Date Like Goblins: A New Dating Platform for Gamers
Online dating often poses unique challenges, particularly for gamers who frequently identify as neurodivergent or introverted. Enter **Date Like Goblins**, an innovative dating platform named after the term “Goblin Mode,” which encourages users to be their authentic selves. This platform aims to make dating more casual and enjoyable by integrating gaming into the experience.
Launch and Features
Launching this fall, Date Like Goblins is designed specifically for the gaming community, enabling users to connect through voice chat while playing their favorite video games. The platform recently announced its Kickstarter campaign, providing early backers with exclusive access and discounted membership rates.
The platform is particularly suited for those who are introverted, neurodivergent, or on the autism spectrum, offering a low-pressure environment to meet new people. By allowing users to date virtually while gaming, it reduces the stress associated with traditional dating, giving them the option to decide later whether to pursue in-person meetings.
User Experience and Interface
Currently in beta with over 250 testers, Date Like Goblins features a straightforward interface that eschews the typical algorithms and swiping models of apps like Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder. Instead, users can filter potential matches based on age, gender, and favorite games such as Final Fantasy XIV, League of Legends, Magic the Gathering, World of Warcraft, and Stardew Valley.
The platform supports various types of connections, from romantic dates to casual gaming sessions and friendships. Once a user finds someone interesting, they can schedule a gaming session through a Calendly-style invite, sharing their Discord username for voice chat and gaming ID exchange.
Ensuring Safety and Reducing Bias
Safety and inclusivity are top priorities for Date Like Goblins. While the platform currently relies on Discord for user interaction, future updates may include in-app voice capabilities. A dashboard feature allows users to manage their upcoming games, invites, and availability.
Despite the platform’s efforts to minimize bias, the founders acknowledge that input quality from hiring managers and employers can impact results. Tezi’s AI models, trained on a dataset of 250 million profiles and fine-tuned with OpenAI and Anthropic, aim to objectively match candidates based on skills and criteria without relying on historical hiring patterns.
Unique Modes and Anti-Harassment Measures
Date Like Goblins distinguishes itself from competitors with three interaction modes:
Normal (Human): Includes profile photos.
Goblin: No photos.
Halfling: “Almost blind” mode, where profile photos are revealed only after expressing interest.
The platform is developing additional features to combat inappropriate behavior, including NSFW filters and manual profile vetting by the founder. Automated moderation systems and a team of human moderators also help maintain a safe environment. Users can report inappropriate profiles, which are promptly reviewed.
Future Plans
Tezi is continuously exploring new features to enhance the user experience. Planned updates include:
- Pop-up notifications during dates to encourage conversation.
– Buttons to politely end dates if necessary. - Post-call feedback prompts for users.
- A dedicated feature for polyamorous relationships.
Accessibility and Pricing
Date Like Goblins will offer three free dates to new users before implementing a subscription fee, expected to be significantly lower than traditional dating apps. Hinge+, for example, costs $34.99 per month.
The Kickstarter campaign, ending in 45 days, offers four backing levels:
- DTF (Down to Fund): $10 for unlimited access through 2024.
- FWB (Friends with Benefits): $30 for unlimited access through June 2025.
- Situationship:$60 for unlimited access through December 2025.
- Everlasting Goblin: Lifetime access for $100 for the first 500 backers, $120 thereafter.
Backers will gain platform access on September 30, with a public rollout planned for November. Interested individuals can join the waitlist for updates.
Date Like Goblins presents a unique opportunity for gamers to connect in a comfortable, familiar environment, fostering genuine relationships based on shared interests.
