For Justin Graysmark, the spark of game development was ignited in the bright, ticket-strewn arcades of his youth. Today, as the founder of ePlay, that same passion powers a portfolio of engaging, skill-based mobile games on the Skillz platform. Since launching ePlay, Justin has released fan favorites like Real Money Word Search and Skillz Trivia Showdown. Each game blends nostalgia and creativity with a sharp focus on competitive gameplay that keeps players coming back.

In this edition of Behind the Build, we caught up with Justin to talk about his journey of mobile gaming success, the inspiration behind his hit titles, and where he hopes to take players next.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the games you have developed with Skillz technology?

My name is Justin Graysmark, and I was born in Cape Town, South Africa. I founded ePlay Studios in 2017 and have since created around 25 games for the Skillz platform. Some of the most popular titles include Real Money Word Search, Real Money Bubble Shooter, and Arcade Ball Hop Bowling, a Skee-Ball-style game.

What is your personal favorite game that you have built, and why?

My personal favorite was creating the Skee-Ball-inspired Arcade Ball Hop Bowling game, because as a kid, I spent all my time at the arcade playing Skee-Ball, winning tickets, and trading them in for prizes.

Can you share what is next for you? Are there any new game projects currently in development?

At the moment, I don’t have any new games in development, but I’ve been thinking a lot about creating a real-time experience. One idea I’m excited about is building a racing game. All racing games are naturally skill-based, and I think there’s a lot of potential to create something fast, competitive, and really fun for players. It’s something I’d love to explore next.

Any fun or surprising facts about your work or gaming interests?

I’ve probably owned just about every console ever made, from the Amiga to more recent systems. As a kid, my favorites were always the handheld ones, especially the Game Boy Advance. Maybe that’s why I have such a passion for creating games on mobile. There’s something special about having great gameplay right in the palm of your hand. 

What other Skillz games do you play?

I love all the bubble shooters on Skillz, especially games like Bubble Cube and Bubble Arena. There’s something really satisfying about popping all the bubbles and strategically clearing the board. It’s simple, competitive, and always fun.

Pushing Play: What’s Next for ePlay

From handheld consoles to cutting-edge mobile games, Justin’s lifelong love of gaming continues to shape ePlay’s creative direction. With a deep appreciation for simple, satisfying mechanics, the future looks bright for this seasoned creator. Whether it’s popping bubbles or rolling for a high score, ePlay remains dedicated to delivering engaging, skill-based experiences that keep players coming back.