There’s a new game in town and it’s teaching children the art of marketing, one otter card at a time! Created by Singapore-based fractional marketing agency OtterHalf, Ottie’s Fishy Business is a first-of-its-kind card game that turns real-world marketing concepts into playful learning moments.
Designed for children aged seven and above, the game invites players to help Ottie the Otter grow her fish stall into a thriving business, all while discovering how branding, storytelling and marketing strategy come together to make a splash.
From mum to marketer to game creator
The mastermind behind this otter-ly creative idea is Cassandra Ong, founder of OtterHalf and mum to two young daughters. The inspiration struck when she tried to explain what she does for a living, marketing to her curious kids.
“Marketing was something I only learnt in university, so I realised how rarely it’s simplified for children,” she shared. “That’s when I decided to make it fun and something my daughters could understand through play.”
What started as a bedtime idea turned into eight months of development, including design, prototyping and testing. Cassandra worked with educators, illustrators and fellow marketers to build a game that’s engaging, age-appropriate and educational without feeling like homework. The result is a screen-free learning experience that bridges creativity and strategy.
How the game works
With 55 beautifully illustrated cards, Ottie’s Fishy Business is equal parts strategy and story. Players team up to help Ottie- an adorable otter entrepreneur, grow her little fish business using clever marketing decisions.
The cards include Missions, Actions and Wilds, introducing concepts like branding, influencer marketing, competitive tactics, ethics, and campaign planning. The game takes about 20 minutes to play and supports two to five players — making it perfect for quick family bonding sessions, classroom workshops, or even friendly office breaks.
Educators have already praised its accessibility. Januel Koh, a Digital Marketing and Branding lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic, shared, “It’s a unique way to introduce marketing to students who may not have a business background. It makes learning interactive and fun — something every teacher hopes for.”
Making marketing accessible to all
Beyond just playtime, Ottie’s Fishy Business reflects Cassandra’s deeper mission to make marketing more accessible to everyone, not just professionals. She believes that even young children can benefit from understanding how products, ideas and ethics shape the world around them.
“Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated,” she explained. “If my seven-year-old can pick up the basics through play, anyone can.”
That belief has already led to collaborations with student groups and educators, including the Singapore Management University Marketing Society, which is working with OtterHalf to host workshops that use the game to teach marketing fundamentals in a fun, hands-on way.
A local creation with heart
At its core, Ottie’s Fishy Business is more than a game- it’s a community-driven project powered by creativity and purpose. From the adorable illustrations to the easy-to-learn mechanics, every card reflects the collaborative spirit of Singapore’s creative ecosystem.
Built with input from local educators, marketing mentors and creative partners, it’s a true homegrown effort to spark curiosity and creativity. Cassandra hopes it will eventually find its way into schools, enrichment centres and even family game nights across Singapore.
Where to get your fins on it
Ottie’s Fishy Business is now available via the OtterHalf website, with priority access for early supporters who join community playtesting sessions.
For Cassandra, the goal goes beyond just selling a game, it’s about sparking meaningful conversations. “Whether you’re a parent, student or founder, I hope Ottie reminds you that marketing, at its heart, is about connection. And what better way to learn that than through play?”
Learn more or order your copy at https://www.otterhalf.co/otties-fishy-business.
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