupt, miss But we have a dress code here at Chameleon No denim, no sneakers AUDREY You can�t be serious HOSTESS I�m going to have to ask you to leave MATTHEW Hi, Micah, nice to meet in person MICAH Hi You too And can I say it�s such a relief MATTHEW What is? MICAH That you look like your photos Doesn�t always happen with dating apps MATTHEW I should hope I look the same I hired a professional photographer MICAH Oh never heard that one before MATTHEW I figure it�s the best way to optimize for success MICAH �Optimize for success?� MATTHEW Dating is all about marketing yourself So why not curate the best possible first impression? MICAH I am all about first impressions ALAN You didn�t look up my face, didn�t look up the restaurant? You really did go in blind AUDREY Who picks a place with a dress code for a first date anyway? ALAN Who wears a hoodie to a first date? AUDREY I was running late and besides, why waste time putting on a front? ALAN I�d hardly call getting dressed up �putting on a front � AUDREY I just think people should present themselves as they really are ALAN And for you, that�s ? AUDREY A person who doesn�t need to conform to society�s expectations ALAN So you think I�m a conformist? AUDREY I didn�t mean it that way MICAH It seems a little extreme to treat dating like a promotional campaign MATTHEW Why? Everyone�s a product It�s all about finding the right marketing angle MICAH I don�t really think of myself as a product to be marketed MATTHEW I didn�t mean to imply that-- MICAH Don�t take this the wrong way But what if we call it a night? MATTHEW Oh MICAH It�s just, no sense continuing if we�re not connecting, which I don�t think we are MATTHEW Right Okay, sure AUDREY My opinion of dating after tonight AUDREY Got that right PATTI Hi, Audrey? We haven�t met yet I�m Patti, I just started in the Graphics Department AUDREY Hi Patti I hope you�re having a great time so far PATTI Working here�s a dream And I guess I have you to thank for it AUDREY Oh yeah? PATTI It was one of your games that inspired me to want to work here �Ocean Adventure � AUDREY I can�t believe it left such an impression PATTI I�d love to hear how you came up with it and got your start AUDREY Oh, it�s not very interesting, I promise But welcome to the company MARSHALL Don�t feel bad I�ve been here three years, never seen her take anyone under her wing She�s not much of a team player SUSIE Everyone get settled I have an exciting announcement SUSIE As your CEO, I�m proud to have overseen our growth in the quest and adventure game market But for our next game, it�s time to boldly go where we�ve never gone before We�re going to create a game about LOVE AUDREY Love? SUSIE Yes It�s called Love Life PATTI That�s so romantic! AUDREY But why a game about love? SUSIE In times like these, people are looking to rediscover that spark of connection To explore the most elemental of all human emotions Isn�t it just exhilarating? AUDREY It�s certainly something SUSIE The Chairman of our Board of Directors suggested it and I thought it was just crackerjack PATTI I can�t wait to work on it SUSIE Audrey, I�d like you to drop everything and design Love Life MARSHALL No chance of that now Audrey does everything on her own AUDREY You want me to design it? With all due respect, is a game about love really the right direction? MATTHEW The sales potential is very promising ? SUSIE Everyone, this is Matthew Reynolds He�s a marketing consultant we�ve brought on to handle the rollout of the game He comes highly recommended by the Board MATTHEW Thanks, Susie I�m thrilled to be here and help expand the company�s reach into an untapped market AUDREY Maybe it�s untapped for a reason SUSIE I want us to make a splash by delivering Love Life in time to qualify for the �Tabletop Awards � AUDREY But that�s four weeks away! That�s a fraction of our normal timeline SUSIE It�s been several years since we�ve won the award for �Best Game,� so the Board made it clear this a priority I know you�re up to the task MATTHEW I�ve already gotten started on a sales strategy Now we just need to make the game AUDREY �Just make the game?� Have you ever worked in Game Design? MATTHEW No, but that�s what you and your team are for, right? AUDREY Susie, can I speak to you for a sec? AUDREY I have so many other ideas I think you�ll spark to, that are much more in my wheelhouse Like my seahorse race through the great barrier reef or Puffer Pirates about hot air balloon treasure hunters-- SUSIE Those do sound exciting, but what is a �quest� if not a journey of self-exploration? Where one is challenged to go beyond their comfort zones and adapt and thrive AUDREY I see the point you�re making but-- SUSIE Bring your Audrey magic to Love Life and I promise your new game gets first consideration next quarter SUSIE For now we can welcome Matthew into the fold AUDREY About that, I�m worried we�re letting marketing dictate creative He doesn�t even have gaming experience SUSIE That is a valid point SUSIE Which is why you�ll integrate him into the process Make him a part of the game�s creation AUDREY What? No, that won�t be necessary SUSIE Conceiving the game will be helpful in conceiving the launch You�ll work side by side Excellent idea, Audrey But-- AUDREY SUSIE I know you like to work independently, that�s your whole thing, but this one�s gonna require some collaboration Off Audrey -- what she�s gotten herself into? MATTHEW Hi, Audrey, is it? I know we may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but we�re in different departments, you won�t see much of me AUDREY Yeah, about that MATTHEW What about a board game with a countdown timer That could be fun MATTHEW What about-- AUDREY No, I�ve already run that scenario MATTHEW But-- AUDREY It�s also gonna be a no for �meeples,� which would be entirely too �fiddly � And it�s a no to �orthogonal movements � We don�t want a big ol� �point salad � MATTHEW Are you gonna clue me into your ideas, or just throw made-up words at me? AUDREY They�re not made-up They�re official terms of gameplay design MATTHEW Have you ever considered I could actually help? I have all the data points on what the market�s leaning into AUDREY You can�t design a game through marketing You�ll end up with something completely soulless MATTHEW Or you�ll have something tailor- made to a specific audience and I bet they�ll love it AUDREY Hmmm how about you come up with your version and I�ll come up with mine? MATTHEW Wow I guess �competitive� is part of your brand AUDREY My brand? MATTHEW We all have a personal brand Yours is �stubborn indie creative � Mine is �savvy urban professional � AUDREY One, I�m not stubborn Two, I don�t have a personal brand I have a personality MATTHEW In today�s world they�re one and the same AUDREY So are we gonna do this? We present both designs to Susie and let her decide Fine Excellent MATTHEW AUDREY MATTHEW I see you also like to get the last word in AUDREY I do AUDREY Okay, what is love? Love is co- dependency Love