From corporate careers to creative cards, Arise Entertainment was born out of a desire to build something bold, inclusive, and meaningful. What started as a leap into retirement quickly became a mission: to create entertainment vehicles that spark connection, laughter, and pride. At the heart of our company is a love for storytelling and a commitment to celebrating LGBTQ+ representation—whether you’re watching our latest YouTube show, deep-diving into Mid-Knight Prophecy Tarot or playing a cheeky round of It’s Queerly Iconic Trivia.
In this post, we're pulling back the curtain to share the story behind Arise Entertainment, the values that drive our designs, and what it really means to launch a queer-centric game shop in today’s creative landscape.
From Finance to Fun: Taking the Leap
When we stepped away from corporate life, we didn’t follow a blueprint—we followed a spark. A love of storytelling, a desire to connect, and the dream of creating something playful, purposeful, and proudly queer. That’s how Arise Entertainment came to life: a space where every card, every image, every promo speaks to inclusion, imagination, and joy.
Our first creation was born from Greg’s years in the corporate world, where he designed a team-building exercise that begged to be something more. We reimagined it from the ground up—word by word, card by card—and World Traveler: Race Around the World! took off as our debut product. It was a whirlwind of new skills and steep learning curves. We had to master unfamiliar tools, hunt down the right vendors, and articulate a vision no one else could quite see—but we saw it clearly.
And once those pieces clicked into place? The creativity flowed. The ideas grew. The community blossomed. Arise Entertainment wasn’t just open for business—it was ready to build bridges, tell stories, and make space for representation in every roll, shuffle, and move.
Designing with Purpose: Representation That Resonates
Each game we create is rooted in intention, imagination, and a deep love for our community.
Tim’s Playlist Music Trivia isn’t just a game—it’s a tribute born from love, loss, and the unwavering desire to turn grief into impact. After Tim, Chris’s brother, tragically took his own life, we searched for a way to honor his memory that felt true to who he was: funny, musical, unforgettable.
What emerged was a trivia experience filled with songs that speak to nostalgia, rhythm, and connection. It’s designed to bring people together through laughter, lyrics, and the shared joy of music—just as Tim always did.
But this game goes beyond entertainment. Half of the profits from Tim’s Playlist are donated to suicide prevention and awareness charities. It’s our way of helping others, sparking vital conversations, and letting everyone know that their story matters. Because honoring Tim isn’t just about remembering—it’s about reaching out, lifting up, and continuing the melody of love he left behind.
Mid-Knight Prophecy Tarot is more than a deck—it’s the result of Greg’s decades of tarot reading, reimagined with bold symbolism and fresh perspective. With striking symbolism and a refreshingly modern lens, it offers seekers an intuitive experience that’s bold, empowering, and unlike anything else on the shelf. This isn’t a collection of cards—it’s a mystical voyage into self-discovery, crafted to speak to anyone craving insight.
And then there’s It’s Queerly Iconic Trivia—a game bursting with pop culture sass, clever callbacks, and unapologetic pride. It doesn’t just quiz you; it celebrates you. With every card, we’re spotlighting LGBTQ+ icons, history, and culture in a way that feels playful, powerful, and personal. It is a love letter to our community - to bolster both visibility and pride.
Lights, Camera, Connection: Going Beyond the Shop
Our creative spark doesn’t stop at game tables—it spills onto the screen, fueled by curiosity, joy, and a whole lot of heart. On YouTube, we invite you behind the scenes, where playful promos meet soulful storytelling. And at the center of it all is our signature series, Chris & Greg’s Haunted Road Trip—a wild, wonderful journey chasing mysteries, sharing laughs, and staying proudly visible as creators in the LGBTQ+ community.
It’s not just about the scares or the snark (though there’s plenty of both). It’s about showing up authentically, exploring the unknown, and connecting through every gasp, giggle, and ghost story. From game tutorials to haunted house shenanigans, each video is another thread in the tapestry of how we build belonging—one unforgettable moment at a time.
Creative Challenges & Proud Moments
We’ve had our share of late-night brainstorms, chaos, and marketing mishaps—but every twist has led us to something truly magical: a growing community that laughs with us, learns with us, and feels joyfully seen in every game we create. From decoding the mysteries of SEO to crafting a brand voice that feels boldly authentic, this journey has been full of growth, grit, and glitter.
Now, with Arise Entertainment celebrating its first anniversary, we’re not winding down—we’re turning up the volume. More games. More stories. More chances to connect, celebrate, and uplift. Whether you joined us for the trivia, the tarot, or the haunted road trip, thank you for being part of the journey. The cards are still shuffling, the ideas are still flowing, and trust us—this is only Act I.
Let’s keep rising together 💖
About the Author
Chris Surrett-Forgach is the co-founder of Arise Entertainment and brings over 30 years of leadership in banking and technology to the world of storytelling, streaming, and game design. After decades spent building trust, driving transformation, and leading organizations, Chris now works to help others show up with confidence and authenticity—creating space for bold stories, joyful connection, and shared fun through inclusive content and original board and card games. Whether developing campaigns, shaping voiceovers, or advocating for mental health and marginalized voices, Chris leads with authenticity, purpose, and heart.
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@AriseEntertainment
Game Storefront: https://ariseentertainment.shop
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