NATE DENHAM: GAME DESIGNER

BLOCKOFF is the creation of Nate, a 12-year-old game enthusiast with a remarkable knack for turning ideas into engaging experiences. With a passion for both board and video games, Nate loves to deconstruct their mechanics, always searching for that spark of fun. Nate is autistic, and his focused passion and creative spirit shine through in every aspect of BLOCKOFF. This game is a testament to the diverse ways minds can create and innovate, and we hope it brings as much joy to you as it has brought to him in its creation.

One of our goals with sharing BLOCKOFF is not only to showcase Nate’s awesome game, but also to contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of neurodivergent creativity and innovation. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives to enrich our world.

At just 11 years old, Nate spontaneously invented BLOCKOFF during some downtime at school. He grabbed a pen and paper, explaining the rules to an Educational Assistant on the spot. Recognizing its potential after playing it at home, we encouraged Nate to model and 3D-print a portable version. After a few revisions to the model – but never to the core rules – BLOCKOFF was ready. Now, we’re excited to bring this game to your table, lap, or lawn.