Interview with Sam: Insights from Gamely Connect's Head of Player Success

Walk into any Gamely session and you'll see people gaming, chatting, and connecting over shared interests. But behind the scenes, someone's making sure those connections are actually happening - that participants are progressing toward their goals, building real skills, and getting genuine value from their time with us.

That's where our leadership team comes in. Sam is one of our two Heads of Player Success, and while he's definitely hands-on in sessions, his macro focus is on participant outcomes. He's the one tracking how everyone's doing, identifying what's working well, and figuring out how we can better support each individual to get the most out of their Gamely experience.

It's part leadership role, part support work, and entirely about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Sam brings gaming passion, years of Dungeon Master expertise and a genuine commitment to making sure every person who walks through our doors feels valued, supported and set up for success.

It's a role that requires both creativity and strategy, empathy and leadership, gaming knowledge and support expertise. Lucky for us, Sam brings all of that and more.

We chatted with Sam about his love for gaming and his experience at Gamely Connect. Here's his story:

What do you think gaming offers that other social activities might not?

Gaming is a very common hobby with such a broad scope of genres and experiences that it can be quite easy for people to land on a common interest which will foster a connection.

What's your go-to gaming snack?

Anything quick and easy that isn’t going to grease up my keyboard!

If you could live in any game world for a week, where would you choose?

Tough question. Hyrule (Legend of Zelda), Toril (D&D), Azeroth (Warcraft), or the wastelands of Fallout.

Co-op or competitive gaming - which brings out the best in you?

Definitely co-op, though cooperative efforts in a competitive online game build great teamwork too.

What's your most controversial gaming opinion?

Roblox sucks ;)

If the Gamely team was a D&D party, what role would you play?

I'm forever a DM (Dungeon Master) so hard to answer, but probably a support-based Fighter with a focus on defence.

What's one misconception about gaming you'd like to bust?

That it is an antisocial pastime that encourages violent behaviour. In fact, at Gamely we believe it's quite the opposite.

How do you practice self-care after emotionally challenging sessions?

Talking to fellow staff members or loved ones and maintaining a regular routine of physical exercise.

What does "meaningful connection" mean to you in the context of our work?

Participants establishing a genuine connection that persists in the space and even externally, as we have seen in some cases.

What are you most excited about for Gamely Connect's future?

One day being open every day 9-5 and having every session filled!

How has working at Gamely changed your perspective on disability support?

The rate at which we see an improvement in a participant's confidence and skills has shown me that disability support work isn’t always gradual improvements and that incredible achievements can occur even within a week or two.

What message would you want to share with families considering our services?

Regardless of how quickly your loved one achieves their goals, you will see progress and enthusiasm.

Why do you love working at Gamely Connect?

It’s such a valuable service in a fun environment that engages all of us, staff and participants, in a pastime we are all passionate about.