Our Founder Interviewed on BBC Radio

Our Founder Interviewed on BBC Radio: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Misfits

A chat with our founder Alexander Neumann with Alison Moss, BBC Radio Jersey daily host.

Today, Misfits founder Alexander Neumann was featured on BBC Radio Jersey, discussing the creation of the game that's become a hit for family game nights. In his conversation with Alison Moss, Alexander shared insights into the origins of Misfits, how it’s evolved, and what makes it a unique addition to the world of tabletop games. Here's a recap of their conversation. The six and half minute conversation can be heard below (1:20 is when the conversation fully starts):

From Uni Project to Family Favourite

The story behind Misfits begins in Alexander's university days. As he told Alison, "The genesis of this particular project was, funnily enough, a design project that I did in my university studies." What started as a tactile, hands-on design project soon grew into something much more—an innovative stacking game that combines simplicity and chaos in equal measure.

The Concept: Reverse Jenga with a Twist

When Alison asked about the concept of Misfits, Alexander described it as "a reverse Jenga with maybe a cross of chess or frustration." The premise is simple: stack your blocks into a tower without letting it fall. There’s no need for a rulebook because the game is designed to be intuitive and accessible for everyone, making it perfect for casual play. But despite its simplicity, Misfits can be wildly unpredictable, leading to moments of intense competition and even some playful sabotage. As Alexander quipped, "If you have high blood pressure, this might not be the game for you!"

The Fun Factor: Competitive and Inclusive

What sets Misfits apart from other stacking games is the strategic chaos it encourages. "There’s a competitive nature to it, and the ability to undercut," Alexander explained. The game features over 40 uniquely shaped blocks, including hexagons, mini cubes, and even ghost-shaped pieces with holes. These odd shapes can make stacking the blocks more challenging, and as players begin to feel bold, they might intentionally place a block to disrupt someone else's progress—turning the game into a fun mix of strategy and friendly sabotage. It’s an ideal choice for family gatherings, holiday get-togethers, or casual hangouts with friends.

From Concept to Creation: A Rewarding Journey

Moving from concept to product was no small feat, but Alexander found it incredibly rewarding. “It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” he shared. "Seeing people take ownership of the game and create their own house rules has been a highlight." Misfits has quickly become more than just a game—it’s a tool for creativity and fun, with players modifying the rules to make it their own, much like the family versions of classic games like Uno.

Looking Ahead

As Misfits continues to grow in popularity, Alexander is excited to see how it evolves. "It’s definitely been something that has just been so cool and so interesting," he said. The game’s success proves that great ideas can come from anywhere—even from a university project—and can turn into something that brings people together for years to come.

Thanks to Alison Moss for this fantastic interview with Alexander Neumann about Misfits.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Misfits team. Have you played yet? Share your experiences with us by dropping us an email at hello@misfits.co!