is sacrificing your sense of self Love is jealousy, distortion of reality, loss of control Which is definitely not what people want out of this game AUDREY Love is soulmates! Drawn together across space and time Soul mates are like fridge magnets But that�s destiny, that�s fate players want spontaneity! Romance Romance, Romance, romance love is roses and puppies holding hands long walks on the beach Love is chocolate? I have chocolate Maybe chocolate will help AUDREY This is gonna be easy MATTHEW Love releases the same endorphins as eating chocolate Maybe that�ll help MATTHEW Oh this�ll be good AUDREY Might as well toss yours in the shredder, because I nailed this MATTHEW Enjoy that confidence while you can Cause it�s not gonna last SUSIE You can both come in now! SUSIE These are interesting jumping off points But Matthew, I�m not sure a game focused on curating a dating profile is the right angle MATTHEW I can revise SUSIE And Audrey, a game with the goal of reaching the finish line before anyone else isn�t really in the spirit of love AUDREY I really think a �race towards love� could be a workable angle SUSIE Walk with me SUSIE I just want to throw this out there, and you don�t have to answer but have either of you ever been in love? AUDREY Oh, well, um uh MATTHEW Ummmm SUSIE We have a rare opportunity with this game Imagine, sitting around a table, opening Love Life, and knowing you could have a chance at falling in love with someone just by playing AUDREY That sounds nice, but-- SUSIE So if you two are to design a game encouraging a journey towards love, there�s a lot you�ll need to learn And fast AUDREY I draw inspiration from my imagination, and it hasn�t failed me yet MATTHEW And I can pull from my experience targeting customers through emotionally-driven campaigns SUSIE This game is different So I�ve arranged for you both to meet someone who can point you in the right direction AUDREY A Love Guru?! AUDREY I cannot believe I�m in this position EVIE You�re only down seven points Don�t be so dramatic AUDREY I was supposed to be working on my dream project, but instead I�m designing a game about love? EVIE The universe has a beautiful sense of irony AUDREY No kidding Matthew and I have to attend a ridiculous dating seminar tonight EVIE Don�t knock it, you could certainly use the help EVIE What? AUDREY What am I going to learn from a dating expert? EVIE How to not sabotage every relationship before it even starts AUDREY Rude! EVIE I just call it like I see it AUDREY What have you seen? EVIE A lot There was Charlie the photographer, who you ghosted after one date AUDREY Too clingy EVIE And then Jesse the musician AUDREY Too needy EVIE And what about Austin the writer? He was cute AUDREY Too cute EVIE What�s the common thread here? AUDREY They were all really into microbreweries? EVIE No You EVIE So just go into tonight with an open mind You never know what surprises await Like this AUDREY Did I ever tell you I hate surprises? MIKE A dating seminar doesn�t sound so bad to me MATTHEW You haven�t met Audrey MIKE Maybe you�ll learn a thing or two and up your dating game Better chance of that than your b-ball game MATTHEW I need Love Life to be a success Play It Cool is my first big client since striking out on my own MIKE It�ll work out Just like tonight Maybe you can finally work through your baggage MATTHEW My �baggage?� Now my brother�s trying to be the dating expert? MIKE I know you got knocked down in the past, but don�t you think it�s time you get back on the bike? MATTHEW I am on the bike I date I had a date earlier this week MIKE And how�d it go? MIKE Uh huh I just want you to be as happy as I am MATTHEW Somehow I don�t believe that MIKE Okay, percent as happy AUDREY Wow An actual love guru this is going to be interesting MATTHEW I have my doubts AUDREY Doubts your love life can�t be fixed? MATTHEW Ha! My love life does not need fixing AUDREY Maybe a little tune up? MATTHEW Ever hear the expression �People in glass houses shouldn�t throw stones�? AUDREY Stones can�t break my house MATTHEW Guess we�re going to find out AUDREY Okay truce Let�s just focus on the research MATTHEW Agreed AUDREY All right then ROBBIE It�s no surprise how frustrating dating can be Feelings go unrequited, people ghost each other Dating apps can seem like quicksand It�s enough to make us wonder -- Will we ever find love? ROBBIE But you�re not alone How many of you are here tonight searching for that lasting connection? ROBBIE I�m here to show you, it is possible ROBBIE Now, first, I�d like two volunteers How about You ROBBIE Come on up, no reason to be shy AUDREY Susie SO owes us for this ROBBIE So, Audrey and Matthew I noticed neither of you raised your hand when I asked if you�re looking for love MATTHEW We�re just here for a work project, we�re not the kind of people who need to pay for dating advice MATTHEW Not that there�s anything wrong with going to a dating expert ROBBIE Backtracking Interesting Would you say you�re someone who cares what people think of you? MATTHEW Not any more than the next guy AUDREY Oh yeah, ask him about his personal branding He likes to think he�s a �savvy urban professional � ROBBIE And Audrey, your choice to reveal that shows a strong desire to separate yourself from others Is it fair to assume you rely only on yourself? AUDREY Doesn�t everyone? ROBBIE It�s fascinating how we can telegraph our inner feelings without even meaning to So Audrey, tell me something about Matthew that you admire MATTHEW Setting me up for more public humiliation? I thought this was a safe space ROBBIE Go ahead, Audrey AUDREY Okay If you�re forcing me AUDREY His patience, I suppose ROBBIE And why is that? AUDREY I guess because sometimes I think I could be a bit more patient ROBBIE And Matthew, what about Audrey do you find impressive? MATTHEW She�s passionate about what she believes in ROBBIE Those are pretty profound traits you�ve managed to identify in each other, wouldn�t you say? ROBBIE Great Lights! ROBBIE I give you the power of body language ROBBIE Audrey, when you first got up here you sat with your arms and legs crossed One would imagine there was a lot of tension between you two AUDREY Define �a lot?