It is common for play to intertwine with life’s moments, and in this harmony, Wyrmwood leads with unmatched creativity and craftsmanship. Proudly made in the U.S., the company redefines the essence of gaming through its commitment to quality, design, and community.
But how did a small team of passionate craftsmen become synonymous with the future of home entertainment? This story explores the unique combination of tradition and innovation that is Wyrmwood.
Crowdfunding the Dream Gaming Table
Wyrmwood is rooted in a serendipitous mix of passion and opportunity. Co-founders Douglas Costello, Ed Maranville, and Ian Costello began crafting gaming accessories purely for personal use, driven by a shared love for gaming and craftsmanship. Their creations, born from a hobbyist’s passion, resonated with a wider audience.
Encouraged by this positive reception, they decided to pursue the business more seriously, transforming their casual hobby into a thriving business. “We wanted to solve real problems that gamers were facing, through innovation and craftsmanship.” CEO Douglas Costello shares, reflecting on the journey toward creating the Modular Gaming Table (MGT)—a product characterizing the intersection of life and play.
This flagship product redefines versatility as it becomes the place for family dinners, board game nights, homework sessions, and creative endeavors, welcoming friends and fostering family bonds. Its design naturally integrates into every aspect of daily living, providing the backdrop for memories, laughter, and togetherness. Such embodies the company’s commitment to merging play with everyday life. Using premium hardwood and a transparent, conservation-minded approach to sourcing materials underscore Wyrmwood’s dedication to the environment and future generations.
Before the Modular Gaming Table, Wyrmwood introduced The Prophecy, a luxurious yet pricey offering. In a groundbreaking move in August 2020, Wyrmwood launched a competitively priced solid wood gaming table on Kickstarter, shattering records by becoming one of the platform’s top 30 campaigns ever. The campaign achieved a staggering $2 million within the first ten minutes. The remarkable success shifted the brand’s trajectory, moving its focus from primarily offering accessories to becoming a full-fledged furniture company.
Due to the overwhelming demand, Wyrmwood relaunched the campaign in 2023, with plans for another in 2024. Each launch reaffirms Wyrmwood’s edge in continuously enriching the gaming and lifestyle landscapes.
Building the Wyrmwood Family through Authenticity in Action
Wyrmwood’s influence extends far beyond the workshop. Its engaging online presence and reality vlog, Wyrm Lyfe, which documents the day-to-day operations of the Wyrmwood team, showcases the brand’s creative process and offers insights into the challenges and victories of running a creative business. This YouTube channel has become a hub for fans seeking more intimate connections with the brand, where they can delve into the intricacies of woodworking, manufacturing drama, and, most importantly, the team’s dynamic personalities.
Among its videos, “We Broke Kickstarter! (And it was their fault) S5E12” stands out as a fan favorite. In this episode, the team reacts to the unprecedented success of its 2020 Kickstarter campaign while navigating the unexpected hurdles of managing such rapid growth. The genuine camaraderie and infectious enthusiasm of the Wyrmwood team shine through, making for a charming and insightful watch.
Beyond entertainment, these videos offer a deeper understanding of the passion and dedication driving Wyrmwood’s success. By inviting viewers behind the scenes, the brand fosters a sense of transparency and authenticity that resonates deeply with its audience.
With over 800,000 followers on Instagram, highlighted by viral videos exceeding millions of views, and over 170,000 followers on TikTok, Wyrmwood has also cultivated a dedicated community through short-form content. Followers are treated to tutorials on different ways to deck out the MGT – whether to make it a dice arena, the setting for a friendly game of Catan, or even as a much-needed snack holder.
Wyrmwood’s effort to build a family of enthusiasts by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into its process is genuinely notable. “I’ve always wanted Wyrmwood to have an online presence unlike any other company, not shove marketing down people’s throats, and sharing things that other companies would never show.” says part-owner and Creative Director Bobby Downey.
Wyrmwood’s Journey Crafting Tomorrow’s Classics
The company’s impact extends beyond its products and into the broader community and industry by elevating design standards and sparking new trends. With its products becoming iconic staples at homes and gaming events, it continues to push boundaries and advocate for excellence in every aspect of its business.
Several exciting developments are on the horizon as its reach and influence expand. Wyrmwood has hinted at upcoming product releases, and while details are still kept under wraps, customers can expect innovations in form and function.
Will the 2024 Modular Table have even more sizes, accessories, and features to fit the family, home, and lifestyle? Is the company working on a new set of illustrated card decks that add artistry to game nights? Time will tell, but the anticipation is palpable, and the possibilities are endless.
As Wyrmwood becomes a household name, its mission remains to bring people together through heirloom quality and innovation. “We’d like to thank all of our customers who have taken a chance on us. Our company would not be possible without them.” Douglas Costello concludes. “We have thousands and thousands of tables in peoples’ homes, and we look forward to making even more.”
Wyrmwood does more than just produce furniture and gaming products in crafting the future of home entertainment. They are forging bonds between families and friends that will last generations.
