Created by Steve Robinson, Jobstacles promises a 'hilarious take on the job interview scenario'. Having launched to Kickstarter last week, the title is already on track to securing its $7.5k goal. Robinson takes us through how he made it...
Real life experience inspired the creation of Jobstacles.
I was in the middle of a very tough interview last spring, where the interviewer was questioning my fit for the opened position. I remember thinking at the time ‘this feels very much like a game.’
Here I was, suddenly in a scenario where I had to convince this person that despite what they thought from looking at my resume, I was still the best candidate for the job.
When I got home that day, I began scribbling down on a piece of paper all these funny characteristics that may make a person a bad candidate for one job, but a solid candidate for another. Those eventually became the inspiration for Jobstacle cards.
I have now taken the game to Kickstarter, my first Kickstarter project. I thought I would learn and grow as a person taking the Kickstarter route. I really want the crowd to help me create the best possible game, which is why I have included pledge levels that include the opportunity to add your own Jobs and Jobstacle cards.
The game has already been through the mill. In fact, I have been play testing Jobstacles since last May, and people really love it. They are surprised that it is so easy to learn, but there’s still strategy involved and every player feels involved at all points of the game.
I have since had some really encouraging feedback from independent game reviewers and I strongly believe that this could be the next big party game.
But getting to this stage hasn’t been without its hurdles. First, I needed help capturing the right tone and manner of the game. Fortunately I had hired a friend and a professional graphic designer with years of experience in the gaming world who took my concept and brought it to life graphically.
Secondly, I needed help play testing and I am grateful to friends and family members who have given their candid feedback. The game is much better as a result.
Then, after months of playtesting, I felt that the game was ready for the general public.
For people who have graduations coming up and have friends and loved ones about to enter the job market, I thought they could order this as a giftand have it delivered in Autumn. Players could see for themselves how fun the game is and be able to order even more copies in time for the holidays.
This is fortuitous timing for me to bringing my game to life and I am thrilled that there has been a renaissance in games among adults. When I was in business school, I would host game nights regularly and it was a low cost way to get my friends to laugh and just have a good time together.
Jobstacles really is designed for that game night host who really enjoys party games, but wants something new with a little bit of an unexpected twist. I look forward to bringing it to life.
