Toledo’s foundation is creativity, passion and hard work. So, when Toledoans hear about two local creatives collaborating to produce something new and unique, we gather together with support and pride.
Master Thief, a new card game, is the first product of local Sparr Games LLC, both which were created by Jake Spencer and Jacob Parr. Currently, the duo is raising funds to get Master Thief off the ground in a Kickstarter campaign.
How the Heist Began
The name Sparr has a twofold meaning— not only is it a combination of their last names (Spencer and Parr), but it also speaks toward a competitive spirit, through the word sparring. “We like the idea of two things fighting against each other to make each other better,” said Spencer.
The idea behind Sparr Games LLC began when the two entrepreneurs bought the TV show collection of Lost. In the box set, they discovered and played around with a small board game found in the show (meant to be a replica of one of the first board games ever made). The two said they found out the game’s rules had developed over time, which led to newer and better versions. From there, Sparr Games LLC was born.
While the duo behind Sparr Games does not consider themselves to be “hardcore gamers,” they believe they bring forth a different kind of perspective— one of “game lovers and appreciators.” As outsiders looking in, they have a unique opportunity to make a new kind of game, including the elusive Master Thief.
“We want to make meaningful creations to fuel creativity and put more goodness into the world,” said Parr.
The Mastery behind Master Thief
Master Thief is a card game where you accumulate the highest value of art before the museum opens. The central ideas for the game came from the founders’ mutual love for art and competition.
Parr said, “One of my biggest influences in art, in general, has been the Toledo Museum of Art. We have this amazing, unbelievable collection right here. The idea of a museum art heist was so fun and thrilling.” (They promise they don’t condone stealing priceless works of art!)
There isn’t anything arbitrary about the game, nor was it easy to create. They put careful consideration into each choice, which is why it took them three years to fully develop Master Thief.
“One of the biggest parts about Master Thief is the quality. It’s a big deal for us. We can make cards look and feel how we want them to,” said Parr.
In order to make the game functional, Spencer went back to classic games as influences. “We never wanted any game to end the same way twice,” Spencer said, referring to the planning and calculation that went into creating a unique game. Parr, on the other hand, designed each art piece used.
Even though the content was carefully thought out, their main focus is still on doing what they love and creating an expressive outlet for themselves as artists, writers, and innovators.
“Design and creativity comes first rather than the content,” said Parr, showing that classic Toledo artistic spirit.
The Art of Raising Funds and Backing the Game
The entrepreneurs are looking for support through a Kickstarter campaign. This way, they can receive the funding by getting people who believe in the product to back them. In turn, the backers can receive the game and expansion packs.
At this time, the Kickstarter campaign for Master Thief has surpassed its funding goal of $15,000. Parr and Spencer are working on more goals to reach with the additional funds, as they keep trickling in.
“It feels great because people are excited. That’s what makes us so happy,” says Parr.
Optimistically (and with good reason), both Jakes are already contacting art museums to work with and are even planning their next game, which will be set in a carnival where a fortune teller has been mysteriously murdered.
Stealing the Heart of the Community
Jake Spencer, a writer, moved to Perrysburg and started to attend the Toledo School for the Arts (TSA) his junior year of high school. He has fallen in love with the Glass City and the way it constantly works to make itself better.
Jacob Parr grew up in the area and also attended TSA. That is where he decided to become a graphic designer. He is happy to be a part of Toledo’s art culture and to help it grow.
“As two locals and graduates of TSA, one of most important things for us is to bring the feeling of a social game that you can enjoy around a table, and love of art, and love of competition back to the community we love so much,” said Spencer.
Their ties to the community are why the company and the game have been so focused in the Toledo area. As of now, Master Thief does not contain any pieces of glass artwork because they have have big dreams for well-known Glass City art gallery pieces. Master Thief has only been tested in this area because they find Toledo has such a diverse audience.
“We love this city. We love this area,” said Spencer. “This is the only place I’d want to do this,” he continued.
Though they have very competitive and sparring elements to their relationship, both heartily agreed on the following: it honestly does matter where you make it.
Kickstarter campaign goes until Oct.19
kickstarter.com/projects/sparrgames/master-thief | facebook.com/sparrgames | sparrgames.com
