PLAYROOM PIONEERS

October 4th, 2026

By Mike Primeau - Founder of The Playroom Experiment I am still weighing how far I should deviate from The Playroom Experiment as I hone my weekly entries. Perhaps that answer is as simple as "write in the moment", which, I guess, is to say I don't really have to stew over that question. Today, our game space is on my mind (and often is). Usually, my first thought in the morning goes to people in the Thames Centre community, who have stayed extremely committed to The Playroom Experiment. Simply put, they make all aspects of our game space better. That brings me to a promise I make to every young person choosing to join our gaming family.

When I meet a group of gaming enthusiasts, I tell them that 30 years from now, they'll remember this day because they are innovators in our effort to build a meaningful social platform for everyone. They might not see the impact of that kind of truth yet, but even if The Playroom Experiment were to fold tomorrow, they can keep it in their back pocket forever. One day, someone will ask them, "Why should we hire you?" Their response can be that The Playroom Experiment let them act with conviction, regardless of the outcome. There is no substitute for standing out when it comes to spearheading ideas, and above all else, not fearing failure. Failure is what we need to find our way - always. For now, I am thankful that they are helping to strengthen community ties through gaming (along with their parents in many cases). We are better together. In this case, the gaming experiences are just the vehicle for charting the course. My role in all of this has always been ideas and design for execution. But community members? THEY make the magic happen.