Publish or Perish: Humorous Academia Party Game for 3-6 Players | Ages 14+

Make your game night feel like a playful seminar

Publish or Perish is a lighthearted party game designed for 3-6 players aged 14 and up. In this playful arena, you’ll craft and defend witty, offbeat ideas, rally support, and sprinkle in sharp, well-timed rebuttals. The setup is quick and the rules fit on a single page, so you can dive into the fun without a lengthy briefing.

What sets this game apart is its blend of humor and curiosity. Trivia content spans 20+ disciplines, ensuring questions stay fresh for curious minds who enjoy exploring a broad array of topics. The social rhythm encourages banter and playful debates, giving everyone a moment to shine with clever defenses and imaginative takes.

What’s inside and how it plays

• One-page rules for fast learning and rapid rounds, so you get to play quickly
• Trivia spanning 20+ disciplines, designed to engage curious players
• Playful banter, light trash talk, and creative defense of quirky research ideas
• Accessible to newcomers yet entertaining for seasoned players who relish wit and speed

Ideal moments to play

• Lab parties, writing retreats, conference socials, or casual gatherings with colleagues
• Game nights with friends who enjoy clever humor and engaging storytelling
• Icebreakers that spark conversations around ideas, curiosity, and the lighter side of research culture

Created by Max Bai Ph.D. and tested by graduate students, professors, and scholars from research institutes around the world, Publish or Perish invites you to savor the playful side of scholarly life. The game celebrates imagination, collaboration, and friendly competition while keeping expectations realistic—outcomes vary with group dynamics and pacing. It’s a toolkit for memorable evenings and meaningful conversations, rather than a guaranteed path to any fixed result.