It’s hard to believe it has been a decade since The Game of Nerds started as a simple Tumblr account. What began as a way for me to share my love for all things nerdy has blossomed into a thriving community of fans and writers. As we celebrate this milestone year, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve taken and how much has changed since those early days.

Ten years ago, I found myself confined to a hospital bed, unsure of what the future held. It was a challenging time but it also became the catalyst for something truly special. As I binge-watched every show on Netflix, devoured every movie available on demand, and read every book anyone would bring by, I realized the power of entertainment to transport us to new worlds and provide a much-needed escape.

During those days in the hospital, friends would often come by to chat about the latest Doctor Who episode or Marvel movie. We would get so caught up in our discussions that it would occasionally lead to some commotion, and they would be asked to leave. It was during one of those moments that my mom suggested I make friends online, and that’s when The Game of Nerds was born.

The name itself came from a comment made by a nurse who cared for me. She observed my passion for all things nerdy and affectionately referred to me talking about multiple fandoms as “The Game of Nerds.” Her words stuck with me because they encapsulated the essence of what we were trying to create. Growing up, girls were often discouraged from embracing their nerdy side. We were told that we had to choose between Star Wars or Star Trek. It was frowned upon if you didn’t understand Harry Potter or the latest Mario video games. But The Game of Nerds was meant to break those barriers and create a space where fans and writers could come together to celebrate their passions without judgment.

From that humble beginning in 2013, The Game of Nerds has grown into a website with over 13,000 articles written by a talented team of over 150 authors and a community of 2 million fans. But this growth didn’t come without its challenges. The site was built on blood, sweat, and a lot of tears. There were countless sleepless nights and tough decisions that had to be made to keep The Game of Nerds going. However, every obstacle we faced only strengthened our resolve to create a platform that fostered a sense of community and provided a voice for talented writers.

Over the past ten years, the entertainment landscape has undergone a seismic shift. We started back in the era when binge-watching wasn’t even a thing, and Netflix was still primarily known for its DVD rentals. The concept of streaming networks was in its infancy, and the DVR was just becoming popular as a means to skip through commercials. In those early days, we used to have live tweet parties on Twitter (RIP), engaging with fans every night of the week and sharing our thoughts on different shows. It was a time of excitement and discovery.

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in an era where binge-watching and streaming services have become the norm. We have an abundance of choices at our fingertips, and the options seem limitless. We’ve witnessed the launch, success, and sometimes heartbreaking series finales of beloved shows. Some of us have been lucky to witness great and poorly executed reboots as well. Franchises that we grew up with have continued to evolve and grow, while others have faded away. The landscape of nerd blogs and entertainment websites has also undergone significant changes. When we first started on Tumblr, every fandom had its own list of top-notch sites, and Entertainment Weekly and TV Guide were the big players in the industry. But as the landscape shifted and many sites transitioned from hobby to business models, smaller sites began to disappear. Some were bought out by bigger corporations, sacrificing their independence and authenticity. However, we stayed true to our vision, refusing to compromise our integrity. We remained committed to providing a platform where genuine opinions could be shared and new writers could build their portfolios.

And our dedication has paid off. We’ve watched our writers go on to land jobs at prestigious outlets like Forbes, Entertainment Weekly, and Times. Insane cosplayers who have gone off to work with their respected franchises. We’ve even had the honor of seeing one of our writers win an Emmy for their work at CNN. Personally, I’ve gone from building a website during my off-hours as a nanny to running a business with my young daughter watching, who shares my passion for cosplay and Disney movies. It has been an incredible journey to witness the evolution of this landscape and be a part of its growth.

But amidst all the changes, one thing remains constant – our gratitude. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the incredible support of our fans. Your unwavering enthusiasm keeps our writers inspired, and your emails constantly remind us why The Game of Nerds needs to exist. You are the lifeblood of our community, and we are forever thankful for your presence.

To our writers, I extend a heartfelt thank you for taking a chance on this site. The Game of Nerds has always been a place where you can be yourself, express your unique voice, and build a portfolio. It has been an honor to have been a part of your journey, and I am so proud of the incredible talent you bring to our platform.

As we look to the future, our wish is that fandom continues to be a source of escape and joy. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, entertainment serves as a refuge, allowing us to momentarily forget our troubles and immerse ourselves in stories that captivate our imaginations. While there is value in being critical and analytical, we must not lose sight of the fact that these movies, television shows, books, and video games were created to entertain us. They were meant to be a respite from the chaos of everyday life. So, let us continue to embrace our nerdy side, celebrate what brings us joy, and explore the vast universe of content that awaits us.

To all those who have been on this incredible journey with us, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering support, your passion, and your belief in what The Game of Nerds stands for. Here’s to another amazing decade, where fandom reigns supreme, and the nerdy spirit thrives!