Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
In this deeply personal video, Matthew Makak (of Room 51) offers a sincere apology to Stonemaier Games and Jamie Stegmaier following a now-removed review of Vantage—a game he was genuinely excited about for its LGBTQ+ representation. Matthew opens up about his intentions behind the original queer review, how it was misunderstood, and the emotional aftermath of losing a valued professional and personal connection.
💔 This video is not just an apology—it's a raw, unfiltered reflection on:
The challenges of being a queer content creator in the board game space
Miscommunication and its consequences
The weight of internet backlash and mental health strain
A difficult decision to step away from Room 51, possibly for good
Matthew also touches on the importance of sending review copies to LGBTQ+ reviewers, the pressure of “free game” assumptions, and the need for kindness within the gaming community.
👋 Whether you've followed Room 51 from the Dice Tower days, are part of the LGBTQ+ board gaming community, or just value thoughtful, inclusive commentary—this video is for you.
📌 Last Stream: Sunday, August 24th @ 11 PM EST on Twitch (Room51Live)
📌 Join the Discord Community: Email ThisIsRoom51@gmail.com
for an invite
🙏 Thank you for your support over the years. This isn’t just a goodbye—it’s a thank you.
#BoardGames #QueerContentCreator #VantageBoardGame #StonemaierGames #LGBTQRepresentation #Room51 #BoardGameCommunity #JamieStegmaier #ApologyVideo #ContentCreatorMentalHealth
===========================================================
0:00 Intro
0:05 Apology to Stonemaier
6:50 Cruelty
9:14 An End to Room 51
12:10 Thank You For Being a Roomie
Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ThisIsRoom51
You can check out our Twitch channel at twitch.tv/Room51Live
Find us on TikTok @ThisIsRoom51
==========================================================
You can get yourself some Room 51 merch here: tinyurl.com/Room51Merch
In this deeply personal video, Matthew Makak (of Room 51) offers a sincere apology to Stonemaier Games and Jamie Stegmaier following a now-removed review of Vantage—a game he was genuinely excited about for its LGBTQ+ representation. Matthew opens up about his intentions behind the original queer review, how it was misunderstood, and the emotional aftermath of losing a valued professional and personal connection.
💔 This video is not just an apology—it's a raw, unfiltered reflection on:
The challenges of being a queer content creator in the board game space
Miscommunication and its consequences
The weight of internet backlash and mental health strain
A difficult decision to step away from Room 51, possibly for good
Matthew also touches on the importance of sending review copies to LGBTQ+ reviewers, the pressure of “free game” assumptions, and the need for kindness within the gaming community.
👋 Whether you've followed Room 51 from the Dice Tower days, are part of the LGBTQ+ board gaming community, or just value thoughtful, inclusive commentary—this video is for you.
📌 Last Stream: Sunday, August 24th @ 11 PM EST on Twitch (Room51Live)
📌 Join the Discord Community: Email ThisIsRoom51@gmail.com
for an invite
🙏 Thank you for your support over the years. This isn’t just a goodbye—it’s a thank you.
#BoardGames #QueerContentCreator #VantageBoardGame #StonemaierGames #LGBTQRepresentation #Room51 #BoardGameCommunity #JamieStegmaier #ApologyVideo #ContentCreatorMentalHealth
===========================================================
0:00 Intro
0:05 Apology to Stonemaier
6:50 Cruelty
9:14 An End to Room 51
12:10 Thank You For Being a Roomie
Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ThisIsRoom51
You can check out our Twitch channel at twitch.tv/Room51Live
Find us on TikTok @ThisIsRoom51
==========================================================
You can get yourself some Room 51 merch here: tinyurl.com/Room51Merch
