For many family’s, family game day presents an opportunity for families to bond over the tabletop. For Gamewright, these opportunities were the driving force for creating an award-winning library of games. The company, which was founded in 1994 by four parents whose kids wanted great games, aims to “create the highest quality family games with outstanding play-value.” The company’s roster of over 50 games include Dragonwood, Forbidden Island, Sushi Go, and Sleeping Queens, which was designed by WashingCon 2017 guest designer Miranda Evarts at the age of six. In addition to bringing enjoyable tabletop experiences to families and gamers, the company has received over 150 awards for its games.

As a part of our game publisher interview series, WashingCon had an opportunity to sit down with Nora Meiners to talk about the company’s design philosophy, new releases, and the company’s roster of designers.

WC: For people new to the hobby, can you tell us about the history of Gamewright? What drives the company and its designers to make tabletop games?

NM: Gamewright has been in business for over 20 years with the goal of making incredibly entertaining and imaginative games for families. We are driven by getting great games into more homes.

WC: What products will Gamewright be releasing this year? What releases are you excited about?

NM: We are releasing 10 new titles this year; each one is exciting in its own right. We have three amazing redesigns, PDQ, Tiki Topple, and Loot so there are fans that will be excited to see them resurface and a whole new group of gamers for them to win over. Go Nuts For Donuts should be a sure-fire hit for the whole family, who can say no to donuts? Cardventures, our interactive story series, has two new installments which explore time travel and wizardry respectively.

WC: What does Gamewright take into consideration when designing its games? What tips would you have for other game designers who are working on their own game designs?

NM: The only advice we have is to be you in your designs. What is missing in the board game world? Fill that void and have fun.

WC: We're excited to have Miranda Evarts join us this year at WashingCon 2017. Can you tell us a little bit about her and your other designers?

NM: Miranda was a child inventor so, it has been exciting to work with her as she grew into the college student she is now. Sleeping Queens has been around for over a decade and it is thrilling that it came from the imagination of a kid. We have such a varied roster of designers but Matt Leacock has been especially prolific to work with and that is exciting.

WC: Gamewright has won over 150 industry awards for its products. Which of these awards are you most proud of?

NM: It is always and honor to win the Mensa award.

WC: In case you're coming to WashingCon 2017, what are you looking forward to the most for this year's con?

NM: Just to see the DC community come together and enjoy a good game.

WashingCon would like to thank Nora and Gamewright for supporting our convention and work.