Developer Claims Jackbox’s New Game Mirrors His Creation
Sam Greszes, an independent board game creator, has raised concerns regarding a notable resemblance between his game, Die On This Hill, and the newly launched game Debate and Switch from the Jackbox Party Pack 12. Greszes had pitched his game to Jackbox Games, asking to transition his board game into a video game format. Both games share similar mechanics involving players forming arguments for or against absurd debate topics with a voting system in place.
Background of the Dispute
According to Greszes, discussions over the adaptation of his game began in early 2025 after Jackbox expressed initial interest. After sending them a demo of Die On This Hill, communication between Greszes and the company ceased. Subsequently, he learned about Debate and Switch nearly a year later via a YouTube announcement.
“It feels like a betrayal,” Greszes shared with Kotaku. “Especially as someone who’s grown up with [Jackbox] games and plays them every year.”
Creation of Die On This Hill
Greszes developed the concept for Die On This Hill in April 2024 following his layoff. It originated from a desire to create a fun experience centered around online debates that didn’t lead to frustration. In the game, players utilize word cards to formulate humorous phrases, which then become topics for debate, allowing fellow players to vote on their favorites.
By summer 2024, he established a working prototype and, after successfully funding a Kickstarter campaign in November, moved forward with the production of the game. Despite not making significant profits after covering expenses, Greszes stated, “the point of the game wasn’t to make me money. It was to make something.”
Communication with Jackbox Games
As a resident of the Chicago area, where Jackbox Games is based, Greszes frequently purchases Jackbox Party Packs and plays them with friends. He hoped that converting Die On This Hill into a digital format would reach a wider audience, despite lacking technical expertise himself.
During discussions with Jackbox, both sides deliberated on potential finances, including Greszes’ minimal cut from any licensing deal. Ultimately, he emphasized that he wanted the game to reach more players. However, Jackbox declined to sign a formal agreement regarding collaboration on the game.
The Arrival of Die On This Hill
In March 2025, copies of Die On This Hill were sent to backers, including a copy to Jackbox. However, Greszes claimed that follow-up communications went unanswered, receiving messages that no one had the opportunity to play the game.
After his outreach faded, Greszes discovered a video in which Jackbox developers discussed Debate and Switch and showcased gameplay. He expressed his shock, remarking, “I’m fucking stunned,” as he noticed clear mechanical similarities between the two games.
Concluding Remarks
Despite the unsettling parallels between his project and Debate and Switch, Greszes understands the complexities of game development and the concept of converging ideas within the industry. He has no intentions of seeking restitution, clarifying that he simply desires recognition for his original work.
“If Jackbox got in touch with me and said, ‘Hey, we’re making this game. It has some similarities, but we feel we’ve done enough to differentiate it,’ I would have been over the moon,” Greszes expressed. “Being acknowledged for this thing that I made would have been an honor for me.”
