Mattel has released a version of UNO designed by Aussie artist Artiste Mulga that transforms the classic card game through original Australian artwork and exclusive Australian-inspired gameplay.
The deck celebrates Aussies’ love for UNO with two all-new wild cards inspired by two of Australia’s most iconic (and hotly debated) phrases – “Yeah-Nah” and “Nah-Yeah”.
The “Yeah-Nah” wild card blocks any move from the previous player, where you can bypass a Skip, dodge a Draw Two or completely block a Draw Four. But don’t get too comfortable… the “Nah-Yeah” wild card lets the next player cancel a “Yeah-Nah” and put the original action right back into play.
Every card has been reimagined through Mulga’s unmistakable style, turning the classic UNO deck into a colourful collector’s item that is just as display-worthy as it is playable. Expect rockstar koalas, bin chickens, surfing kangaroos and a whole menagerie of uniquely Australian icons.
Joel Moore (AKA Mulga) said the deck is an ode to his ongoing love affair with the Australiana aesthetic.
“One of the things I enjoy most as an artist is creating work that becomes part of people’s everyday lives, rather than something that just hangs on a wall. There’s something special about knowing these illustrations will end up around kitchen tables, at campsites and on holidays, becoming part of people’s own stories and memories,” he said.
Paul Faulkner, senior VP and managing director of Mattel Asia Pacific, said the collaboration was also an opportunity to celebrate Australian humour and creativity through one of the world’s most loved games.
Australians have always had a knack for putting their own spin on UNO and we’re leaning into that. Whether it’s inventing house rules or passionately debating if you’re actually allowed to play that Draw Four, the game has been bringing friends and families together for generations.”
“Partnering with Mulga gave us the chance to deliver a very Australian take on UNO. By combining his unmistakable artwork ,with gameplay using some of Australia’s most Australian phrases, we’ve created a deck that captures a distinctly Aussie sense of humour while keeping the friendly rivalry, playful banter and fun that’s always been part of UNO,” said Faulkner.
Whether it’s destined to become a staple of the games cupboard or proudly displayed on the mantelpiece, the UNO Artiste Mulga collaboration is a little piece of Aussie fun worth holding onto.
The UNO Artiste Mulga limited edition is available from Mattel Creations, Amazon and select retailers from November.
