Adam Davis Fernsby

Board game designer

Adam Davis Fernsby is a British journalist and board game expert. With a background in cultural journalism and game design, he has built his career at the intersection of media & entertainment

10+
Years Experience
52+
Projects Published
3
Awards Won
Adam Davis Fernsby

Areas of Expertise

Specialized coverage across emerging technologies and digital innovation

Cultural Game Journalism

Explores tabletop games as cultural and social artifacts, analyzing how play reflects human identity, cooperation, and storytelling. Focused on connecting journalism with the anthropology of modern gaming culture.

Game Design & Mechanics Analysis

Studies and deconstructs game systems and mechanics—from Eurogames to narrative-driven hybrids—examining balance, player agency, and innovative rule structures in contemporary board game design.

Board Game Industry & Market Trends

Researches and documents the evolution of the global board game industry, covering publishing models, crowdfunding ecosystems, market data, and emerging patterns in player engagement.

Interactive Storytelling & Narrative Systems

Specializes in the design and critique of narrative frameworks that drive immersion and emotional investment in games, including cooperative campaigns, branching stories, and hybrid analog-digital experiences.

Media & Entertainment Writing

Produces high-quality journalistic and editorial content on entertainment, design, and technology. Bridges analytical writing with accessible storytelling to engage both academic and general audiences.

Cultural Journalism and Creative Non-Fiction

Produces interpretive and investigative writing that bridges entertainment, design, and technology — blending rigorous analysis with narrative depth.

Professional Journey

Experience across leading organizations

Senior Cultural Journalist

2020 – Present

Dicebreaker

Writes analytical features and interviews about board game culture, design trends, and industry evolution. Leads editorial projects connecting journalism and game design.

Game Design Researcher & Consultant

2016 – 2020

Playiro Studios

Developed research-based content on board game mechanics and user experience. Consulted on narrative systems and creative direction for tabletop projects.

Recent Publications

Latest insights and featured work

Publication 1
October 15, 2025

BOARD GAMES AREN’T NOSTALGIA, THEY ARE THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT: ADAM DAVIS FERNSBY

A deep exploration of how board games evolved from ancient traditions to digital hybrids, reflecting creativity, culture, and connection.

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Publication 2
October 20, 2021

Adam Davis Fernsby, l'uomo britannico che documenta la rivoluzione dei giochi da tavolo

L'intervista esclusiva ad Adam Davis Fernsby, il giornalista londinese che ha trasformato la passione per i giochi da tavolo in una missione cultural

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Publication 3
March 12, 2023

Journalismus und das Spielbrett – Adam Davis Fernsbys berufliches Doppelleben

Ein gewöhnlicher Journalist? Nein, das ist Adam Davis Fernsby keineswegs, denn typische Themen wie Politik, Wirtschaft oder aktuelle Skandale interess

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What People Say

Testimonials from colleagues and clients

Esther MacCallum-Stewart
Esther MacCallum-Stewart
Professor of Game Studies, Goldsmiths, University of London
"Adam combines academic rigor with creative insight. His research and journalism illuminate how games shape modern culture and collective imagination. "
Clara Jennings
Clara Jennings
Editor-in-Chief, Dicebreaker
"Working with Adam has been a pleasure — his articles bring depth, clarity, and passion to game journalism. He bridges the gap between play and cultural critique. "
Martin Schulz
Martin Schulz
Creative Director, Playiro Studios
"Adam’s analytical approach to design and storytelling consistently elevates our projects. His understanding of player psychology is second to none. "

Let's Work Together

Ready to collaborate? Get in touch to discuss your project.

Get In Touch
Location
London
Languages
English, German
Response Time
Within 24 hours