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How Local Game Shops Became the Heart of Our Hobby

This week, Malcolm, Arcadia, and Jess dive into a topic close to every gamer’s heart — local game shops! These hometown heroes are the backbone of every local gaming scene.

Back in the day, hobby shops weren’t solely focused on gaming. Model kits and crafting supplies dominated the shelves, while games were often tucked into a small corner with maybe one lonely bookshelf of rulebooks. Jess’s introduction to local game stores came a little later, when they had grown into more well-rounded spaces — places where you could find everything from dice and minis to the latest adventures and accessories.

Game stores have always been essential hubs for discovering new games, meeting fellow players, and finding your community. Over time, they’ve evolved from simple retail spaces into true gathering places — where you can learn, play, and connect with like-minded folks.

While many shops faded for a while due to the rise of digital content, the past decade has brought a renaissance of local gaming. Where once there were only one or two stores in a city, now there might be eight or ten thriving spaces! This resurgence reflects the growing appreciation for in-person play, community, and shared storytelling.

Games have never been just for kids — they’ve always been for anyone ready to imagine, laugh, and roll the dice together.

Welcome to the table, friends — there’s room for all!

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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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