John Penick

John Penick is a lifelong game enthusiast who once obsessed over CCGs so intensely that his loved ones may have questioned his life trajectory. To their probable relief, that dedication turned into a career crafting games and spreading joy to players around the world. Known for spending more time analyzing card combinations and decklists than mingling at parties (or anywhere else for that matter), Penick hopes his sacrifice on the altar of strategy has paid off for players who crave thoughtful, engaging experiences. His passion for deckbuilding, gameplay, and strategy aligns with his interest in human behavior and learning. A blend of analytical and creative thinking led him into game design in 2018. Since then, his work on iconic titles like Magic: The Gathering has sharpened his ability to deliver satisfying gameplay. When not communing with design spirits in hopes of receiving their divine wisdom, you might find Penick playing the occasional game, tinkering in a spreadsheet, reading, cooking, or lifting weights to make room for nightly brownie-and-ice-cream indulgences. He probably hopes that you do not actually find him though. He’s a bit of a homebody, and it would be weird for you to show up at his home uninvited.