HERE COMES TROUBLE
Launched in 2025 and based in Chicago, Maximum Mischief was squeezed into existence through the brain-hips of founder Jon Podulka to publish tabletop games that turn friends into enemies better friends.
At least that’s the goal. We’re currently “working diligently” on our first design inspired by the fun of watching a campy slasher movie with your buddies. We plan to crowdfund the game as soon as it doesn’t suck (which should be soon? Fingers crossed).
And . . . there’s not really a lot more to say about it all at this point. But we’re a midwestern company, so you can hang out here as long as you want. Make yourself comfortable.
VALUES
MAXIMUM
In gameplay, art, writing, and customer support, we crank the dial to eleven.
MISCHIEF
We bring a ton of joy and a touch to chaos to our studio and your game table.
PEOPLE
Jon Podulka started his career as a copywriter, making ads for national brands like Domino’s, Corona, Tropicana, and Porsche while honing a concept-driven creative approach that puts “the big idea” front and center.
After a decade in the ad business and eager to try something new, Jon brought his expertise to Wizards of the Coast, spending two and a half years with Magic: The Gathering as the lead copywriter and narrative game designer for Secret Lair. He developed product pitches, game components, and marketing copy for 100+ published products, earning over $100M in 2024 alone.
In 2025, Jon launched Maximum Mischief, an independent game studio built to channel his passion for games into products that combine incredible art, immersive narrative, and killer gameplay.
When he’s not writing or playing games, Jon performs with the improv comedy troupe Whimsy Lohan, shreds electric guitar in the darkwave band Kill Scenes, and kicks it with his pets and wife Alyssa Allgood—the world’s greatest jazz vocalist. Look her up.