� ROBBIE And Matthew, your feet were pointing towards the exit As if you couldn�t wait to get away MATTHEW Can you blame me? ROBBIE This is called �Distancing Language � It�s what we do when we feel uncomfortable When we focus on How we might appear to others Or how others might make us look ROBBIE But if we shift our focus onto our partner, it can change everything ROBBIE After focusing on the positive in each other, you moved into open postures You created connection By finding the light within our partners, we find it within ourselves The first step on any journey towards love AUDREY That wasn�t illuminating whatsoever MATTHEW Not in the slightest ROBBIE Hi, I hope tonight wasn�t too uncomfortable You were great up there AUDREY Thanks, it was a new experience, that�s for sure ROBBIE When you two are ready to further explore the depths of your psyche, you know where to find me AUDREY I think the �depths of my psyche� are best left unexplored MATTHEW Scared of what he�ll find? AUDREY No There�s just nothing that needs exploring MATTHEW Then why did you call me out on stage in front of everyone? AUDREY I was just making a joke To entertain the crowd AUDREY Anyway, why do you care so much about how people perceive you? Maybe you should explore that MATTHEW Hardly AUDREY The seminar did give me an idea for the game though What if the players don�t all begin at the same starting line? MATTHEW What do you mean? AUDREY Robbie showed us people come to relationships from different starting points Some are more open than others What if those players get a head start? MATTHEW Doesn�t seem like a fair way to start the game AUDREY �All�s Fair In Love And War,� right? MATTHEW I�m beginning to think you prefer the latter MATTHEW Here�s an idea, what if players grade each other on their body language? AUDREY That�s too complicated You have to teach the players what that means MATTHEW Fine Never mind AUDREY Oh no, look at us MATTHEW Maybe we�re getting ahead of ourselves AUDREY Right We still need to figure out what the game board even looks like MATTHEW Right True See you tomorrow? AUDREY See you then A A AUDREY Being forced to collaborate MATTHEW Right on time AUDREY Technically I was here a few seconds before you MATTHEW Do you just wake up this competitive? AUDREY Yes The caffeine helps MATTHEW Something wrong with my shoes? AUDREY No They�re just very bright I need sunglasses to see them properly MATTHEW They�re new The men�s style account I follow says they�re a must-have AUDREY Why is that important? MATTHEW Because it just is MATTHEW Why are you wearing the same outfit as yesterday? AUDREY It�s not the same Yesterday was a red shirt, today is green MATTHEW So you have a uniform? AUDREY Ever heard of �decision fatigue?� I streamline my choices to free up my mind for more important things Like figuring out what our board game is gonna look like MATTHEW Whatever makes you happy AUDREY What�s that squeaking sound? I think it�s your shoes MATTHEW It�s not the shoes AUDREY It�s definitely the shoes PATTI Hey Audrey, there you are! AUDREY Here I am Were you both just waiting for me? MARSHALL We know there�s a time crunch So we wanted to let you know that Graphics And Fabrication are available when you need us AUDREY Oh ok, thanks, but I have so much to figure out before all that PATTI Right, so if you want extra help to get it there, we�re more than happy AUDREY I just need to jot down some ideas on my own I�ll circle back when I have something MATTHEW When we have something PATTI Sounds great We�ll be here! MATTHEW Have you been spending all this time working? Or just avoiding me? AUDREY Can�t it be both? AUDREY Where is everyone? MATTHEW It�s after six They went home AUDREY Guess I lost track of time I�m just stuck on what the board should look like MATTHEW Here�s what I came up with during the � , years of solitude� I spent waiting for you MATTHEW The path of squares is laid out along the edges of the board Like in Monopoly AUDREY But that leaves nothing in the middle MATTHEW We could use that for another game element I don�t know what yet AUDREY But what does your board design say about love, thematically? MATTHEW Thematically? AUDREY Yes, a good design is inspired by theme MATTHEW Uhhhh that people move around the edge of their emotions until What do you have? AUDREY A classic configuration The squares take up the whole board Like Chess or �Chutes and Ladders � MATTHEW What does that say about a love connection? AUDREY That there are different ways to make one, different paths you can take Or something MATTHEW Right So, what about dinner? AUDREY You�re thinking about food at a time like this? MATTHEW I figure we�ve got a long night ahead of us AUDREY There�s probably some granola bars lying around somewhere MATTHEW Oh Audrey, you deserve better AUDREY Fine, we�ll order delivery MATTHEW I had a different idea Ever heard of Maison Isabella? AUDREY That pretentious French restaurant that just opened? MATTHEW Let�s go for �field research � This game is all about romance Let�s see it in its natural habitat AUDREY How is that gonna help with the board layout? MATTHEW Well being stuck in here isn�t working MATTHEW And, regardless which board we go with, we still don�t know what happens when a player lands on any of the squares AUDREY Okay, okay MATTHEW I just have to run a quick errand It�s on the way AUDREY Your quick errand is shopping? MATTHEW No, I have someone do my shopping for me AUDREY Of course you do MATTHEW My stylist Rachel knows what�s trendy, and what looks good on me AUDREY What about what you like wearing? MATTHEW I like wearing what makes me look the part RACHEL Matthew! My favorite client Here are the pieces I selected RACHEL Stripes are gonna be hot this season MATTHEW Love these RACHEL Excellent He�s so easy MATTHEW Gotta stay on top of the trends AUDREY So you still want everyone to think you�re the cool kid at school? MATTHEW My career is literally calibrating what people think is cool So yes Rachel, how would you style Audrey? AUDREY No, nope No makeovers for me RACHEL I see this a lot with couples AUDREY We�re not a couple RACHEL Oh I know I know Matthew�s history RACHEL I mean I see couples try to change each other all the time, especially with what they wear MATTHEW I�ve been there before AUDREY Oh, have you? RACHEL And that�s why everyone needs a stylist I always say �life isn�t perfect but your style can be� If you ever do decide to try a new look, you know where to find me AUDREY Thank you so much for the wonderful offer AUDREY Oh, time flies Don�t want to be late! RACHEL See you soon! AUDREY Looking forward to it MICHEAL Isn�t she amazing? MATTHEW Not too shabby I brought supplies Since we�re here to work MATTHEW And eat Can�t forget that part AUDREY So, what if we divide the squares on the board into different categories, all related to the stages of love AUDREY Like, some of the squares could be about �First Dates � MATTHEW It�s a good marketing angle, people can play the game as a first date activity PIERRE Bonjour and good evening, I�m Pierre Is there anything I can start you off with? AUDREY Nothing yet We�re just writing down our thoughts PIERRE Very good Take your time PIERRE Table They are observing everything, writing it down You know what that means FRENCH CHEF Food Critics We shall impress them with everything we�ve got PIERRE Yes, Chef! MATTHEW What about a �Stood Up� square? The player lands on it and has to sit out a turn? AUDREY That�s not bad MATTHEW I�d even venture to say �good?