Mike

he/him

5.0

(9)

Timezone

America/new York

Identity

Streamer

Podcaster

Queer

Veteran

Disabled

Neurodivergent

Published Writer

About Mike

Hey there, I’m Mike! I’ve been running games for over a decade, and if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I love telling stories with people. I’m the founder of unMadeGaming, a tabletop community I started back in 2015 with some friends, a basement, and way too many snacks. What began as a casual hobby has grown into live shows, podcasts, and game design projects, but at the end of the day, my favorite thing is still sitting down with a group and rolling dice together. I run games that are story-first and character-driven, with plenty of room for improvisation and player creativity. I like to keep the tone “beer ’n’ pretzels” casual, but I also know when to lean into drama, mystery, or horror to really make a session memorable. Expect humor, twists, and moments where your characters truly shine. When I’m not GMing here on StartPlaying, you might catch me on Twitch or YouTube running shows, or writing for my homebrew settings like Glenbrook (Tales from the Loop). I’m also working on a brand-new TTRPG built on the Year Zero System. If you’re looking for a GM who will bring energy, creativity, and just the right amount of chaos to the table, I’d love to run a game for you. Grab some dice, bring your ideas, and let’s make something unforgettable together.

At a glance

4 years on StartPlaying

17 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Rule of Cool

Featured Prompts

My favorite shows/movies are

I love shows that make you think, like Fringe, Stranger Things, and From, and movies that spark wonder, like Hook (my all-time favorite), The Lord of the Rings, and Hackers. If it makes me want to grab a corkboard and string, I’m in.

When I'm not running games I'm...

Outside GMing, I’m a dad, student, partner, and gamer. You’ll find me teaching my son to roll dice, cramming for marketing classes, or escaping into board games and JRPGs. Basically, still rolling dice... just in different arenas.

People are always surprised when I tell them

People are always surprised when I tell them I ran D&D on the Blizzard campus as a team-building event for their staff. It was surreal, part dream job, part fanboy moment, and easily one of the coolest (several) tables I’ve ever had the pleasure of running.

How Mike runs games

At my table, story always comes first. I love crafting cinematic scenes that feel like they’ve been pulled straight out of a movie, full of atmosphere, tension, and characters you’ll remember long after the dice stop rolling. I run games where roleplay drives the action. Expect rich character moments, plenty of player agency, and narratives that shift and bend around your choices. Combat isn’t about crunching numbers; it’s about stakes, drama, and making the story hit harder when the dice come out. My style leans toward dark, mysterious, and emotional storytelling, think Stranger Things or Fringe, but always with room for humor, heart, and those unexpected “only in TTRPGs” moments. I’ve been running games for years across dozens of systems, from D&D to indie favorites like Free League Publishing, Monte Cook Games, and Son of Oak. No matter the system, my goal is the same: to create a collaborative story where you feel like the star of your own show.

Featured Prompts

My games focus on...

My games focus on characters, drama, and cinematic moments. I’m a fan of the players first, I want your choices to shape the story and create those unforgettable beats you’ll be talking about long after the dice cool.

My favorite trope is...

I love tropes that push characters to their limits: the veil between worlds, found family under pressure, Faustian bargains, and reluctant heroes who never asked to be chosen but rise to the occasion anyway.

If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...

Think the Duffer Brothers for nostalgia and character-driven drama, with a touch of Guillermo del Toro’s dark whimsy. My games blend found family, creeping mystery, and cinematic tension you’ll feel in your bones.

Mike's ideal table

My table is a place for players who love story, character, and collaboration. I want you to feel like the star of your own movie, where every scene matters and your choices drive the story forward. If you enjoy mystery, drama, found family, or the occasional spooky twist, you’ll feel right at home. The vibe is casual and welcoming. Jokes, snacks, and laughter are always encouraged, but we also know when to lean in and get serious for those “chills down your spine” cinematic moments. Roleplay is the heartbeat of my games, and I’ll always be your biggest fan as your character grows, struggles, and shines. New players are absolutely welcome. I love teaching and guiding folks into the hobby, and experienced players will find plenty of depth and narrative weight to dig into. If you bring curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to play off each other, you’ll fit right in.

Featured Prompts

I am for a vibe that's...

I am for a vibe that’s fun, mysterious, and dramatic, equal parts found family, spooky twists, and “you had to be there” moments you’ll be talking about long after the session ends.

If you're into ___, you're going to love my table

If you’re into character-driven stories, cinematic moments, spooky mysteries, and unforgettable “only in TTRPGs” moments, you’re going to love my table.

My table is not the place for...

My table is not the place for jerks, rules lawyers, or anyone who doesn’t want to share the spotlight. Bring your best ideas, respect the group, and let’s tell a killer story together.