Inspired by traditional book clubs, The Game Club asks members to play the same game each month and then meet in small groups to talk about it. Founders Guy Blomberg and Shay Leighton launched the community in 2025 to help adults make new friends through gaming.
In its first year, the network connected more than 1,000 gamers across six countries. A survey of members found that 88% had made new friends and 78% felt less lonely, according to the information shared by the club.
Members join groups called Clubhouses, which bring together up to ten people. They can meet online or in person, with groups organized around factors such as age, accessibility, location and time zone. Members can also start a Clubhouse if existing groups do not suit their needs.
The club chooses what Blomberg describes as “overlooked classics”: well-received games that did not attract enough attention. Members receive a code for the monthly selection, and the club changes genres to offer variety. November 2026’s pick is The Holy Gosh Darn, by Perfectly Paranormal. Earlier selections have included Ctrl Alt Ego, Welcome to Elk, Just Crow Things and Roadwarden.
Clubhouse hosts receive resources, tools and training to run their gatherings. For in-person meetings, which are often held at a local bar or cafe, hosts are given questions intended to prompt discussion about both the game and the group. The club can also help find a venue.
The Game Club sometimes works directly with the developers and publishers behind its selections, giving them an opportunity to discuss a past release or promote an upcoming game. Members can suggest titles, which the club considers for future picks.
Blomberg says the idea grew from a desire to recreate conversations around game releases and make it easier for adults to form friendships. In its second year, The Game Club plans to reach more communities, including colleges and universities, and build partnerships with gaming events and organizations around the world.
Sources: GamesIndustry.biz.