� AUDREY Even a broken clock is right twice a day PIERRE Quiche Aux Poireaux, a classic PIERRE It pairs beautifully with an Alsace Riesling selected by our Sommelier AUDREY I think you have the wrong table We didn�t order this PIERRE Compliments of the chef Bon app�tit! AUDREY That�s surprisingly generous of them MATTHEW Or, they think I look like a discerning gourmand AUDREY Do you know what that actually does, or do you just think it looks cool? MATTHEW It aerates the uh, tannins and nope, no Guilty as charged But it tastes really good AUDREY I�ll never turn down a glass That is good But back to work, �gourmand � PIERRE Thank you for dining with us I hope the cuisine was worthy of the brilliant words you shall compose about our establishment Au Revior AUDREY Oh no We were taking notes all night, all the food was compliments of the chef They think we�re AUDREY These ideas are a step in the right direction But whose board design do we go with? MATTHEW Remember their signature Creme Br�l�e with the caramelized leek crust? AUDREY What about it? MATTHEW Two opposite flavor profiles working in harmony AUDREY You�re my leek crust! We combine our board ideas! Love it, Mr Food Critic MATTHEW Do I have to be your leek crust? AUDREY Just go with this Players will start at the bottom corner and follow the path around the edge because at the start of a love connection, the path seems obvious MATTHEW Exactly, it�s planned You meet someone, you go on dates in places like this, and then AUDREY The more you get to know them, the more facets there are to uncover, so many directions the relationship can go MATTHEW Which takes you to the center of the board where a player can move in any direction, like you want AUDREY I think we solved it I was worried we wouldn�t have anything for our testing session at the end of the week MATTHEW Creme Br�l�e saves the day MARSHALL Hi guys, here�s the mock-up for the Love Life board I had my department work �round the clock to get it finished AUDREY Thanks, Marshall PATTI Can�t wait to see what you all came up with! AUDREY Normally I would have looped you in, Patti, since you�re doing graphics, but there just wasn�t any time Sorry PATTI It�s okay, I understand I�m sure it looks great MATTHEW Hmmmmm AUDREY �Hmmmmm?� We combined our ideas for the layout This is what we wanted What�s wrong with it? MATTHEW Nothing, it�s just PATTI Does it maybe look a little busy? MARSHALL Not gonna lie, I wondered the same thing There�s still time for my department to make a new one PATTI I actually have an idea, to make the board a bit more cohesive and on-theme AUDREY I appreciate everyone�s input, but we don�t have time for changes Our testing session is coming up, and I still need you available to work on the remaining game elements MATTHEW But thank you both for offering AUDREY The board is fine It works MATTHEW You doing okay? AUDREY Yeah, just still processing the layout but we can always tweak it MATTHEW Great! So we�ve got the board What now? AUDREY Figuring out how players move through it What generates movement from one square to another? MATTHEW How about cards? Players draw one card each turn, it has a question, and the player�s answer dictates which square they jump to next AUDREY I was thinking a player rolls dice to move forward MATTHEW Why dice? AUDREY It�s thematic to the game A roll of the dice is luck and chance, just like love MATTHEW You think love is a result of luck? AUDREY Of course Finding someone at the right place at the right time MATTHEW But have you ever been in love? You evaded when Susie asked AUDREY So did you MATTHEW I�m guessing that�s a no AUDREY I�ve been in love many times my first goldfish A good cappuccino Paris for that one hour it wasn�t raining and I got that perfect baguette But no I�ve never been in love love Have you? MATTHEW I was once, a long time ago And from my experience love is a result of choice and intention So, it makes more sense if a player moves according to how they answer the card they draw AUDREY Looks like we�ve got another long night ahead of us MATTHEW I can�t My brother and his wife are coming over MATTHEW Actually, why don�t you join us? AUDREY Me? Why? MATTHEW Their story will prove to you that love isn�t all luck and chance AUDREY Thanks, but as much as I enjoy a good fairytale, I�m gonna work at home and just power through it We�ve got a game to finish AUDREY The way my current project has me feeling MATTHEW This is a surprise AUDREY You did invite me, remember? MATTHEW I just didn�t expect you to show up Come in Audrey enters and hands him the paper towels MATTHEW Thanks? AUDREY The way I see it, everyone brings a bottle of wine-- MATTHEW Customary for a gathering AUDREY -- But no one ever thinks �I bet the host could use some more paper towels � I sprung for the extra-absorbent - ply You�re welcome MATTHEW I did spill a tub of salsa earlier and used half a roll mopping it up AUDREY See? AUDREY Wow, your place is exactly what I was expecting MATTHEW And what�s that? AUDREY Neutral colors, everything in its place No personal flourishes It�s like you ripped it right out of a design magazine MATTHEW You say that like it�s a bad thing AUDREY And a telescope? Let me guess, part of the �Intellectual Bachelor� collection? MATTHEW Something like that AUDREY Is there a cool, meaningful story to this? MATTHEW No But abstract art is always in AUDREY At least you�re consistent MATTHEW That�s Mike and Jaclyn JACLYN It must be so fun being a game designer AUDREY It is, but people don�t realize how much work goes into it MATTHEW She�s one of those weird people who thinks work is fun AUDREY Depends who I�m working with MATTHEW Maybe you both could help settle a little disagreement we�re having over our game MIKE Excellent People disagreeing is my specialty MATTHEW Not a legal disagreement A love disagreement MIKE Less exciting, but go on MATTHEW Do you think love is all about intentions and the choices we make ? AUDREY Or is it a result of luck and chance? MIKE Maybe there�s a bit of chance involved, like being in the right place at the right time AUDREY Exactly Thank you MIKE But that only gets you so far I think it�s making the choice to seek love that allows it to happen AUDREY You really believe that? JACLYN Look at us, we both spent years climbing the corporate ladder at the expense of everything else We finally decided enough was enough, and we met at a speed dating event AUDREY But wasn�t it chance you both happened to go to that same event? MIKE Only because we made the choice to be there AUDREY I�m sure that plays a part, but for Love Life, simplicity is key, I just think dice works better MATTHEW Seeing as our testing session is in less than hours, I will concede AUDREY Sweet victory JACLYN Whatever it was that brought me and Mike together, it worked We were married seven months later AUDREY Wow, you weren�t kidding about the speed dating! JACLYN When you know, you know MIKE And besides, someone had to pick up the slack after Matthew�s engagement ended AUDREY What?? Uh oh MIKE You didn�t tell her about that? MATTHEW Hadn�t exactly come up AUDREY This is a story I definitely want to hear MATTHEW Another story for another time Who wants more tapenade? MIKE Sorry for spilling