Engagement

The year was 2016. Fresh from teaching English in China, I carried home a profound lesson: authentic conversation is the bridge to belonging. From classrooms, to country sides, to  corner shops across Changzhou, I experienced firsthand how even simple exchanges could transform strangers into community - language barriers and all. But it was back in the States, during countless game nights introducing one group of friends to another, where the seeds of Conversely truly took root.

 

The Inspiration: We'd gather around tables playing Loaded Questions, Apple to Apples, and Cards Against Humanity. The laughter was there, the energy was electric - but something was missing. These games brought people together, yet stopped short of creating lasting connections. As an educator and lifelong gamer, I couldn't shake the feeling that we could do more. What if we could capture that playful party game energy while opening doors to genuine, meaningful dialogue?

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The Development: The blueprint was already there in my experiences: crafting engaging assignments that made students forget they were learning, designing unforgettable D&D campaigns that kept friends on the edge of their seats, and turning birthday parties into interactive adventures through gamified trivia. Each role taught me something different about engagement. As a teacher: how to make learning feel natural. As a Dungeon Master: how to weave stories that connect people. As a party host: how to turn strangers into friends.

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Drawing from this unique intersection of gaming, education, and social connection, Conversely began to take shape. Every card, every prompt, every game mode was tested and refined in real settings - from living room gatherings to professional workshops - until we found that sweet spot where conversation flows as naturally as breathing.

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Recognition: In 2024, what started as a solution to awkward party conversations received the 'Best Non-Digital Game' award at the Meaningful Play Conference. But the real validation comes every time we see strangers become friends, colleagues become confidants, and families discover new depths in their relationships - all through the power of thoughtfully designed conversation.