Apples to Apples Publisher Brings LDS Values to Board Games

Would it surprise you to know that the company that brought the world the very popular Apples to Apples game, is headed by an LDS convert dedicated to bringing “wholesome recreational activities” to the world? Deseret News reported yesterday that Al Waller didn’t see himself making board games his career as he was growing up but knew how much he loved playing them as a child. A spiritual crisis brought him back to board games and back to his knees in prayer for the first time in years.

Waller’s interactions with an LDS businesswoman who did not do business on Sundays brought him into contact with the missionaries. He was baptized and soon after served a mission that he says gave him the courage to decide to stop pursuing a career in engineering and focus on entrepreneurship by researching startups and starting his own business.

When the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”, emphasizing the importance of families spending time together using “wholesome recreational activities.” Waller took that to heart and decided to dedicate himself and his business ventures to finding more clean, fun, family orientated games to bring to the public.[quote_right]Waller said because of his career, he gets the opportunity to share his testimony “in a fun way.” He said the overall barometer for his games is whether he would feel comfortable with the prophet playing them.[/quote_right] He has set a wonderful example to not only his children, including his daughter who said “her father’s commitment to his personal beliefs has made him stand out in his career,” but to his business partners and associates who are not LDS. “Waller said because of his career, he gets the opportunity to share his testimony “in a fun way.” He said the overall barometer for his games is whether he would feel comfortable with the prophet playing them.” Although it has been difficult to turn down not-so-family-friendly games that have become hugely successful, their commitment to these ideals have brought them great satisfaction and hope for the future of gaming. 

Waller’s dedication to his gospel beliefs and to making people laugh have combined with his ingenuity and passion to create some amazing games that can help bring families closer together. His story will no doubt inspire a whole new generation of LDS entrepreneurs never to settle for less then their gospel standards within their business ventures.