For 12 years, I built exhibition stands around the world. One day, I asked myself: What actually draws people to the stands? At events, people need a topic of conversation — an activity before the official program starts — to get on the same wavelength. That’s how I found my new passion.
I have two degrees — in economics and engineering — so I understand how things are designed. My mother also played a big role; we used to make toys together, and she passed on a love for creating things. Add to that years of hands-on work and observation. I also took carpentry courses to develop the necessary skills.
So, what became my hobby? Not furniture — games! Specifically, wooden games. I decided to right a historical wrong and remind people of lesser-known games that are just as interesting as chess or backgammon, even if they never got the same spotlight.
I made the first three games literally from improvised materials: a few tools from a hardware store, a meat hammer, and a rolling pin. But tinkering on the balcony wasn’t sustainable — I had to move into a proper workshop. At first, it was just occupational therapy. But when I showed the early prototypes to friends and colleagues, the feedback was instantly positive.
To set myself apart from other game types, I introduced a new term in 2018 — and my colleagues quickly picked it up. I needed the right association. Crafting games (from the English word craft) are handmade games, created by individual artisans, full of warmth and magic. Each one is unique — no two pieces of wood are ever the same.
For inspiration, I collect books, study rare editions in libraries, and browse collectors’ archives. And of course, Pinterest never fails to spark ideas. I adapt what I find and refine the game mechanics myself. I even have a personal checklist to help decide whether a game is likely to be a hit.
A small game can take just two days, but working with wood is unpredictable — a small flaw near the end can send you back to square one. My least favorite part? Sanding — it’s still dusty work. My favorite? Recording a video review of the finished game before sending it off to a customer.
Not long ago, something clicked: it’s impossible to do two things well at the same time — and I don’t want to do things halfway. That’s why Gameingame became my full-time job. Crafting games is just one part of my business, alongside production, rental, and sales.
In eight years, I’ve never run a single ad — yet demand continues to grow exponentially. I work solo for now but am looking for like-minded people to help with production (based on my designs) or to join me at events.
It’s fascinating to watch people engage with what looks like a simple wooden object. These unusual items often become networking zones — where strangers start talking, laughing, and competing. In a game, everyone speaks the same language. Everyone is on equal footing. Anyone can win, regardless of age or experience.
I actively encourage others to join in. I tell friends and acquaintances to take carpentry courses too. I want more people to catch the bug so we can grow this movement together. If someone uses my work as inspiration, great! We’re all in the same digital space — they’ll Google, and they’ll find me. Besides, demand is far greater than what I can handle alone. That’s why I always say: you can treat me like a bank — reach out and borrow games for your event.
Currently, Gameingame has representatives in Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and Vladimir. But our games have already traveled to over 20 cities. My goal is to open full-fledged offices in even more places — and keep creating new games. One day, I’d love to compile a collection of old games to help preserve cultural heritage. These things shouldn’t be forgotten — they should be passed down from generation to generation.
The symbol of my brand is a suitcase with tools. I once dreamed of going to the Kazantip festival, where a yellow suitcase was a signature item. I never made it there — but I did make the suitcase, and it became my logo. Now, it travels with me to every event. So if you ever see my games somewhere, you’ll know: Nikita made that!
If someone asks me where I’ll be at 5 p.m. on a Thursday in 20 years, I’ll say:
“I’ll be in the workshop, making some new contraption.”
Spend more time talking — not through a screen, but right here, right now. It’s so important to slow down and live in the moment. In the end, it’s not really about the games — it’s about teamwork, conversations, and the people around us.
Best regards,
Nikita Dluzhnevsky
