From Goldsmiths to Playiro: Adam Davis Fernsby’s career in journalism and game design

It has often been said that variations in the thread strengthen the weave. Although Adam Davis Fernsby has been painted with many brushes, this is perhaps the best way to describe how his professional career continues to evolve.

Not only is Mr. Fernsby on the cusp of cutting-edge cultural journalism, but an innate interest in board games enabled him to obtain an MA in Game Design from the University of London. This very same eclectic nature led to a multifaceted career, and we have a strong suspicion that this is only the beginning. What does he have to say about these professional choices, and how have they influenced his perspective on contemporary gaming culture?

Why Journalism?

We began by asking a question that Mr. Fernsby has addressed on numerous questions. What initially drew him to journalism?

“I really can’t nail down a single factor. I was always interested in how humans engaged with one another, and how these seemingly simple interactions could have an impact on society as a whole. As I also consider myself to be a people person, journalism seemed like the logical choice. The fact that I was lucky enough to be admitted to Goldsmiths, University of London was simply icing on the cake.”

A Gamer at Heart

Had the story ended here, this would have already made for a lucrative long-term career. So, how have board games shaped his journey? Even more importantly, how does this interest affect his role as a journalist?

He first states that these two fields are not as disparate as they initially appear. Both involve human interactions, and in-play decisions will directly influence the outcome. These scenarios are mirrored throughout society, and it did not take him long to appreciate how both interests could be used in synergy to create an entirely unique perspective.

“I was heavily involved with research while attending university. I have to admit that I’m a bit of a geek, so this actually fits perfectly well with my personality. I also realised that the same principles applied to journalistic research were relevant when discussing the latest board gaming trends. So, why not leverage the best of both worlds?”

However, he also began to realise that reconciling these interests could be challenging. Similar to game theory, Mr. Fernsby knew that thinking outside the box was the only way forward.

Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit

“As a cultural journalist, I already enjoyed a fair amount of latitude when it came to the subjects that I chose to cover. The only issue was that I still found it tough to maintain a focus on games. Then, I had an epiphany. Why not use my skills as a journalist to create a website solely devoted to the gaming community?”

This is how the concept of Playiro was first born. Mr. Fernsby envisioned an online portal that catered to individuals who wanted to learn about the rules of specific games. From Monopoly and Risk to backgammon, chess, and even casual party games such as beer pong, no stone would be left unturned.

It did not take him long to develop a loyal audience base; due in no small part to his solid presence across well-known social media platforms such as TikTok. If he could maintain a base of followers here, it was just as possible to cater to these very same needs with the help of a standalone website. Playiro was the final result of his efforts.

Journalist, Game Developer, or Something More?

“I never like to be pigeonholed into a single role,” He observes with a pensive air. “I don’t feel that anyone should be forced to define themselves by a static profession. Cultural journalism and gaming are two peas within the same pod, and I give each one an equal amount of importance.”

There is still something more to Mr. Fernsby. While it can be easy to claim that he uses his roots in journalism to augment his role as a board game ambassador to the public, this does not encapsulate all that he has become.

“We need to remember the cultural roots of board games. These are essentially storytelling platforms; a way for players to create unique narratives, and to share these adventures with others. The most captivating titles can likewise provide memories that last for years. I feel that stressing the very human side of gaming can be accomplished with the help of my training as a journalist. I’m obligated to share this perspective with my audience”

Might Adam Fernsby represent the modern iteration of the renaissance man? Although he humbly shrugs off this description, it is clear that he is far from your average journalist.