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Based in San Mateo, California, Evil Genius Games develops tabletop role-playing games that combine traditional physical gameplay mechanics with modern digital enhancements. The company focuses on the broader tabletop RPG market by creating systems that integrate nostalgic elements with contemporary technology, a design concept often compared to a hybrid of Roblox and Dungeons & Dragons. Their core product lineup includes the Everyday Heroes rulebook and various Cinematic Adventures modules, which draw thematic inspiration from popular action movies released throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The publisher recently showcased its expanding portfolio of interactive gaming titles at the Gen Con convention and successfully resolved a breach of contract lawsuit involving a major movie studio. Operating within the competitive hobbyist gaming sector, the enterprise targets dedicated tabletop enthusiasts seeking modernized cinematic experiences. Evil Genius Games was originally founded by Dave Scott.
Evil Genius Games has raised $2.0M across 1 funding round.
Evil Genius Games has raised $2.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Evil Genius Games has raised $2.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $2.0M Seed in May 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2023 | $2M Seed | — | 8VC, Alkeon Capital, Ambridge Capital, Audrey Capital, Blockchain Founders Fund, BoxOne Ventures, Buckley Ventures, Casa Verde Capital, Comal Ventures, Matt Ocko, Earl Grey Capital, Endeavor Venture Funds, FirstHand Alliance, Goat Capital, GSV Ventures, Hustle Fund, JAZZ Venture Partners, LAUNCH, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Math Venture Partners, Maven Ventures, Montauk Ventures, NEO, Pareto Holdings, Pario Ventures, Preston Werner Ventures, Runa Capital, Shaan's ALL Access Fund, Summit Partners, Wealthing VC Club, Aaron King, Aaron Rankin (Sprout Social), Adam Michalski, Anne Wojcicki, Bill TAI, Chris Fanini, Emmett Shear, George Morrison, Immad Akhund, Jason Hunt, JAY Jamison, Kyle Vogt, Mathieu Guerville, Mikhail Seregine, Oleg Rogynskyy, TED Serbinski, Troy Carter, Vikas Gupta, Viral Bajaria, Vishal RAO | Announced |
Evil Genius Games is a portfolio company and publisher of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), specializing in modern-day systems compatible with D&D 5E rules. Its flagship product, Everyday Heroes, is a spiritual successor to d20 Modern, offering rules for contemporary action-hero adventures, including licensed modules based on films like *Pacific Rim*, *Kong: Skull Island*, *Highlander*, *The Crow*, *Escape from New York*, *Total Recall*, *Rambo*, and *Universal Soldier*.[1][2][4][5] The company serves TTRPG enthusiasts seeking digital and online experiences beyond traditional fantasy, addressing limited digital tools in the $27 billion tabletop market by blending classic mechanics with modern platforms.[1][2] It has raised $1.12M in seed VC funding from investors like Alumni Ventures, MBA Ventures, Blockchain Founders Fund, Citta Capital, Hustle Fund, and Serafund, achieving seed-stage status since 2021 with positive momentum indicated by a Mosaic Score increase.[1][2]
Evil Genius Games was founded in December 2021 by David T. Scott, a serial entrepreneur and former Amazon web services executive who also ran Marketfish (a data platform closed in 2013) and worked at Twitter.[2][3] A longtime *Dungeons & Dragons* fan, Scott launched the company to fill gaps in digital TTRPG options amid rising online gaming demand, creating Everyday Heroes as a modern D20 system adaptation.[1][2] Early traction included a May 2023 Kickstarter raising nearly $400K, announcements of Hollywood-licensed adventures, and a Netflix collaboration for the *Rebel Moon* TTRPG, positioning it for growth before reported staff reductions from over 20 to six core members in summer 2023.[3]
Evil Genius Games rides the TTRPG digital transformation trend, capitalizing on post-pandemic online gaming surges and the $27B market's shift from physical books to platforms like virtual tabletops.[1][2] Timing aligns with D&D's digital success (e.g., D&D Beyond) and Hollywood's IP expansion into gaming, amplified by investor interest in blending tabletop with Web3/AI for community-driven economies.[2][3] Market forces like remote play demand and blockbuster nostalgia favor its model, influencing the ecosystem by challenging Wizards of the Coast's dominance with accessible, modern alternatives and fostering hybrid analog-digital play.[1][3]
Evil Genius Games could rebound in 2026 by delivering on its digital platform vision, potentially launching full game-as-a-service features amid holiday site messages signaling a return.[5] Trends like AI-enhanced storytelling, blockchain for player-owned content, and more streaming tie-ins (e.g., expanding *Rebel Moon*) will shape its path, evolving influence from niche publisher to TTRPG innovator if it stabilizes post-2023 setbacks.[3] With seed funding and IP strength, it may capture online enthusiasts, tying back to its core mission of modernizing a classic hobby for broader, tech-savvy adoption.[1][2]
Evil Genius Games has raised $2.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Evil Genius Games's investors include 8VC, Alkeon Capital, Ambridge Capital, Audrey Capital, Blockchain Founders Fund, BoxOne Ventures, Buckley Ventures, Casa Verde Capital, Comal Ventures, Matt Ocko, Earl Grey Capital, Endeavor Venture Funds.
