Gizmos designer Phil Walker-Harding on the openness and approachability of the tabletop space

As nominations are open for the 2019 edition of the Mojo Nation 100 – a listing of 100 figures in toy and game design that have had a great year – we’re speaking with some of those who made it into the 2018 edition of the book earlier this year.

With a simple to grasp card drafting mechanic, cute artwork and a splash of wasabi, Phil Walker-Harding announced himself to the gaming world in 2013 with Sushi Go. Since then, he’s released a raft a popular titles including the Spiel-de-Jahres nominated Imhotep, Sushi Go follow-up Sushi Go Party and 2017’s furry crowd-pleaser, Bärenpark.

We caught up with Walker-Harding to find out how he got his start in game design, and how self-imposed design challenges help fuel his creativity.

How did you get your start in the world of design?
I have been playing around with board game design since I was very young. But I really took it seriously after discovering modern German games. In 2007, I decided to self-publish my first game, Archaeology. It was later picked up by Z-Man Games, which was a good stepping-stone into the industry. I continued self-publishing for some time and learnt a lot about game production and the logistical side of the hobby; but now I just focus on my favourite thing – design!

How do you stay creative?
For me, just playing lots of games is important! It keeps new ideas buzzing around my head, and I often find that something I enjoyed in a new game acts as a springboard to a fresh idea or a design problem to solve.

Giving myself a design challenge with some pretty specific restrictions can also get my brain working in a different way. As with many designers, I try to have multiple projects on the boil at once so I can make a switch when I am stuck on something.

What makes this industry a great one for designers to work in?
I really appreciate the openness and approachability of most board game publishers. Finding good partners who are passionate about games and excited about making your design into a great product is really rewarding.

From a design point of view, is the world of toys and games in a good place creatively at present?
I think so! It seems we are in a period of continued growth for the board game hobby, so it’s exciting to see so many games come out. There also seems to be a feeling among designers that there are many areas of design space out there still waiting to be fully explored. That’s a pretty special place for a medium to be in.

To nominate a designer for a spot in the 2019 edition of the Mojo Nation 100, click here  for all the information.

More Recent Mojo Nation 100 Series

Nominations now open for Mojo Nation 100: 2025 Edition

The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 29th.

Read the Mojo Nation 100: 2024 Edition online now

The Mojo Nation 100 – in association with Hasbro – is a listing of the most influential figures currently working in the world of toy and game design who have excelled over the past 12 months.

One month left to nominate for 2024’s Mojo Nation 100

The deadline for nominations is Monday, December 4th.

Nominations now open for Mojo Nation 100: 2024 Edition

The Mojo Nation 100 celebrates figures working in toy and game design, invention and product development that have done great work over the past 12 months.

When the Going Gets Tough, Successful Creatives Get Going

Kids Brand Insight’s Steve Reece looks at how the industry’s creative community can best navigate the choppy waters of an inflationary crisis.

Feeding Creativity

Hazel Reynolds, founder of Gamely Games, explores ways to kick-start creativity, including the power of embracing your inner artist…