A New Way To Fantasy: Funatic Games Brings a Bold New Look to NHL Weekly Pick’em
An interview with Funatic Games founder and industry veteran Paul Goad
After two decades on the backburner, one of the most visually ambitious fantasy hockey concepts is finally coming to life, and it’s arriving with flair.
The NHL Weekly Pick’em App, developed by indie startup Funatic Games, is a striking new take on the hockey pool experience. Blending sharp UI, playful visuals, and a heavy dose of gamification, the app transforms what is usually a stat-driven chore into a game players will want to return to day after day.
“I’ve had this design in my head for over 20 years,” says Paul Goad, founder of Funatic Games and a 27-year veteran of the game industry. “The goal has always been to create an engaging graphical experience, with gamification elements to keep users coming back.”
A Fresh Ice Surface for Fantasy Hockey
Unlike traditional fantasy apps like Yahoo or ESPN, where screens are often dense and utilitarian, the NHL Weekly Pick’em app turns fantasy into a spectacle. Players are selecting NHL Jerseys or Icons on an ice surface, each representing a position. Animated rinks, unlockable jersey skins, and themed visual packs keep the aesthetic experience fresh all season long.
“We’ve got a base rink, but it gets seasonal skins throughout the year,” Goad explains. “And players can unlock or purchase different jersey styles and avatars. It's about making your experience feel personal and fun.”
The Strategy Is Weekly. The Engagement Is Daily
Here’s how it works: each week, users select a team of six NHL players, one goalie, two defensemen, and three forwards across different positions. Points accumulate based on in-game performance. But rather than fading into the background between pick deadlines, the app keeps things interesting through daily updates, achievements, and leaderboard battles.
“You make your picks once a week, but there’s always a reason to check in,” Goad says. “There’s graphical trash talking, unlockables, leaderboards, it’s a competitive and social experience.”
Gamers can play in public pools or create private groups for friends, coworkers, or custom leagues, with adjustable scoring rules and difficulty settings. Whether you're a hardcore stats hound or a weekend hockey fan, there’s a mode for you.
Built for Everyone, from Diehards to Drop-Ins
Goad says inclusivity was key to the app’s design. “There are modes that challenge hardcore NHL fans, but we’ve also built simplified settings for casual users. The goal is to make it approachable and visually fun, without watering down the strategy.”
Funatic Games also leans into personalization. While the core app will be free, monetization comes in the form of optional visual upgrades, jersey packs, rink designs, and avatar accessories, rather than pay-to-win mechanics.
Powered by AI, Driven by Passion
As a solo developer, Goad is building Funatic Games with AI as the backbone, using modern tools to streamline everything from interface design to app implementation. That lean approach is what finally made this 20-year-old idea possible.
“I’ve worked in this industry for nearly three decades,” Goad says. “Now, I’m building a studio from the ground up that uses AI to bring creative ideas to life faster and more affordably than ever before.”
With a soft launch planned for the coming NHL season, hockey fans may soon find themselves lacing up for a fantasy experience unlike any other.
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