Founder Series Volume 10: Evil Genius Games 😈
Innovating the Tabletop RPG Landscape
At the helm of Evil Genius Games is Dave Scott, a visionary entrepreneur who has skillfully blended the nostalgic essence of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) with cutting-edge digital enhancements. The company’s flagship product, Everyday Heroes, and its collaborations with major movie IPs like Rambo and Pacific Rim, are reshaping how players engage with TTRPGs, both virtually and in person.
Unique Product Advantage
Evil Genius Games distinguishes itself through a proprietary gaming system that integrates well-known cinematic universes into the TTRPG format. This unique approach not only attracts fans of the original movies but also introduces a new level of interactive storytelling and gameplay. Coupled with their digital toolset, including the innovative "Dispatch" Gamefinder app, Evil Genius facilitates seamless game discovery and organization, making it easier than ever for players to immerse themselves in diverse gaming experiences.
Why Evil Genius Games is Primed for Success
Founder-Market Fit: Dave Scott’s background as a serial entrepreneur and big tech marketing executive, combined with his lifelong passion for Dungeons & Dragons, perfectly positions him to lead a company that straddles the line between digital and tabletop gaming. His understanding of the market dynamics and player desires helps Evil Genius Games create offerings that are not only commercially viable but deeply resonant with the gaming community.
Innovative Engagement Strategies: Evil Genius Games has pioneered engagement through strategic partnerships with over 100 hobby retail locations, allowing them to introduce their games to a wider audience through organized play sessions. Their Gamefinder app, "Dispatch," leverages technology to enhance player connectivity and retention by making it easy to find and join games, thus fostering a strong and active community.
Cultural Impact: By tapping into popular culture through licensed movie IPs, Evil Genius Games has managed to create a TTRPG experience that appeals to a broad audience, including non-traditional gamers. This approach not only expands their customer base but also enriches the gaming experience with familiar narratives and characters, bringing a fresh twist to the world of TTRPGs.
Reflecting on his journey, Dave reveals that leading a startup in a creative industry has transformed his approach to leadership and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of empowering his team, who bring diverse skills and creative insights to the table, making the shared vision of Evil Genius Games a reality. His experiences underscore the paradox of the founder’s role: far from being the one in control, he positions himself as the 'janitor,' clearing obstacles for his team to excel in their respective areas.
Get to know Evil Genius Games and David Scott
Q: What is Evil Genius Games?
DS: Roblox Meets Dungeons & Dragons
Q: Describe your founder DNA
DS: 4x Serial Entrepreneur, Big Tech Marketing Executive, Long Time D&D Player
Q: What's your favorite business podcast/newsletter/website/show and one non business related?
DS: My favorite business podcast is WSJ's Tech News Briefing. My favorite non-business podcast is Girls Who Don't D&D. Its about a guy who plays D&D with three women who have never tried it before.
Q: What is the best current avenue to acquire customers for you? How are you currently utilizing it?
DS: Â We've partnered with over 100 hobby retail locations to run games for free. We developed a Gamefinder app called "Dispatch" where anyone can find a local game and play. We've learned that when people try our game, they buy it.
Q: What is one ask you’d have for the Bionic Community?
DS: During this incredibly critical phase of my startup, cash is king. I feel like I spend all of my time fundraising. We're always hoping to raise a bit more. So if you are interested, please let me know.
Let’s dive a bit deeper
Q: What drove you to tackle this specific problem? Why are you the one to solve it?
DS: The movie studio we were working with breached out contract and we had no choice but to take them to court. We had incredible conviction that we would overcome and we did.Â
Q: How have you changed as a person since you started your journey as an entrepreneur?
DS: I had a lot to learn as a leader in this new startup. Because I work in a largely creative industry, I've had to work with an array of personalities. I learned that even though the company was started by me, everyone who contributes to the product owns the product itself.
Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception about being a founder?
DS: Many people believe that, as a founder, I am in charge. It's just the opposite. I am the janitor because I hire subject matter experts who are much smarter and better than I am at the job they are hired to do.
Q: What's been your favorite part about the journey thus far?
DS: My favorite part of the journey has been interfacing with my customers and community. We have 35,000 amazing customers on our Discord channel who interact with me on a daily basis.Â
Q: Can you walk through a time you pivoted? Why did you make this pivot and what was the result?
DS: We started creating physical board games, but we always knew that creating a digital product was inevitable. So we've pivoting to being a digital first product and I think this will serve us well in the long run.
Q: If you could change one thing about the startup space, what would it be and why?
DS: I think the startup process creates an adverse relationship between startup founders and potential investors. I wish there was more honesty and transparency in the process. I understand that investors have a mission when they invest and have pressures themselves. Giving us insight into why they passed would help us as startup founders find the right partners in the future.Â
Q: What's the biggest obstacle you faced and how did you get over/through it?
DS: We had a tough moment when we had to sue a movie studio for breach of contract. Luckily we settled the court case almost a year ago and have learned a great deal from that experience. That which does not kill is makes us stronger!
Q: What's one piece of advice you'd give to a future founder? Or a founder that is struggling?
DS: Cash is king. Cut your burn and hang on for dear life.