Ignite Startups: How Evil Genius Games is Revolutionizing Tabletop RPGs with Dave Scott | Ep93

Ignite: Conversations on Startups, Venture Capital, Tech, Future, and Society

In this episode of the Ignite podcast, Brian Bell hosts Dave Scott, a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing executive with over two decades of experience. Dave, currently the CEO of Evil Genius Games, shares insights from his diverse career, which includes leadership roles at major corporations like Amazon Web Services, Oracle, and Twitter, as well as his journey into the startup world. He recounts his transition from large-scale corporate marketing to founding and running multiple startups, driven by his passion for both marketing and entrepreneurship.

Dave delves into the evolution of his latest venture, Evil Genius Games, which specializes in creating role-playing games based on popular movie franchises. He discusses the growth of the tabletop gaming industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how his company leverages this trend by offering both physical and digital gaming experiences. The company’s unique approach includes licensing famous movie IPs and developing games that can be played both online and in person, aiming to foster deeper connections between movie studios and their audiences.

The conversation also explores Dave's vision for the future of his company, comparing it to platforms like Roblox in terms of creating a gaming infrastructure that allows users and third-party creators to build and share their own adventures. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a B2C model to a SaaS-based approach, which offers more predictable revenue streams and scalable growth opportunities. Throughout the discussion, Dave emphasizes the importance of following one’s passion in business and the value of work-life balance, reflecting on how his personal experiences have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.

The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions, where Dave shares personal insights, such as the impact of his early career experiences, the underrated value of direct mail in marketing, and his views on how emerging technologies like generative AI will disrupt the marketing landscape. His reflections provide listeners with a blend of practical advice and inspiration, underscoring the importance of aligning career choices with personal passions.

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 - 42:09)