Today we’re pleased to welcome back Bedsit Games who will return to our Brighton Open Market Christmas Fair on Sunday 26th November. Find out more…
Please introduce yourself and your brand….
My name is Paul Stapleton, and I make board games under the guise of Bedsit Games. The first title, BN1, came out in 2012 and since then there’s been the horror sequel ZomBN1, new editions of BN1, and some minigames also set in Brighton.
How would you describe your style and your creations?
In terms of presentation, Bedsit Games uses the same style of artwork that I used when I was a cartoonist. BN1 was actually the name of my final comic strip, so it made sense to present the game in the same way. Also it’s the only way I can draw! It’s a mixture of bold cartoon art and satire, as much in the games as the comics as they lampoon different elements of Brighton. As games, they’re a mixture of exploration, deck building and back stabbing. If you’re a keen gamer, then think of them as a light dungeon crawler but set in the streets of Brighton instead of dank catacombs.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Cracking a game engine is very satisfying, although it can be frustrating en route. I really enjoy taking the game out to people, which is why I try and do as many fairs and community events as possible. More recently I’ve started up a semi-regular board game making workshop for kids and teenagers, which has been really inspiring – kids have a ton of great ideas to share, and it’s nice that board games are coming back onto the radar in that way. In a related sense, the most enjoyable thing about making games is when people say how much fun they’ve had playing with their families, especially when BN1 or ZomBN1 has led to them trying out more games.
What can we expect to find on your stall at The Fairy Tale Fair Christmas Special at Brighton Open Market on Sunday 26th November? And are you looking forward to taking part?
The brand new edition of ZomBN1 is out; it’s currently only a month old, so I’m excited about showing that off. There’s also a new minigame set in the sewers of Brighton, and I’ll have some special extras such as badges and framed prints that you won’t be able to get anywhere else.
And yes, I’m very much looking forward to it – the Fairy Tale Fair events are a highlight in my Winter calender!
Do you have a best seller?
Well BN1 is the best seller in terms of numbers, but it’s been out the longest and It tends to peak around Christmas, whereas ZomBN1 is more of a steady round-the-year seller.
Do you have any plans or ambitions for the future?
My immediate ambition is to reduce the ratio of space to cardboard boxes in my house! There’s so many of them. Once that’s done I can turn my attentions to more game making. It’s easier to think ahead when you can see at least 50% of your walls.
Do you have a motto or inspirational quote?
Pretty much anything from Calvin and Hobbes, although my favourite line is “Go do something you hate. Being miserable builds character”. I try and live my life by that one.
Describe your Christmas in 3 words…
Relentless sales drive
How can we find out more about you?
http://www.bedsitgames.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/BedsitGames/
http://www.twitter.com/BedsitGames
http://www.instagram.com/bedsitgames/