Meet someone new, with something to actually do

Meeting people online isn’t hard because there’s nobody there. It’s hard because of the first ten minutes — two people, a blank screen, and the unspoken job of being interesting. Most of it never escapes “so, what do you do?”

A game takes that job away. You’re not making conversation; you’re playing something, with turns and a shape and an ending. It turns out that’s a far better way to meet a person than trying to think of what to say.

The easiest way in is a Gathering

A Gathering is a set time each week when players show up together. You press begin, you’re paired with one other person, and you play. Because everyone arrives at the same moment, there’s no wondering whether anyone’s out there — they are, and they came for the same reason you did.

What it’s like

You’ll see each other, agree to begin, and the host takes it from there. Nobody is rated, ranked or scored. You can end a game at any point, and anyone you’d rather not meet again won’t be paired with you again.

Start with

Thank You, Everything

The friendliest possible way to meet someone. Small things count, and by the end you’ve both said something true.

The Wishing Game

Funny, surprising, and it tells you more about a person than an hour of biography.

How to start

There’s no one to invite — just come to the next Gathering. Bring nothing.

Questions

Who will I be paired with?: Another player who showed up at the same time. You’ll see each other before anything starts.
What if it’s awkward?: The host runs the whole thing, so silence is never yours to fill. Most people are surprised by how quickly it stops being awkward.
Do I have to share anything personal?: Only what you feel like. Every game works perfectly well kept light.
Can I leave?: At any moment, without explanation.

Come to the next Gathering

Also for

A friend far away You and your parents Long distance A new friendship Bringing someone in

Questions

Who will I be paired with?

Another player who showed up at the same time. You’ll see each other before anything starts.

What if it’s awkward?

The host runs the whole thing, so silence is never yours to fill. Most people are surprised by how quickly it stops being awkward.

Do I have to share anything personal?

Only what you feel like. Every game works perfectly well kept light.

Can I leave?

At any moment, without explanation.