Designer Interview: Lizzy Funkhouser

Today we have an interview with one of my favorite people in the gaming industry Lizzy Funkhouser! Read on as she tells us about games she enjoys, the site she helps to run and the ideal snack for a night of gaming. Thank you Lizzy for the interview!

Tell us a little about yourself and your site:

The Board Game Spotlight was designed to be a welcoming group for all gamers where you can talk about games without feeling judgement. Whether you’re new to the hobby or you’ve been playing games your whole life. I got involved with the spotlight via my husband, Derek, who met James Hudson (the groups founder) on other game groups. We started working with James and were passionate about helping grow the group and he gave us the chance to do so.

What started you into game design?

Again, Derek. I started more on the development side and helping him playtest. But the more games I played and the more development I did I discovered how much I enjoyed it. Soon I was bringing my own ideas to the table and Derek took on the role of helping me develop them.

Who are some of your game designer inspirations?

Elizabeth Hargrave for sure. I love that she created a game on such a different theme because it was something she loved. She wanted there to be a game that reflected her passions and interests and instead of waiting for someone else to do it she created it herself. I also really Enjoy Stan Kordonskiy, Lockup and Rurik are two games I love. He took mechanics that are so common and really turned them on their head and created games that are ridiculously unique and enjoyable. 

What is your ideal game night? Games, group size, snacks, etc:

The introvert in me says just me and Derek, but if I could I would get my original game group back together from Fort Irwin. There were 7 of us and we would play 7 Wonders and Codenames and Resistance and it was some of the best times of my life. Snacks would include IBC cream soda, pizza, way too many types of chips, and whatever baked good our baker friend had made that evening.

What have you designed that I could play right now?

The Walking Dead: Something to Fear is currently the only design of mine that has been published. Derek has a game coming out soon-ish that I helped a lot with in the early stages and I have a few of my own designs that have unfortunately taken a back burner due to the deployment and trying to be a single parent. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back to designing soon, but for me right now my family has to take priority.

What was the first game you remember playing as a kid?

Candyland. Though my favorite childhood game was Catchphrase. I’m from a family of six so we would take it everywhere with us and I have fond memories of playing it around the dining room table and on the 4th of July while we waited for fireworks to start. I also always ended up on the boys team since our family was 4/2 girls to boys, but I loved it. 

What inspired you to design The Walking Dead board game the way you did?

We tried to keep the focus of the design on the comics as opposed to the show. It was important that we honored the origin of the IP even if most people would probably recognize it from the show.

What games (if any) influenced this one? 

Campy Creatures definitely had some influence on the design.  We loved the idea of everyone having their own set of the same cards and the battle of playing them optimally. 

If you could design a game with any IP, what would your dream IP be?

This is too hard. Theres so many great IP’s that I love, but a lot of them already have amazing games to go along with them. Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I’d probably lean more towards a book/series as I am also an avid reader and it would be so nice to combine my two loves. 

What games are hitting your table right now?

I’m living with my family right now and they play second chance every night after dinner. We’re also playing a lot of skull king and my brother and I are playing through My City. I am also trying to get Floorplan played as I love a good roll and write and its from the same people who gave me Welcome To!

Any extra information you’d love to share?

I love being a part of this community. I love seeing others share their passion and help lift others up. I love the friends I have made through this and am so sad that all the cons have been canceled and I’m missing out on seeing them for who knows how long.

Thank you Lizzy! Check out their Facebook page, “Board Game Spotlight” here: The Board Game Spotlight to see what all they are up to and to join a great group of people!