the beans MATTHEW It�s fine It�s not a secret MIKE That�s why I�m surprised you didn�t tell her yet You two are working on a game about love, after all MATTHEW Exactly, working We don�t need to get deep into our relationship histories And Audrey�s pretty closed off about that stuff anyway MIKE She�s not the only one MATTHEW What�s that supposed to mean? MIKE It�s just, you�ve changed a little these last few years MATTHEW It�s not bad to prioritize new things MIKE At the expense of what else? MIKE Need these? AUDREY And last thing, with the game testing, it�s best if we don�t-- MATTHEW Interrupt them? AUDREY Very funny But yes MATTHEW Are you nervous? SUSIE She always gets like this before a testing session AUDREY I can�t help it SUSIE Butterflies are perfectly natural You have nothing to worry about AUDREY I hope so SUSIE If you two have been working well together, I�m sure it�s going to be a smashing success AUDREY Hi everyone, thank you for joining us Whenever you�re ready, open the box and have some fun! * KIKI * Why are there so many squares? Where are we supposed to start? * ADRIENNE * I don�t understand I cross the finish line and just wait for another player to be my �match?� * KIKI * Honestly I�m not sure what the point of this game is BRANDO * I don�t understand how it�s supposed to lead to a love connection ADRIENNE * It doesn�t seem very fun or romantic ACT FIVE AUDREY Please tell me there�s an entirely new version of Love Life in there MATTHEW Will you settle for cupcakes we can stress eat? AUDREY Enter immediately MATTHEW Have you ever had a game fail so spectacularly? AUDREY Never Neither has the company And we need a hit game MATTHEW What do you mean? AUDREY The board game business runs on pretty tight margins Play It Cool has been a little squeezed lately MATTHEW I had no idea AUDREY I feel like I�m letting Susie and everyone down MATTHEW You don�t have to carry all the weight of it yourself AUDREY Perks of being an overachiever who takes my work personally AUDREY Bartender, pour me another MATTHEW You�re not the only one feeling the pressure MATTHEW I need to knock this out of the park and prove to clients I�m a capable professional AUDREY Hey Mr Professional, you have icing on your nose AUDREY Okay, let�s regroup The general consensus is the game lacks depth We were so concerned about squares and dice and wanting our own ideas to land, we overlooked the most essential element MATTHEW What�s that? AUDREY That this is a game about allowing two people to connect on an emotional level We gotta get back to basics MATTHEW Yeah! Sorry Sugar rush So how do we do that exactly? Get deeper emotionally? AUDREY I can think of someone who might have some advice ROBBIE So you�re looking for a shortcut to love? AUDREY I wouldn�t call it a shortcut ROBBIE You might be focusing on the wrong element here MATTHEW Oh? ROBBIE It seems to me you�ll have greater success if you focus less on the game and more on trying to understand one another AUDREY We understand each other MATTHEW Yeah, Audrey never hesitates to tell me exactly what�s on her mind ROBBIE A situation like yours can often be improved when partners learn to understand their Indigo love connectors AUDREY Love connectors? ROBBIE The emotional pathways used to express and receive love from a partner There are five of them, all trademarked MATTHEW You said this is for �partners � We�re not partners ROBBIE In the creation of this game, aren�t you? ROBBIE In chapter three there�s a questionnaire to help you discover which Indigo love connector best suits you AUDREY Wow, thanks-- ROBBIE That�ll be dollars AUDREY Ok, there are five love connectors �Affirming the Love, Creating the Love Bubble Receiving the Love, Love throu gh Service, and the Love Touch � AUDREY Wow, he trademarked a whole lot of love I think I already know mine �Love through service � MATTHEW When have you ever let anyone do anything for you? AUDREY I�m sure there are instances Scattered here and there Small blips in the timeline of the universe MATTHEW Uh huh AUDREY Ugh fine, I�ve just always been independent My parents are doctors, always worked late So they left me with board games to keep me company MATTHEW Ah, so that�s why you use competition to relate to people It�s all you knew AUDREY Wow, one trip to a relationship expert and you�re ready for a psychotherapy degree AUDREY First question �It�s more meaningful when Option A I spend time alone with someone I love Or B I�m complimented by someone I love for no apparent reason � AUDREY A MATTHEW B AUDREY I don�t know about these questions this seems a little personal MATTHEW Isn�t that the point? You�re just gonna have to pry open that magical mystery box of your heart AUDREY How about we do this test �individually�, than compare MATTHEW Yeah, totally You do you; I do me AUDREY Love it And I say that with zero irony MATTHEW Oh! You want me to--- AUDREY Yeah Sit over there MATTHEW Got it MATTHEW So how did you do? AUDREY I had some technical issues MATTHEW Technical issues? AUDREY Yeah, it was totally wrong MATTHEW What was the result? AUDREY Based on my very truthful answers it said my connector is �Creating the Love Bubble� so the test is obviously broken MATTHEW What if it�s not? Quality time with parents is defined as a love bubble Weren�t you denied that as a child? AUDREY So MATTHEW So maybe it�s what you actually long for Someone to show up for you Intentional time Because they want to AUDREY I uh AUDREY Can�t psychoanalyze on an empty stomach They exit frame AUDREY Best pizza in Seattle So what Love Connector did you get? MATTHEW �Receiving Love � Which makes no sense AUDREY Let�s see my turn to play therapist MATTHEW Nothing to uncover here AUDREY Let�s start with, uh, maybe your engagement Which you neglected to even mention! MATTHEW I was wondering when you were gonna ask about that AUDREY You can�t drop a shiny coin like that and not expect me to pick it up! MATTHEW We�re doing love connectors here, not love histories AUDREY Aren�t we supposed to be diving deeper? Snorkel down, buddy MATTHEW Fine Her name was Kim We were together for three years AUDREY Go on MATTHEW Her parents didn�t think my career fit the image they had for their daughter And Kim broke it off AUDREY What was your career before marketing? MATTHEW Astrophotography AUDREY Astro-what? MATTHEW Astrophotography Taking pictures of the night sky AUDREY Wow Unexpected, but cool I guess that explains the telescope in your place So her parents didn�t think your future was bright enough? MATTHEW Nope Which is ironic because a star is literally the brightest thing in the universe AUDREY That�s terrible Not the joke, what happened to you But the joke was bad too Matthew laughs AUDREY So do you still take photos of the stars? MATTHEW No Haven�t for a couple years now I guess you could say I �re- branded� myself AUDREY I hate to tell you this, but your love connector makes perfect sense MATTHEW How so? AUDREY According to our guru, �Receiving