Peter Mason is the CEO and Games Designer of MegaMorphic Games Ltd, publisher of Dominotion. Kiran Grewal caught up with him to talk about his unusual career path.
Where did your journey in the games and toy industry begin?
My journey began when I initially had an idea to create a board game a few years ago. At the time, I was working full-time in the City. I began thinking about the idea. I drew it out on paper. I made a mock-up version of my game and tested it with friends. I then took it to a school and tried it out with different year groups. The pupils loved it and did not want to stop playing it and also gave very strong feedback. I took this as a good sign that I had created a very likeable game.
How do you tap into your creativity?
I think I have a bit of a creative streak. When I’m thinking about ideas for games, I usually sit down and spend a bit of time thinking, asking questions and imagining. I think about different scenarios and different elements that could make up the game. I think our minds are one of the biggest assets on the planet. Focusing on creating a very strong product, also helps to bring out creativity for me. Once I have come out with some good ideas, I then quickly assess which of the creative suggestions in games are best to help the game run smoothly and then test my ideas with others.
Was there a moment in your life that put you on course for this life in the games industry?
Well I used to commute and work very long hours. But whilst I was working, I had an idea for an initial game. I started to work on the game and tested it with friends and at a school. I then started getting the game manufactured whilst I was still working. Having manufactured the game, all while still working full-time, I then knew that if I were to spend the majority of my time working on creating games, I would be able to have enough time to make things work. So I took the plunge and gave up my job in order to spend more time working on my game ideas and be more involved in the games industry.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career so far is being accepted into John Lewis to be able to sell my games to John Lewis customers as a Pop-up Shop in some of the stores. This was a great moment as my game was now not only recognised as appealing by customers but also by a top brand. I have since gone into several John Lewis stores and have thoroughly enjoyed selling my games to lots of happy customers.
Being where you are now, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Well, I still feel like I am still on the journey but I know there is massive potential and that things will work out greatly as I continue. I would give my younger self the advice “Go for it. Never stop believing. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
This article appears in the January/February issue of ToyNews, out now. Click here to read the digital version.