Initially formed in 2006, Warriors of Iwo Jima (WIJ) was a small Xbox 360 gaming clan. For two years, its five members competitively played shooter games like Call of Duty: World at War. By 2010, the clan's activity had declined, leading to its revamp as Teufel Gaming.

Following the rebrand to Teufel Gaming, the clan's new goal was to evolve into a community. Led by Josh ("Pooka") and his second-in-command, Tristan, the group of five quickly grew. Due to financial constraints (the members were all teenagers aged 14-18), events like tournaments and board game meetups were held at local parks, and they often spent days at a time playing video games.

At its peak, Teufel Gaming had around 11 members, but drama eventually led to the group disbanding completely in 2012.

In 2019, as Josh ("Pooka") was nearing the end of his military service, he, his wife and his friends felt a desire to reconnect through gaming. He envisioned a new, more secure, and structured community—one designed to prevent the drama that had plagued their past.

Initially, Pooka created a lightweight social media platform called Pooka's Lair as a personal project for his friends and family. However, this project lost steam after about six months due to a lack of interest. Though the platform was shelved, a core group of eight members continued to game together.

The community gained new life with the arrival of COVID-19. As the virus spread from Asia in late 2019 to North America in early 2020, people began looking for new ways to connect and socialize.

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in early 2020, it created a massive shift in daily life. Lockdowns and social distancing measures left millions of people with an abundance of time at home and a profound need for connection and entertainment. This environment became the perfect catalyst for a renewed focus on online communities and gaming.

For Pooka and his small group, the timing was serendipitous. What had been a niche passion project quickly became a vital social lifeline. People who were isolated from their friends and family turned to video games and online communities like Pooka's Lair to socialize and pass the time. The demand for digital connection fueled a rapid and organic expansion of their community.

After years of inactivity up to the point of 2020, Pooka's Lair was reborn and quickly achieved the same level of activity and camaraderie that Teufel Gaming once had. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone into isolation, Pooka's Lair became a vital community hub. The increased time at home meant that events and gaming sessions, which had been infrequent, were now a regular part of daily life.

This period was marked by a flurry of activity—gaming tournaments, casual play sessions, and social events all took place online. What began as a small group of friends reconnecting soon grew into a vibrant community. The pandemic, while isolating in many ways, provided the perfect environment for Pooka's Lair to not just recapture, but also to build upon the legacy of Teufel Gaming. It provided a sense of connection and shared purpose when people needed it most, solidifying its place as a true successor.

Following the boom of the COVID-19 pandemic, activity in Pooka's Lair began to decline in early 2022. As the world adjusted to a new sense of normalcy, members became busier with their personal lives. The regular, large-scale events that had been a hallmark of the community during lockdowns came to a halt. While small gaming sessions continued, they grew increasingly rare as 2024 drew to a close.

This period was one of quiet decline. Many members who weren't regularly active were either pruned or left on their own. Even Pooka and his family found themselves with less free time once 2025 began, leading to a complete halt in video game sessions by April. The once-vibrant community seemed to be coasting, with only a faint ember of its former self remaining.

Just as the community appeared to be at its lowest point, a new spark emerged. Two of Pooka's coworkers, with a shared passion for gaming, rekindled the old flame. Their interest breathed new life into the group, proving that even a dormant community could be revived by the right people at the right time.

In May 2025, while settling into his new job, Pooka was approached by two coworkers, SortaWiz (Nick) and Lexisaunicorn (Lex), with an intriguing idea for a trading card game (TCG) centered on eggs. After a month of development on the "egg TCG," the discussion evolved, and a new thought emerged: this project could be the perfect catalyst to revive Pooka's Lair.

With this new direction, the community experienced its third rebirth. This time, it wasn't just about gaming. The core principle remained the same—fostering a strong, free community—but it was now paired with a sustainable business model. Pooka's Lair began offering a range of free services, with plans to introduce paid options in the future. Furthermore, the community is set to launch an online store, where members can purchase products and support its growth.

With a new TCG at its heart, a publisher to support its expansion, and a clear business strategy, this revival feels different. Everyone involved hopes this will be the final, enduring rebirth of the community.