Love� is all about receiving the right gift �It makes a person feel seen, understood, and appreciated � MATTHEW I don�t know how that applies to me AUDREY You were rejected for being who you were, right? So, what you really want, deep down, is to be accepted To be seen MATTHEW Is there a cave somewhere I can go crawl into? I�m feeling a little too seen AUDREY We did do a number on each other, didn�t we? MATTHEW We make quite the team AUDREY �Teamwork makes the dream work � Isn�t that the saying? AUDREY That�s it What�s it? MATTHEW AUDREY We�ve been thinking of the game this whole time as single player But what if the players approached it in TEAMS? MATTHEW Players working through the challenges together AUDREY It�ll be a whole new experience MATTHEW It�s an amazing idea Established couples can prove they still got it AUDREY And prospective couples can test if they have a chance MATTHEW It�s a great sales angle I�ll start researching other team-based games in the marketplace AUDREY Actually, I have a better idea ACT SIX AUDREY What better way to research games than to see them in action? MATTHEW Clever In the marketing world this is called �customer observation � AUDREY Here it�s just called �Tuesday night � MATTHEW And you come here every week? AUDREY With my friend Evie It helps me always remember what I love about designing games The joy they bring people AUDREY Some people go for the classics AUDREY Others go for what�s called �Euro- style games,� which are more strategy-focused AUDREY Then there�s fantasy role-playing games Campaigns can last forever This one�s been going on for three years DANNY * The Warlock of Somerville will emerge victorious yet! AUDREY That�s the spirit, Danny MATTHEW This place is incredible EVIE You ain�t seen nothing yet! MATTHEW You must be Evie EVIE The one and only EVIE These are the best games I know of that are played in teams I know a few others, but they would make you blush Evie! AUDREY MATTHEW These are perfect, thanks AUDREY Evie might be the only person who knows more about games than me MATTHEW How did you get into it? EVIE My late husband, Thomas MATTHEW Did you meet here? EVIE No, we met the old fashioned way At a Renaissance Faire EVIE He was dressed up as a Dragon and I was dressed as a Knight Because why should men get all the glory? AUDREY Here here MATTHEW You two must have been quite the pair AUDREY I wish I had known him EVIE He would have liked you very much but when it comes to games he wouldn�t have gone easy! So let�s get crackin�! We need to recruit a few more though EVIE You all free to play some international intrigue? EVIE Rough luck, Matthew Maybe next time we put money on the line MATTHEW I have a feeling you�d clean me out! EVIE I�d be gentle AUDREY So before Evie takes you for all you�re worth, we should probably talk overall impressions MATTHEW Seems like the best part of playing in teams is the challenges you do together AUDREY Agreed But creating those is a lot to handle on a tight timeline MATTHEW The game might now be played in teams of two but creating it doesn�t have to be AUDREY What do you mean? MATTHEW Your co-workers, at the office They can help AUDREY They have so much on their plates already We�re not the only game they�re working on MATTHEW You do that a lot EVIE He�s right AUDREY Right about what? Do what? MATTHEW Turn down offers to help You did it to me, to Patti EVIE The line would stretch up and down the western seaboard MATTHEW Maybe spending all that time alone as a kid had more of an effect than you realized AUDREY Nothing wrong with being self- sufficient MATTHEW Maybe you push people away because you expect they won�t be there when you do need them EVIE Oh, he�s good I like him MATTHEW There�s a whole team at your disposal AUDREY But even if I wanted to ask them for help, I don�t know the first thing about managing a team MATTHEW If you can learn the rules to all these games, some of which are very complicated I might add, I�m sure you can handle this EVIE Where have you been all this time? MARSHALL Have I got news for you! PATTI Taylor Swift�s got another album on the way? MARSHALL I wish But this is nearly as exciting Audrey called a meeting with us No way I know PATTI MARSHALL PATTI We better hurry Who knows when this might happen again AUDREY So that�s where we are The game is played in teams MARSHALL Okay, cool PATTI Good to know AUDREY And it would be great if you could help me -- us Help us sort out details in time for the TableTop Competition PATTI We�d be happy to! MARSHALL Where do you want to start? AUDREY Patti, you told me you once had an idea for the board layout? PATTI Oh, um, right I just thought what if the path of the squares on the board were shaped like a heart? AUDREY Players work their way up opposite sides of the heart MATTHEW Until the winning matches meet in the middle at the top AUDREY Patti, that�s a great idea! Especially now that the game is played in teams It�s thematic and would definitely make the board stand out AUDREY How quickly can you create some design options? PATTI End of day? AUDREY Perfect And then Marshall, I�ll send the approved design for fabrication MARSHALL Aye Aye, captain PATTI This might be better than a new T Swift album release! MARSHALL Whoah whoah whoah, let�s not get too crazy here AUDREY Thanks MATTHEW It�s to calm your nerves I know how stressful asking for help must have been AUDREY �Thanks� rescinded MATTHEW What�s this? AUDREY See for yourself MATTHEW It�s vintage, that�s for sure Audrey crosses over to join Matthew in looking at the board AUDREY I picked it up at an antique shop when I first started here MATTHEW Who are all these people? AUDREY I don�t know That�s what I love about it Whoever they were, this game meant something to them It defined a time in their life So I keep it as a reminder MATTHEW Of what? AUDREY Of why I do this I�m part of a long tradition, with a responsibility to make sure that classic board games still have a place in the world That they don�t disappear MATTHEW That�s beautiful PATTI Hey, is now a good time? I have something to show you PATTI I�ve tried out a variety of heart designs, in all different shades, so you can pick your favorites AUDREY Thanks for the quick turnaround PATTI But I have to warn you, I might have gone a little overboard My love for the Pantone Color Wheel knows no end PATTI Just let me know which one you choose! AUDREY Wow, they�re all so incredible MATTHEW I don�t even know how we�re gonna choose just one AUDREY Let�s just point out our favorite, our first instinct The one that speaks to us MATTHEW Okay ACT AUDREY A connection with someone that took me by surprise Any advice? MATTHEW Sorry, you can go ahead AUDREY Oh no, after you Off their awkwardness-- AUDREY We�re making great progress, but there�s another element to tackle Or should I say reconsider MATTHEW Reconsider? AUDREY Something I was wrong about the first time MATTHEW You heard it too, right, I�m not imagining things? AUDREY