The year was 1978. As a nine-year-old kid, I unwrapped a Christmas gift that would shape the rest of my life: the red-boxed starter set for Dungeons & Dragons, accompanied by the boxed set of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. From that moment, I never looked back. This was the beginning of a lifelong passion for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs).
We had to navigate the stigma of being labeled as "nerds" or, during the Satanic Panic scare of the 80s, even "satanists."
Back in the day, being a TTRPG enthusiast wasn't as socially accepted as it is now. We had to navigate the stigma of being labeled as "nerds" or, during the Satanic Panic scare of the 80s, even "satanists." Finding people who shared our passion was an uphill battle. There were no online resources or communities to turn to, and approaching someone to ask if they were interested in gaming was daunting. Groups were hard to come by, and the lack of connectivity made it difficult to maintain them, especially if someone moved away. This struggle to find and keep a gaming group was a significant pain point that many of us faced.
Fast forward to recent years, and the landscape of TTRPGs has changed drastically with the advent of the internet. However, despite the proliferation of online resources, the core issue of finding local players and groups persisted. This was the driving force behind the creation of The Adventure Nexus. Our vision was to solve the problem of group/player finding by providing a network of registered local players, rather than just promoting online games like most of our competitors.
The Adventure Nexus is unique in its focus on local play. By targeting the 90% of the market that consists of Free-to-Play gamers, we offer a platform that connects players with local games while still providing tools and a safe transaction platform for professionally presented Pro GM games. This approach allows players to maintain the communal and social aspects of TTRPGs, which are often lost in online-only interactions.
One of the most heartbreaking experiences for any TTRPG enthusiast is moving to a new place and losing their gaming group.
One of the most heartbreaking experiences for any TTRPG enthusiast is moving to a new place and losing their gaming group. Before online play, this meant starting over in an unfamiliar location with no friends or family familiar with the game. The Adventure Nexus addresses this problem by allowing users to search for local or online players looking to play the same games. Whether you're traveling to a new city or relocating permanently, you can open the app and find a game at a nearby GM's home or a celebrated local game shop. This feature extends beyond just TTRPGs to include board games and trading card games like Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, or Yu-Gi-Oh.
In our efforts to eliminate barriers for new players, we recognized the need to make newcomers feel secure and comfortable as they explore the hobby. This led us to partner with DAON, the number one provider of identity proofing. The Adventure Nexus offers voluntary identity verification, providing an extra layer of security for those who want to ensure a safe and comfortable gaming experience in third-party locations. This feature is a first of its kind in the TTRPG community, demonstrating our commitment to safety and inclusivity.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of The Adventure Nexus. As a co-founder and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I understand the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players. We work hard to promote inclusivity and ensure that our platform supports a diverse and vibrant community of gamers.
We aim to revitalize the local game shop economy by providing a suite of backend business features in the app.
Another unique aspect of The Adventure Nexus is our support for local game shops and venues like game cafes. These establishments are the lifeblood of the TTRPG community, providing spaces for players to gather and game together. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of big retail giants like Amazon have severely impacted these businesses.
We aim to revitalize the local game shop economy by providing a suite of backend business features in the app. These tools help game shops run their businesses more efficiently and profitably by saving management time and labor. Through our regional platform, shops can advertise directly to their audience, manage and schedule events such as sales or TCG tournaments, and engage with their community more effectively. Our goal is to support these businesses, ensuring they remain a vital part of the gaming ecosystem.
Creating The Adventure Nexus has been a deeply personal journey for me. From my early days as a young gamer navigating the challenges of finding a group, to my desire to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive community, every aspect of the app reflects my experiences and passion for TTRPGs. I set out to create something special that would have a lasting impact on the gaming industry, particularly the TTRPG segment. By making it easier to find friends, players, GMs, and local game stores, The Adventure Nexus is helping to grow the community in a safe and inclusive direction.
The Adventure Nexus is more than just an app; it's a solution to many of the problems that have plagued the TTRPG community for decades. It's a testament to my love for the game and my commitment to making the hobby accessible, enjoyable, and safe for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, The Adventure Nexus is here to help you find your place in the TTRPG world. Join us and be part of a community that celebrates the joy of gaming and the bonds it creates.
