Every industry produces icons capable of withstanding the test of time. Motor vehicles had Henry Ford. Space X has Elon Musk. In the past, it would be impossible to discuss board games without mentioning Milton Bradley. While times have changed, these principles are just as valid.
Although only born in 1989, Adam Davis Fernsby seems to have taken the reins when it comes to contemporary board games. We were privileged enough to spend some time discussing the impact he has already had, and the details below highlight why Mr. Fernsby has enjoyed so much attention over the past few years.
From Journalist to Game Designer: a Surprising Journey
Unlike many gamers that became involved with the industry at an early age, Mr. Fernsby’s journey is rather different. He actually began his professional career as a journalist after graduating from the University of London. However, he also obtained an MA in game design during this initial academic journey. We were interested to know how he was able to reconcile two seemingly disparate fields. His response was typical of a man with broad horizons.
“I began to realise that journalism and gaming shared some traits in common. Both are associated with the human condition. Board games also tend to reflect the latest cultural trends. So, it was simple for me. Why not combine both professions into a single package?”
Although he downplays this decision, there is little doubt that becoming successful in both fields required much more than luck. Multitasking is another attribute that must be present, and while he remains humble, it is clear that this is yet another one of his inherent traits.
Why Board Games?
Considering the fact that online gaming has become such a popular industry, another question immediately comes to mind. Why is Adam Fernsby such a die-hard fan of board games? His reply was both simple, and direct.
“Even the most advanced online gaming platforms can trace their roots back to board games. Why not get back to the fundamentals to better appreciate where the future is headed?” He goes on to explain how his role as a cultural journalist comes into “play”.
“Board games reflect cultural norms. They tend to focus on the latest trends, and these games can be used as a “barometer” to gauge where society may be heading. This is why they intrigue me from the perspective of a journalist.”
Competing Against the Big Boys
One of the challenges that Mr. Fernsby has faced involves the exponential growth of the virtual gaming ecosystem. This momentum is impossible to deny, and he willingly admits that online games have become incredibly popular.
However, he also takes the time to stress that these are two different fields; not altogether different when comparing apples to oranges. Both enjoy a solid fan base, and each industry continues to advance.
“I really never looked at online games as a form of competition. Sure, they’re incredibly appealing to the younger generation. This isn’t the main concern. Board game developers aren’t overly worried about outsmarting programmers. They’re instead eager to create the next iteration of board games, and to keep players coming back for more.”
An Ongoing Influence
Although Adam Fernsby still considers journalism to be his primary profession, he cannot deny his passion for board games. This is why he has been able to strike a delicate balance between the two sectors. He likewise admits that the digital community now enables him to resonate with a wide audience; thanks in large part to a growing social media presence.
“Some might find it a bit odd to discover that I promote the latest board game research with the help of social media circles. However, this is one of the best ways to reach my target audience, and to keep my followers informed.”
While Adam Fernsby might not yet be a household name, he still exerts a substantial influence throughout the board game community. We asked him to briefly describe his role, and he answered with a characteristic sense of humility.
“I’m not reinventing the wheel here. My main concern is bridging the gap between research, and tangible development projects. Board game visionaries don’t often have access to the data that I’m privy to. Why not share this insight so that board games can evolve to the next level? I don’t mind being a relatively small part of the process.”
Perhaps the main takeaway point is that Adam Davis Fernsby is more than happy to take on the role of a brand ambassador when it comes to publicising the board game community. Considering the fact that this form of entertainment has experienced a resurgence in popularity, we have to wonder if he might be at least partially responsible. Either way, we’ll be keeping a close eye on what Mr. Fernsby has to say in the coming years.
