Interview Mike — I design and publish sci-fi board games, which include custom miniatures.

Mike | www.outerlimitgames.com

What do you do?

I design and publish sci-fi board games, which include custom miniatures.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity in your industry?

Manufacturing is now virtually limitless, so it allows designers to get more creative and really push the envelope, especially with 3D printing. The prices are going down, and this service is becoming more readily available to designers and really anyone who otherwise would not have pursued customized pieces in their games 5-10 years ago.

What impact will changes in your industry have on consumers? the world?

The increasing availability of 3D printing alone is driving new and innovative things that we never dreamed of. The board game and miniatures industry is already experiencing a surge in never-before-seen game pieces. I think consumers are going to have a much greater selection of high quality, lower priced, and more interesting games to choose from as a result.

What is your biggest goal right now?

My biggest goal is to get my first game published, and made available to the world. I have put great emphasis on quality, and an extreme attention to detail that is very specific to the overall vision I see for the project. I’ve tried to incorporate as many aspects of a board game that people love, from the mechanics, to the color and material of the dice, to the small details in the miniatures designs. So I’m really excited about it, and look forward to seeing people’s reactions when they open the box for the first time, and begin playing the game.

What kind of support or types of people do you need to accelerate your success?

I’m really looking to connect with others who share the passion for creating something, or being a part of the creative process. I’m trying to build a crowd, and a big part of that is being able to make a common connection with people. Most importantly though, you have to understand that success is contagious. By that I mean you’ve got to be excited for others’ success as well. Give back, offer feedback to those who are trying to create something similar, and be passionate about what you do. Be an ambassador to your industry. I think those things ultimately will accelerate my success, and others’ success too. I want to see us all make it.

What makes you or your work different from everybody else?

There are so many innovative new board games coming out now, so it’s not always easy trying to come up with something different. Although my latest game is designed around a unique story, which is meant to be the inspiration behind the game. The story involves 4 alien races, as well as humans, coming together and forming sort of a new alliance in a time of galactic unrest. We designed all of our miniatures very carefully around each alien race, their planetary environments, and their specific technology.

Thank you!