Don’t Drop the Soap (2007)

“Don’t Drop the Soap” Board Game

“Don’t Drop the Soap” is a controversial prison-themed board game designed by art student John Sebelius as a 2006 class project at the Rhode Island School of Design. The game has faced criticism for its theme, but Sebelius has defended it as a lighthearted spoof and not an endorsement of prison rape.

Game Components of Don’t Drop the Soap

Cards: The game includes various cards, such as Soap cards, Lawyer cards, and other action cards.

Player Characters: Players can choose to play as characters like Sal “The Butcher”, “Anferny”, or “Wheelz”, a disabled prisoner.

Game Board: The game features six different locations, including The Yard, Cafeteria, Infirmary, Shower Room, Gang War, and The Hole.

How To Setup Don’t Drop the Soap

To set up the game, players select their characters and receive a set of cards. The game board is laid out to represent the different prison locations. Each player starts in The Yard and must navigate through the various locations to achieve parole. The deck is shuffled, and each player draws a starting hand of cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The ultimate goal is to make parole without dropping the soap in the prison shower, thereby avoiding prison rape.

Card Play: Players take turns playing cards from their hand, resolving the effects of each card. Cards can force other players to draw more cards, steal items, or perform other actions.

Locations: Players must navigate through six different prison locations, each with its own challenges and hazards.

Winning Condition: The game ends when one player is left with the Soap card, indicating they have been subjected to prison rape, or when all other players have managed to get rid of all their cards.

Player Experience

Playing **Don’t Drop the Soap** can be a highly contentious experience due to its dark humor and reliance on stereotypes, including homophobic, racist, and rape jokes. Many players find the game’s content offensive and insensitive. Despite its intended humor, the game often falls flat due to its crude and outdated jests. The fast-paced gameplay can be engaging for some, but the overall theme and content can make it uncomfortable and even distressing for others.

Pros

Dark Humor: For those who enjoy edgy humor, the game provides a unique and provocative experience.

Fast-Paced Gameplay: The game is quick to play, lasting around 45 minutes.

Social Interaction: It encourages bluffing, low blows, and treason among players, which can be entertaining for some.

Cons

Offensive Content: The game relies heavily on harmful stereotypes, including homophobic, racist, and rape jokes.

Criticism: Widely criticized by organizations like the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission for making light of serious violent crimes.

Uncomfortable Theme: Many players find the game’s theme and content to be insensitive and distressing.

Personal Thoughts on Don’t Drop the Soap

**Don’t Drop the Soap** is not for everyone, especially those sensitive to dark humor or offended by stereotypes. It is best suited for players who can appreciate its intended satire and are comfortable with its controversial content. However, given the widespread criticism and the game’s potential to cause discomfort, it is important to consider the feelings and preferences of all players before deciding to play. If you value games with respectful and inclusive themes, this might not be the best choice for your gaming group.

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