MaryMartha E. Ford-Dieng Losing her father at an early age and shouldered with the responsibility of caring for a disabled parent, MaryMartha is no stranger to difficult times. She grew up in the ghettos of Pittsburgh surrounded by drugs, crime and gang violence. Though the odds were stacked against her, she aspired for something more than her circumstances dictated. She earned a B.A. in Theatre from Temple University and a M.Ed. from Northeastern University.

MaryMartha’s “can-do” attitude has helped her hurdle both personal and professional challenges. She is a supporter of mental health awareness, and speaks candidly about her diagnosis of depression and anxiety, and the steps she has taken to ensure she continues to thrive. She has survived brain surgery and is not afraid to resist status quo to affect change for the betterment of mankind.

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ABOUT THE GAME

After moving her mother into a nursing home, MaryMartha found herself depressed, full of anxiety and extremely irritable. She channeled that energy into something creative and turned her pain into play. She put pen to paper, and created a fun party game anyone can enjoy with their friends and family.

The Ultimate Clap Back is not your parents’ night-in of playing pinochle and spades. The Ultimate Clap Back is a fast-paced game of wordplay. With just the right amount of sarcasm, snark and shade, this card game is bound to shock and keep you laughing for hours!

WHAT’S THE BUZZ

The Ultimate Clap Back was released in August of 2017 at the Play NYC gaming convention hosted by Playcrafting. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Mic.com says The Ultimate Clap Back is one of "four indie games from developers of color that you should check out now." Geek.com describes this game as Cards Against Humanity meets Black Twitter.”

m.dieng@theultimateclapback.com/www.theultimateclapback.com/941.323.1448

MaryMartha is a two-time award winning developer for her game, The Ultimate Clap Back. She has been seen in Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Mic.com, Geek.com, Rolling Stone Magazine, and Venture Beat. She was featured in a commercial for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She was also featured in CNN’s The First Time I Realized I Was Black.

Her motto, upgrade your algorithm, is a call to action for individuals to implement change and improve their current situation. In her forthcoming book by the same name, she discusses how she “upgraded” her life and encourages others to be brave, fearless, and active participants in their quest for greatness.

MaryMartha loves cheese puffs, ginger ale and ice cream. She currently resides in New York City with her husband Tony.

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AWARDS

’17 Bit Award Rising Pixel Winner

’17 Bit Award Player’s Choice Winner

’17 Bit Award Tabletop Game Of The Year Nominee

VIDEO

• Promo Video

• Live Demo with geek.com

PRESS

Mic.com| 4 Indie Games From Developers of Color That You Should Check Out Now

Geek.com| Game Devs of Color Expo is the Antidote to E3

Venture Beat| Game Devs of Color Expo Highlights the Diversity Already in Gaming

AdLibbing.org| Game Developers Champion Diversity At Game Devs Of Color Expo

DopeCauseWeSaid| This Summer Cards Against Humanity Meets Black Twitter