Pie Face

Pie Face store at Sydney Airport January 2017

Pie Face store at Osaka Station

Pie Face is a popular game that has become a favorite in family gatherings, parties, and social events. The game is known for its simplicity, excitement, and the hilarious outcomes that often involve participants getting a face full of whipped cream or a similar substitute. Pie Face combines elements of suspense, luck, and humor, making it an engaging activity for players of all ages.

Gameplay

The basic premise of Pie Face involves players taking turns to place their face through a cut-out in the center of the game unit. The game unit consists of a hand-operated mechanism loaded with a sponge or plastic hand that holds whipped cream. Players then spin a spinner or roll a die to determine the number of times they must turn the handles on the game unit. With each turn, there's a chance that the hand could spring forward, catapulting the whipped cream onto the player's face. The unpredictability of when the hand will strike adds to the game's suspense and excitement.

Components

• Game Unit: The central piece that holds the mechanism for the pie thrower.
• Hand Mechanism: A lever or arm that is capable of flinging whipped cream.
• Spinner/Die: Used to determine the number of handle turns a player must attempt.
• Face Cut-Out: Where players place their face in anticipation of the pie strike.

Rules and Scoring

The rules of Pie Face are straightforward. Players take turns spinning the spinner or rolling the die and turn the handles the specified number of times. If a player completes their turns without getting hit by the whipped cream, they score points. The game can be played to a set number of points or until one player remains un-pied. The simplicity of the rules makes Pie Face accessible to a wide audience, including young children.

Variations and Editions

Since its initial release, several variations and editions of Pie Face have been introduced. These include:

• Pie Face Showdown: A two-player version where participants compete directly against each other, trying to hit the button faster than their opponent to avoid getting pied.
• Pie Face Sky High: Standing version of the game that simulates a test of strength carnival game.
• Pie Face Cannon: A version where players can aim and launch the whipped cream at their opponent.

Cultural Impact

Pie Face has made a significant impact culturally, becoming a viral sensation on social media platforms. Videos of people playing the game, often resulting in hilarious outcomes, have garnered millions of views. The game's popularity has led to its feature on television shows, in party scenes, and in various forms of online content, highlighting its widespread appeal.

Safety and Cleanliness

While Pie Face is designed to be safe for players, it is recommended to use whipped cream or a soft, harmless substitute. The game involves physical contact with the face, so ensuring the materials used are safe and clean is essential. Additionally, players should be prepared for potential mess and have cleaning supplies on hand.

Conclusion

Pie Face is more than just a game; it's a source of laughter, joy, and bonding among players. Its simple concept, combined with the element of surprise, makes it a timeless activity that brings people together. Whether at a family gathering, a party, or a casual get-together, Pie Face promises a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.