Kheo Games Expands Lineup With Boitas, A Trick-Taking Card Game Inspired By Odisha's Maritime Past

Kheo Games has introduced Boitas, a trick-taking card game rooted in the maritime history of Odisha and shaped through extensive playtesting and research . The game draws inspiration from the Sadhabas, ancient sea traders who navigated the Indian Ocean and connected Odisha with Southeast Asia through commerce and cultural exchange.

Players in Boitas assume the role of traders competing to gather wealth by maneuvering through a series of trick-taking rounds. Each round is defined by changing trump suits, represented by port cards, which echo the unpredictability of the sea. A second layer of complexity is introduced through the scoring system, which requires players to determine the value of imported goods at the end of the game.

The game grew from an earlier design pitched as Kochi, an 18-card game centered on the port city of Kerala. With input from Kheo Games, designer Sidhant Chand shifted the theme closer to Odisha, his home state, and expanded the mechanics to emphasize trading, cultural references, and larger card dynamics. After months of testing, Boitas now includes more than one hundred cards, tokens, and goods tied directly to the state's history.

One of the defining features is the card hierarchy, which balances familiar trick-taking rules with unique twists. Phase numbers combine with trump suits to create unexpected outcomes, and special elephant cards serve as powerful assets that can be countered only by specific values. Cowries, used historically as currency, feature in the game as tokens that allow players to acquire new cards, creating a cycle of resource management.

The development process included multiple prototypes, adjustments to scoring methods, and careful balancing of suits representing grain, gems, betel, cloth, and pearls. Pearls carry a variable scoring system, their value shifting based on the cowries or cards players hold at the end, introducing an added layer of strategic calculation.

Visual design was central to shaping the identity of Boitas. The team collaborated with artist Janki Bavle, who drew from Odisha's traditional Pattachitra art style for cover design and ship illustrations. Later refinements by Alecster Silveira brought functionality to the cards while retaining cultural authenticity. Feedback from both online and in-person playtests led to changes such as adjusted layouts and reference cards that explain card hierarchy and scoring clearly.

The outcome is a card game that connects cultural heritage with modern board game mechanics. Boitas represents a step forward for Kheo Games as it continues to grow its catalog beyond board and tile-placement titles. The company confirmed that card games will be an area of greater focus in 2026, building on the lessons learned through the design and development of Boitas.

About Company:

Kheo Games is a publisher dedicated to creating tabletop experiences inspired by Indian themes and traditions. Based in India, the company designs games for both casual and experienced players.

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