Ignite Startups: How Evil Genius Games is Revolutionizing Tabletop RPGs with Dave Scott
Episode 93 of the Ignite Podcast
In a world where the gaming industry is dominated by video games and digital experiences, Dave Scott, CEO of Evil Genius Games, is making waves by breathing new life into the traditional realm of tabletop gaming. With a career that spans over two decades in marketing, including roles at some of the most prominent tech giants, Dave's journey into the world of tabletop games is as fascinating as it is inspiring. For those who may not listen to the podcast episode featuring Dave, this blog post offers a deep dive into his story, insights, and the innovative company he now leads.
The Road from Corporate to Startup Life
Dave T. Scott’s career began in the corporate world, where he held significant marketing positions at companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Oracle, and Twitter. Despite the prestige and success that came with these roles, Dave felt a growing desire to explore entrepreneurship. His experience in large-scale corporate marketing gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that startups face, particularly in the tech and gaming industries.
During his time at these major corporations, Dave honed his skills in data-driven marketing, a field that was rapidly evolving with the advent of technologies like Google AdWords and DoubleClick. However, as he climbed the corporate ladder, Dave realized that the larger the company, the smaller the slice of influence he had over creative decisions. This realization fueled his decision to transition from the corporate world to founding his own companies, where he could have a more direct impact on the direction and success of his ventures.
The Birth of Evil Genius Games
Evil Genius Games is the culmination of Dave’s entrepreneurial journey and his lifelong passion for tabletop gaming. The company specializes in creating role-playing games (RPGs) based on popular movie franchises, offering a blend of traditional tabletop experiences with modern digital innovations. Titles like “Pacific Rim,” “Rambo,” and “Kong vs. Skull Island” are just a few examples of the cinematic worlds that players can immerse themselves in, thanks to Evil Genius Games.
What sets Evil Genius Games apart from other RPGs is its focus on licensed content and the ability to play both online and in person. The company’s games are designed to foster personal connections, a trend that has gained traction as people seek alternatives to screen time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the tabletop gaming industry saw a resurgence as people looked for new ways to socialize, and Evil Genius Games was well-positioned to capitalize on this growing market.
Dave’s vision for the company extends beyond just creating games. He aims to build a gaming infrastructure similar to platforms like Roblox, where users and third-party creators can develop and share their own adventures. This approach not only broadens the scope of what Evil Genius Games can offer but also creates a community-driven ecosystem where creativity and innovation thrive.
From Hobby to Industry Disruption
Dave’s foray into tabletop gaming wasn’t just a business decision—it was the realization of a personal passion. Growing up, Dave was an avid player of games like “Dungeons & Dragons” and “Risk,” experiences that shaped his understanding of storytelling, strategy, and community. This passion for games eventually led him to cross paths with Jeff Grubb, a legendary figure in the RPG world and one of the original creators of “Dungeons & Dragons.”
Their meeting was serendipitous, taking place at Amazon where Jeff was working at the time. What started as a fanboy moment for Dave turned into a partnership that would lay the foundation for Evil Genius Games. Together, they reimagined and relaunched classic RPG systems, blending old-school gaming mechanics with modern themes and technologies. The company’s first major success was a Kickstarter campaign that raised $650,000 before the product even hit the market, demonstrating the strong demand for innovative tabletop games.
The Future of Gaming: SaaS and Beyond
As Evil Genius Games continues to grow, Dave has his sights set on transforming the company from a game developer to a platform provider. He envisions a future where the company’s core mechanics and tools become the foundation for a wide range of games, created not just by his team but by independent developers and fans as well. This shift toward a Software as a Service (SaaS) model will allow Evil Genius Games to offer a subscription-based service, providing continuous content updates and new features for a monthly fee.
This model not only ensures a steady revenue stream but also aligns with Dave’s background in B2B SaaS marketing. By applying these principles to the gaming industry, he is creating a scalable and sustainable business that can adapt to the changing landscape of entertainment and technology.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship
Dave T. Scott’s journey from corporate executive to startup founder is a testament to the power of following one’s passion. His story illustrates the importance of embracing change, taking risks, and continuously learning and adapting in the face of new challenges. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Dave’s experience offers valuable lessons in how to successfully navigate the transition from a secure corporate career to the unpredictable world of startups.
One of the key takeaways from Dave’s story is the importance of aligning your work with what genuinely excites you. For Dave, this meant leaving behind the safety of corporate roles to pursue his love for gaming. This passion not only drives his creativity but also resonates with the community of players who share his enthusiasm for tabletop RPGs.
In the broader context, Dave’s success with Evil Genius Games underscores the potential for innovation in traditional industries. By combining the timeless appeal of tabletop gaming with modern technologies and business models, he is paving the way for a new era of gaming that is as engaging as it is diverse.
For those who may not have the time to listen to the full podcast episode, Dave T. Scott’s journey is a powerful reminder that true success comes from doing what you love and being willing to take bold steps toward turning that passion into a thriving business.
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Chapters:
· Introduction and Career Overview (00:01 - 04:30)
· Dave's Early Career and Marketing Journey (04:31 - 10:30)
· The Decision to Move into Startups (10:31 - 16:00)
· The Birth of Evil Genius Games (16:01 - 23:00)
· Building a Gaming Infrastructure (23:01 - 28:30)
· Passion, Innovation, and the Future of Gaming (28:31 - 34:00)
· Rapid Fire Questions and Career Reflections (34:01 - 38:30)
Marketing Insights and Final Thoughts (38:31 - 42:10)