Very funny I�m talking about dice versus cards to move through the game MATTHEW Oh so you agree love is about choice and intention? AUDREY I didn�t say that, but people are choosing to play the game, so let�s lean in to that MARSHALL What kinds of cards are we talking? AUDREY Each will have either a unique challenge or question Is that right? MATTHEW Exactly How the player answers, determines how many squares they move AUDREY This is where you all come in AUDREY I�ve always drawn inspiration from my imagination But, like Susie told me very early on, this game is different She was right PATTI How can we help? AUDREY I figure we could all pitch in and come up with fun questions and challenges, based on the experiences everyone�s had in romance SUSIE Audrey It was wonderful to see you in action today Patti and Marshall are really blooming under your leadership AUDREY Oh I don�t know if I�m leading them More just, you know, keeping them a part of the process SUSIE Exactly CARD AUDREY I think we�ve got some real winners here MATTHEW We might finish this thing yet AUDREY So that�s what you used to take photos of space? MATTHEW That and some other very expensive equipment AUDREY Can I see your photography? MATTHEW Really? AUDREY No, I have zero interest in seeing another facet of your life AUDREY Wow, these are stunning Where did you take them? MATTHEW Outdoors AUDREY I�m serious MATTHEW At the Planetarium It has the most incredible views but I haven�t been back in years AUDREY Why not? MATTHEW I guess other things became more important AUDREY What�s this one? MATTHEW My favorite constellation Sagitta It�s Latin for �arrow � MATTHEW The story goes that after Zeus was struck by the arrow, he fell in love, because it was fired by the Greek God of love, Eros AUDREY Wasn�t he later re-branded as Cupid? MATTHEW Yeah, by the Romans He got re- branded just like you did AUDREY Like me? MATTHEW Haven�t you noticed? You�re no longer a �stubborn indie creative � Now you�re a �slightly less stubborn Team Leader � AUDREY Ha ha Very funny AUDREY Next you�ll be telling me I should start dressing the part MATTHEW You said it, not me I�m just weaving tales of mythical arrows that strike love in the hearts of gods AUDREY Arrows! What if we make the players� pieces for Love Life in the shape of arrows? MATTHEW Little Cupid arrows that move along the board�s path AUDREY Guiding you towards your true love match AUDREY Anyway, it�s late I�ll, um, email the team about it when I get home MATTHEW Right Sure Good idea Only two more days until deadline AUDREY Your photography is too beautiful to be tucked away in a drawer 93 AUDREY Thanks for doing this; I should have asked for help earlier EVIE Always happy to test a new game I�ll be an unbiased user, since my romance days are long behind me AUDREY Don�t sell yourself short Who knows what card you might draw next? The deck could be full of surprises EVIE If anyone�s gonna draw a suite of hearts, it�s you AUDREY What�s that supposed to mean? EVIE You and Matthew! AUDREY I don�t know EVIE Come on There�s obvious chemistry AUDREY He�s not my type EVIE But what is your type? AUDREY That�s a good question Matthew is smart and considerate EVIE And cute AUDREY And more vulnerable then he lets on I guess there could be a little spark EVIE I knew it! A little spark can start a fire, my friend AUDREY Whoa! Slow down there, Hot Stuff ACT 94 INT BASKETBALL COURT - DAY Matthew and Mike play a morning game of basketball But unlike last time, Matthew is crushing it Dribbling around Mike, faking him out He makes a three-pointer Mike is impressed MIKE You�re on fire today Everything must be going great MATTHEW It is Game�s nearly finished MIKE I don�t mean the game I mean you and Audrey MATTHEW What about us? Mike gives him a look MATTHEW Don�t give me that look MIKE Then don�t pretend you don�t know what I mean This vibe, I�ve seen it before When you first fell for Kim Matthew reacts, tries to cover MATTHEW This is not that MIKE Maybe it could be Or you just gonna roll the dice on this one? MARSHALL Here they are Ready to unite two would-be lovers MATTHEW Cupid himself couldn�t do any better AUDREY These are perfect Gives a whole new meaning to �Love Life � You really took the idea and ran with it, Marshall MARSHALL Thanks! So does this mean the game�s officially complete? AUDREY We just have one final piece of the puzzle to crack MARSHALL Oh yeah, what�s that? AUDREY A big ending move Some surprising gameplay to bring it all to a satisfying close MATTHEW I�m sure we can come up with something AUDREY What about hmmmm, no, that won�t work MARSHALL Oh I know Wait, never mind AUDREY Everything okay? PATTI Sorry, it�s my friend Lynn texting about plans we had for tonight But I�ll let her know I can�t We�ve got an ending to crack! AUDREY Let�s take an early afternoon off PATTI Wait, really? AUDREY You�ve all worked round the clock It�ll be good for us Get out of the office for a beat MATTHEW You sure about this? We don�t have much time AUDREY What better way to find inspiration? It�s worked before MARSHALL Boy, Abbey and Alyson are gonna be thrilled to have me home early MATTHEW Your kids? MARSHALL Furry kids! My Pomeranians! AUDREY What? MATTHEW Nothing, it�s just, whatever happened to the person who thought the best course of action was to �push through?� AUDREY Maybe that�s not always the best course of action MATTHEW Spoken like a true leader who cares about her team AUDREY Yeah, put me on the cover of Forbes MATTHEW Now I�m thinking of all the ways to spend my unexpected free time AUDREY Oh I�ve already decided how you�re spending it MATTHEW There she is AUDREY What, you expected a total ? But seriously, I have an idea And who knows, maybe it�ll help us think of a great ending move MATTHEW The planetarium?! You didn�t have to do this for me AUDREY You helped me out of my comfort zone I want to help you get back into yours AUDREY I got us tickets to the Sky Show NARRATOR When stars collide there are two possible outcomes A destructive collision like a supernova or the creation of a new, brighter star 95 EDDIE Hi, do you work here? EVIE No, but I�m here so often I might as well Make yourself at home EDDIE And what a home it is I�m looking for a present for my grand-daughter�s birthday She�s eleven Got any suggestions? EVIE �Maze Craze� is a good one, so is �Liar Liar Pants On Fire � EDDIE What�s that you�re playing? EVIE Oh, it�s a new game my friend created She asked me to be her guinea pig and test it out EDDIE Would you believe a pet guinea pig is the present my grand-daughter begged me for? EVIE I�d stick to board games, they�re cleaner And quieter EDDIE �Love Life?� EVIE It�s all about finding a love match EDDIE Sounds exciting Though I doubt I�m the target audience My romance days are long gone EVIE Mine too But I could use a partner for the game Want to try it out? EDDIE I�m Eddie Evie EVIE AUDREY It�s a nice thought, isn�t it? That two different stars can collide and creating something new and beautiful together MATTHEW From destruction comes creation AUDREY I always loved the Man In The Moon growing up I used to stare at him every night from my bedroom window MATTHEW �Do you know how the Man in the Moon cuts his hair?