We asked them to share more about their typical day, what it’s like to be a game maker and why game play is important. They even share their favorite game.
Er -- second favorite game.
When you think about it -- you have one of the most fun jobs in the world: Inventing games! How did you end up in the game industry?
Kevin: You’re right, inventing games is a whole lot of fun -- even more fun than our former jobs in advertising. But both industries share a similarity in that they’re all about the big idea.
Steve: And when we came up with TENZI, we wanted to make it so simple that even two ad guys could understand it.
Kevin: Understand what?
What is your favorite game of all time? Why?
Steve: You mean our second favorite game, right?
Kevin: Well, that would have to be Operation, because that’s the closest I’ll ever come to having a career in Medicine.
Steve: His parents are always so proud when he plays it.
What does a typical day in a ‘game makers’ life look like?
Kevin: Well, at this stage, we’re both still wearing a lot of different hats. One minute I’m Joe in accounting, the next I’m Bob in customer service, and the next I’m Steve in shipping.
Steve: No, that’s me, I’m Steve in shipping.
Kevin: As you can see, things can get pretty confusing.
One of the things we love about your popular game Tenzi is its simplicity. Elementary school-aged kids through ages 101 and beyond can play. What was your inspiration for the game?
Steve: It’s funny you talk about the simplicity of TENZI. That’s the one thing everybody mentions when they talk about why they love TENZI. Everyone loves the simplicity.
Kevin: I think that’s a response to our fast-paced, over-scheduled society. Nobody has patience for the games we grew up with. Who has 2 hours to play a board game? People want something fast and simple.
Steve: Fast and simple? You mean like our new TENZI app, available for free on both iPhone and Android?
Kevin: Did we mention we were formerly ad guys?
Why do you think playing games is important -- for both kids and adults?
Steve: Games are important because they’re not work, they’re not school, and they’re not deadlines. They’re something you want to do, not something you have to do.
Kevin: Well, except in my house. We had to play Operation. My parents forced us.
To learn more about Tenzi or game play in general, contact your neighborhood toy store
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