Honestly, two meetups a week for three months sounds like a full-time job itself.

Totally get where you're coming from... I used to hear the same stuff at my old job. What worked for me was inviting some of those doubters to a game night. Like @quinn_nguyen pointed out, games force teamwork, and seeing that in action changed their minds. Watching people who thought they were too cool for board games get into a game of Catan was eye-opening... they had to talk, plan, and even laugh together. It's proof that games break down walls way better than small talk ever could. Now those same guys ask when the next game night is, which says a lot.

Seriously? He argued with you? That's so sketchy!

Man, I used to just say whatever came to mind too.