Designer Spotlight: Ben Harkins

Ben Harkins is not only a great designer that makes fun thematic games, with different and unique angles than most other games out there. He’s also the owner of his own publishing company Floodgate Games. I had the pleasure to ask him a few questions about board games and board game design.

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m a long time gamer who loves making cool, useful things! I’m a huge fan of technology and I love learning about people and how the world works.

What’s yours favorite game?

Acquire is one of my long time favorites, and Libertalia a relatively recent one.

What game would you use to introduce new people to the hobby?

One Night Ultimate Werewolf. It’s social, thematic and there’s an element of secrecy and strategy to it. Once new people see you getting into the game, they usually follow suit and have an amazing early gaming experience.

What’s your best game experience?

Every time I see someone find the “a-ha” moments in games I designed… that never gets old.

What is the most important aspect of playing games for you?

Fun, with no close second.

Why do you design games?

For me, to start. I design games I like to play with my friends, and I’m fortunate enough that a broader audiences enjoys them as well!

What are you most proud of?

Being a contributing member to a fantastic group of people (tabletop gamers). I love that my part in the ecosystem has a positive impact for people

What is the most important part of making a game for you?

Discovery and progression. There needs to be elements or interactions that are not entirely obvious until you’re in a situation that presents them for players to discover. A game should also tell a story, with a clear beginning, middle and end… building off of itself to a climax if possible.

Do you usually like to start from the theme or mechanics?

For me, it often starts more as a conceptual activity (how should people be having fun) that’s refined both thematically and mechanically in tandem. When you think about your dream house, you simultaneously think about where it is and what it looks like… putting one before the other usually ends up feeling forced to me.

Where do you find your inspiration for new game themes and mechanics?

I love thinking about alternate perspectives of existing concepts; exploring the corners and edges, that’s where you find the interesting stuff.

Ben is a great designer and has designed many wonderful games, among them most poplar you’ll find Legacy: Gears of Time (a great time travel game) and one of my personal favorites Epic Resort (a game of pure fun where you have to run a resort for the tired fantasy heroes, they deserve some vacation time too).