What do the Forbidden games, Pandemic and Ticket to Ride: Legends of the West have in common? They all came from the mind of legendary game designer Matt Leacock. To coincide with this month's release of Forbidden Jungle, the hotly awaited fourth game in the Forbidden series, we caught up with Matt for a 60 second grilling.
Was there a specific game or type of game that inspired you to get into game creation?
Civilization by Francis Tresham (1980). Played that as a kid and it made me want to design games.
What’s the thing you love most about being a game designer?
Most of the time, it doesn’t feel like work to me. (Plus the ability to set my own hours and choose my own projects).
What has been your most challenging project and why?
Any project where I have to start with a blank page. Nearly impossible for me; I need to invent constraints.
Are there any upcoming or new releases that you are excited about?
I’ve got a game coming out next year that I started on over 7 years ago. I’m excited about that one seeing that finally see the light.
What snack should always be by the gaming table?
Casa Sanchez corn chips and Bitchin’ Sauce.
Are you a Dungeon Crawler, Resource Hoarder or a Deck Builder?
Deck builder. I enjoy games with creative play.
What was your favourite game growing up?
Depends on how old I am. Loved 10-4 Good Buddy when I was quite young. It’s hilariously bad as a game but a great piece of kitsch now.
Which game brings out your competitiveness the most?
Catan.
If you got stuck on a desert island with a few friends, what’s the one game you’d love to wash up on shore?
If the island had a really big table: Dead Reckoning
Why not get your copy of Matt's latest UK release, Forbidden Jungle, today.