Board-game lover from Dunmow raises thousands of pounds for Fishy Tactics

Fishy Tactics packaging and board (Image: Archant)

Last week when he launched the campaign, Toby Fairclough, 27, set his goal at £1,500 but within nine hours he had already exceeded this.

In Toby’s game, Fishy Tactics, players have to take it in turns to cast the line and try to catch the best fish in the lake, while avoiding crocodiles.

Mr Fairclough originally played video games, but moved onto boards when he was at university as a way to spend time and bond with friends.

He said: “We would play board games and from there I would change it to see if it could be more exciting.”

Before long, he and his brother had made four complicated games for adults.

However, because each piece is bespoke, the manufacturers have to produce the games in bulk and that would cost a minimum of £10,000, which was too expensive.

So he whittled down this game to make it small, compact, easily understandable and family friendly.

He researched the cheapest and best places to source his materials, getting the fish models made in Germany, the cloth board in China and the instructions from the UK. The fund raising page will accept donations until the first week in September.

He said: “After months of play-testing, designing and sourcing materials, it’s really encouraging to see so many people supporting the project. While a few friends and family have backed it, what’s most exciting is the number of people from all across the world.”

People who support the game on Kickstarter with £1, £10, £12 or £25 pledges can expect it to come out in time for Christmas, if the campaign carries on its success.

Mr Fairclough says the most popular donation, £12, includes the donor receiving the game without any packaging.

He was born in Cambridge, but has lived in Great Dunmow with his wife for a year.

To pledge money to the project, visit kickstarter.com/projects/1411036618/fishy-tactics.