StartPlaying
StartPlaying is an online marketplace connecting tabletop RPG players with vetted professional game masters across systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder 2e. Players can browse hundreds of searchable games, filter by schedule and price, and book seats directly for live or play-by-post sessions. The platform also offers Young Heroes, a dedicated service providing age-appropriate D&D games for kids and teens.
- Commerce & Shopping
- Gaming & eSports
- Software Only
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Founder details are not available yet.
Product
Problem
Players who want to join tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons often struggle to find compatible groups, consistent schedules, and skilled game masters. Without a centralized marketplace, players face fragmented communities, unreliable session quality, and difficulty matching their preferred game system and play style.
Solution
StartPlaying is the largest online platform for players to find tabletop roleplaying games and professional game masters for any game system and virtual tabletop. The platform serves as a group finder and game finder, connecting players with vetted professional GMs who run sessions worldwide. Players can browse games across systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Daggerheart, filter by schedule and pricing, and book seats directly. The platform also features Young Heroes, a dedicated service providing safe, fun D&D games designed specifically for kids and teens under experienced guidance.
Target Audience
Primary users are tabletop RPG players seeking reliable, professional-run games, along with parents looking for safe, structured D&D experiences for their children and teens.
Features
- Hundreds of searchable games across multiple TTRPG systems (D&D 5e, Pathfinder 2e, Daggerheart, and more) with filtering by schedule, price, and system
- Vetted professional game masters with visible ratings and review scores from previous players
- Direct booking and payment per session with transparent session fees (e.g., $8-$30 per session) and seat availability tracking
- Play-by-post (asynchronous) and live session options to accommodate varied availability
- Young Heroes dedicated platform (yh.startplaying.games) offering age-appropriate D&D games for kids and teens
- Featured organized play events in partnership with publishers like Chaosium for new game releases