� AUDREY Oh no Is this an astronomy joke? MATTHEW �Eclipse it MATTHEW I�ll spare you the rest in my arsenal AUDREY You�re a true gentleman MATTHEW Here, you�ll be able to see him a little more closely than from your bedroom window Take a look AUDREY I can�t find it MATTHEW How about now? Audrey looks through the viewfinder again AUDREY There it is! Right in front of me the whole time MATTHEW You only had to look AUDREY I only had to look AUDREY It�s Susie At this hour on a school night? That�s odd SUSIE Hi Audrey, sorry for the late call but I have urgent news AUDREY Is it about Love Life? I�m actually with Matthew SUSIE Good Better for you to hear it together The Board Of Directors is pulling the game AUDREY What?! SUSIE I was as surprised as you MATTHEW I don�t understand SUSIE The Board heard about the testing session and decided there isn�t enough time to right the ship AUDREY But the ship is right now, the game is totally different SUSIE I know, and I tried to smooth it over It breaks my heart to have to tell you this, but it�s out of my hands AUDREY There has to be something we can do SUSIE I�m so sorry MATTHEW Why would they do this? AUDREY This is all my fault MATTHEW Audrey, You can�t blame yourself AUDREY I can I was put in charge and look what happened A MATTHEW What happened is you assembled a great team and created a great game We did AUDREY The layout still needed work and I rushed the test this wouldn�t have happened if I had just stuck to my process-- MATTHEW Of doing it alone-- AUDREY Yes But you had to convince me to make it a group effort �Let people in Audrey � Well, Matthew, let me tell you what happens when there are too many cooks in the kitchen Nothing gets done Too many opinions, voices, loose ends get missed ENTIRE GAMES GET SHELVED! MATTHEW Audrey, you can�t control everything AUDREY Listen, I know we had this uh I don�t know what this is but- MATTHEW No No Don�t do that I know what you are doing Don�t do it; don�t minimize this and push it away I don�t want to do that Please Audrey, we can figure this out together Let�s just take a breath and talk this out MATTHEW Let me be here for you AUDREY I�m sorry I think you may have gotten me all wrong I�m not- I can�t- this is just too much right now I need to be alone PATTI Hey Audrey PATTI I have some questions about what you want for the ending to the game AUDREY You haven�t heard? The game�s been canceled PATTI What?! No, that can�t be true It�s so good! AUDREY The Board of Directors doesn�t think so PATTI This must be why they called an emergency meeting this afternoon I�m so sorry AUDREY It�s okay Luck of the draw But this frees me up to work on my other projects PATTI If you want me to be a sounding board for those, I�d be happy to AUDREY Thanks, but I�m just gonna work on them by myself MATTHEW Hello Arnold, it�s Matthew Reynolds I would like to discuss my contract 96 EVIE It�s not your fault AUDREY It doesn�t matter anyway EVIE It does matter, because the game works AUDREY What do you mean? EVIE I played it with a man I met at Emerald City It turns out we have a lot in common and we have a date later this week AUDREY Wow, Evie, really? EVIE Maybe I�m not ready to fold my cards after all Get this, he�s a cardiologist and he has all his hair Jackpot EVIE This game deserves to be out there You shouldn�t let Love Life go out in a single blaze of glory EVIE And you shouldn�t fold your cards either 97 AUDREY No no no pick up, pick up AUDREY Hi Uhm it�s me I know you probably don�t want to talk, and that�s my fault I just wanted to say well uh I�m sorry You were trying to help and I- I dunno Matthew; I just get scared I think I have this fear, you know, that if I let people in, ultimately they will leave So I push Because the disappointment could hurt But, turns out you can�t anticipate fear like that, it just causes more pain And I hurt you and I am sorry And now you�re actually Free- Hugz and my mind is blown and I want you to know-- A Great Yep Perfect Audrey looks at her phone and begins to type in the �GamerGirl� window EXT PLAY IT COOL GAMES - HALLWAY - DAY Patti and Marshall are disappointed MARSHALL I can�t believe the game is kaput PATTI I guess everything goes back to the way it used to be MARSHALL Yeah Suddenly Audrey approaches AUDREY Hey guys, I need your help What are the chances we can make four more prototypes of Love Life in two hours? MARSHALL Oh my I mean, it�s possible PATTI What�s happening? AUDREY I have a Hail Mary idea to save the game Susie walks up SUSIE Save the game? What�s all this? AUDREY Susie, can you convince the Board to have their emergency meeting offsite? SUSIE Where did you have in mind? Off Audrey, a plan in motion-- AUDREY I still believe two stars can create something beautiful together Come to Boardwalk Games and find out AUDREY So this is Love Life What begins as a game that explores initial flirtation, evolves into a deeper understanding of what love truly is, as teams are challenged to let down their guards and open their hearts to discover a genuine connection ARNOLD They certainly seem to be enjoying it But how did you manage to pull this off so quickly? AUDREY I always moved through life as a solo player, but now I realize how much more rewarding it is when you have people on your team And I have the most incredible team AUDREY Have you seen Matthew? ARNOLD You haven�t heard? Matthew didn�t renew his contract Something about a job offer in New Jersey AUDREY Excuse me? ARNOLD Unfortunately, we did not expect all this SUZIE I�m sure he would be very proud SUZIE You okay? AUDREY Yeah, I was just really hoping he would make it tonight ARNOLD So I�m curious, once the couple reaches the middle, is that it? The game is finished? MATTHEW We believe the game has more meaning than that MATTHEW As the couples play, they move from initial attraction AUDREY To curiosity, then interest MATTHEW And as the couple becomes more enlightened, they move towards something they never thought they needed, but always secretly longed for MATTHEW So when they find themselves in the middle, there�s the big move A �Grand Gesture�, something uniquely personal AUDREY Something that represents not an ending but a beginning MATTHEW And in that moment, the players realize the game�s path have been bringing them together all along MATTHEW And they come together as one AUDREY You came MATTHEW I�m not one to disappoint AUDREY Have you figured out your �grand gesture�? MATTHEW Have I ever SUSIE Wow I think the game works SUSIE It looks like you and your team have got yourself a game! SUSIE And no rush finalizing the details The TableTop Awards can wait another year MATTHEW Congratulations, you did it AUDREY We did it MATTHEW Turns out, we�re a match