Change the main menu to lobby and invite Steam's friends directly.

[wicked abyss]

Start the game is creating a room server directly.
And I can invite steam friends directly into the game during play.

[rose marlin]

how about a bulletin Board in the tavern? where you create a new public lobby and can search for them

then you'd have the private/steam lobby as main one when you start the game

Also maybe avtivate the tutorial by interacting with the Sheriff? I mean he's just napping, he should at least show you the ropes