In this episode, Phylise Banner talks to Ben Harkins, owner of Floodgate Games, to explore the intersection of tabletop games and collaborative learning. As a game designer, Harkins shares his journey from creating educational games for school projects to launching successful titles on Kickstarter. The conversation delves deep into how game design principles mirror learning design, examining concepts like strategic depth, victory conditions, and user interface considerations.
Together, they explore the unique advantages of physical tabletop games over digital experiences, the importance of clear rule structures, and the role of play in creating engaging learning environments. The discussion offers valuable insights for learning designers, educators, and anyone interested in using games as educational tools, highlighting how the “magic circle” of gameplay can create powerful learning experiences through collaborative problem-solving and strategic thinking.
ABOUT BEN HARKINS
Ben Harkins is the founder and owner of Floodgate Games, a tabletop game publisher known for creating immersive gaming experiences. With a background in software engineering and team leadership at Aon/Modern Survey, Harkins combines his technical expertise with creative game design to develop innovative tabletop games. His company’s most successful titles include Sagrada, a dice-drafting game about crafting stained-glass windows, and Fog of Love, which reimagines romantic comedies as a board game experience.
At Floodgate Games, Harkins oversees all aspects of game development, from initial design and art direction to manufacturing and distribution. His approach emphasizes creating games that foster meaningful social interactions and deliver lasting experiences for players.
Prior to founding Floodgate Games, Harkins led engineering teams at Aon/Modern Survey, where he developed HR analytics and administration solutions, focusing on data modeling, software architecture, and data visualization. This technical foundation informs his current work in game design, where he applies principles of user experience and system design to create engaging tabletop experiences.
The Innovations in Training podcast is presented by Training magazine.
