Play Creators Festival

September’s Virtual Play Creators Festival will mirror the digital format of last year’s event, with two weeks of activity including a week-long virtual conference, a digital awards and a three-day Mojo Pitch event.

“We’re hopeful that this year’s event can be a welcome return to in-person networking, learning and pitching, and we can’t wait to bring the industry’s creative community together later this year,” said Billy Langsworthy, co-founder of Mojo Nation.

A celebration of the toy and game industry’s design talent, among the big winners this year are Spin Master, Big Potato and Seven Towns, while Heayes Design’s Richard Heayes scooped the Design Icon accolade.

Reiner Knizia – the prolific game designer behind over 700 games, including Lost Cities, Modern Art and new Kosmos title My City – discusses how he got started in game design, shares his top tips for fuelling creativity and reveals the game he wishes he came up with!

Panellists include Pixar Animation Studios’ Jen Tan, Roald Dahl’s Stephanie Griggs and SRL Consulting’s Susie Lecker.

The session will be chaired by Erik Quam, Director of Product Development at Fat Brain Toys.

The session will delve into how Ben Butcher – SVP of Creative at Funko – and his team tackle toy design, as well as exploring his own thoughts on fuelling creativity.

The session will explore how Elan and the Exploding Kittens team approach game design, including looking at their work with the inventor community.

During this one hour session Joanna will pinpoint the trends that have accelerated as a direct consequence of the pandemic.

“The Last Gameboard is thrilled to sponsor and participate at Mojo Nation’s Play Creators Conference,” said Shail Mehta, CEO and Founder of The Last Gameboard.