We’re launching a new series interviewing members of the Roll20 community with five simple questions about how they play, and we figured no better place to start than our new CEO!
Who are you?
Hi! I’m Ankit Lal, the new CEO of Roll20. I’m also a dad/husband, a professor, and a runner. In my day job, I focus on product management, focused on building helpful products & features.
How did you get started in tabletop games?
I’ve played D&D before, and that was my core tabletop experience. Since joining Roll20, I’ve been amazed at the variety and depth of offerings that are available. In my first few months - I’ve enjoyed sampling other systems such as Call of Cthulhu, Pathfinder 2nd Edition, and additional D&D campaigns.
What’s your gaming set up?
My gaming rig is the same as my work rig! Just a Chromebook, with everything I need right in the browser on Roll20. I use the mobile app when I’m playing D&D and I tend to get my character inspiration by using name generators or thinking of my favorite movie characters. I don’t play a lot of PC games outside of virtual RPG nights so other than that, it’s mostly toys & games on the living room floor with my toddler right now. I also have a Nintendo Switch, and I’ve been playing Luigi’s Mansion, Zelda - Breath of the Wild, and Mario Kart 8.
Tell us about your favorite gaming experience.
I have to say it’s been my Pathfinder RPG game - I think it’s the first game where TTRPGs really clicked for me. It’s a crunchy system that can heighten the realism in a fantasy game. We have a staff game going, and I appreciate how deep you can go with the characters. In parallel, I also appreciate how one-shots allow you to learn the system and get introduced to the specific game mechanics.
What are you most excited about that’s coming up or recently released?
I’m most excited for the Roll20 roadmap for 2022 - we’re fulfilling some longstanding user requests that we’ll be sharing in the upcoming weeks. But as far as games & systems themselves, I’ve heard only good things about Haunted West and Coyote & Crow.