Who we are
Bywater Games was founded in 2024 by a team with a collective 15 years of experience creating immersive games and events. Our games take many forms—borrowing elements from escape rooms, immersive theater, game shows, tabletop games and more—but all share a focus on play, storytelling, and connection.
Our team has collaborated with dozens of local artists, craftspeople, technicians, and performers. This space would not be possible without their valuable contributions.
Zoa Smalley
Dylan Hunter
Chloe Bernert
Shayna Hall
Jasper Means
Scott Anderson
Carrie Moulder
Alec Barnes
Kali Russell
Alex Smith
Ellery Abel
Ratrick the Rat
Sean Maloney
Wil Glaser
Nick Napolitano
Amy Troxel
Kelly Lind
Fox Capone
Clay Moodey
Will Monson
Arnold the Bookdog
Have an immersive project that might fit in our space? Interested in helping to build our next game? We’d love to hear from you!
Email info@bywatergames.com to start the conversation.
Hi, we’re Rachel Dunphy and Sam Moodey, two lifelong artists who met and fell in love working at an escape room in New Orleans. We discovered a shared passion for immersive experiences, the power they have to connect people and bring stories joyfully to life.
Everything you see, play, and interact with at Bywater Games was designed and created by us, with help from a team of incredible local fabricators and artists.
Support Staff
Ratrick Raterick is the audio technician at Very Reel Game Show. He loves working at Bywater Games, and hopes someday to be paid in money instead of cheese, but please don’t hear that as complaining!
On his days off, Ratrick enjoys exploring other local New Orleans attractions and eateries, and you can follow his adventures on our Instagram account, @bywatergames
Arnold is an Australian Shepherd, Bywater Games’ CFO, and the only Bookdog known to be living today. Like Wishbone, his predecessor, Arnold is a dog who can talk and read, and the situations we encounter here at work are always reminding him of one of his favorite classic novels.
Want to meet this pup and hear what he’s reading? Use code BOOKDOG when reserving a game for a 10% discount and a meet and greet, though be warned you might hear a couple barks during your game as we train him up.
Looking for a custom game?
Hire our design team! The offerings at Bywater Games are just the tip of the iceberg. Tinkture Design specializes in creating custom immersive experiences for parties, events, and corporate gatherings. Want to have the best birthday party ever? Looking to spice up a conference or make your wedding unforgettable? Let us make it happen!