Local game stores are changing the way people hobby

Local game stores across Calgary are attempting to facilitate playing areas for tabletop gaming communities after closure and restrictions due to COVID-19. Before COVID, these stores not only served as a place for customers to purchase games and supplies for their hobby but also as a place to gather as a community.

Stores like Imaginary Wars, who have recently begun allowing small playgroups to make use of their facilities with appropriate precautions.

“We’ve been cautious,” said Kyle Bordage, owner of Imaginary Wars. “We’re doing it more as a community service to people who have been supporting the store throughout the last few months.”

Bordage described his feeling around opening the tables as ‘trepidatious’ and has not advertised it heavily. Rather, allowing groups of trusted customers to come in, as his way of showing appreciation for their patronage.

Tabletop wargames such as Warhammer 40000 often require specifically sized tables to play.

These local game stores offer tables and spaces to play and socialize, as people may not have the space required in their homes or are not a part of existing social groups.

However, the gameplay is not the only aspect of this hobby.

Another key aspect of wargaming is the miniature figures that make up the gameplay. Each player will bring with them a collection of figures that represent their armies.

These figures often come from the manufacturer unassembled and unpainted, and it is part of the hobby process for players to construct and paint their figures as well as playing with them in a game.

So, while many people in the community found themselves stuck at home, or otherwise unable to gather and play together, many were able to use the downtime to their advantage and work on their craft.

“I could say that as much as it’s sad not to play as many games as I did, my painting has gotten better,” said Gavin John, SAIT alumni and miniature enthusiast. “I’ve had time to spend learning new painting techniques.”

A lot of people who participate in this hobby often enjoy it in many different facets.

From reading stories and lore that is set in the universe of the game, to going out and socializing with others and playing, or being able to have a night in and relax while painting your army.

Other stores in Calgary have been taking different approaches to the restrictions.

We’re doing it more as a community service to people who have been supporting the store throughout the last few months. - Kyle Bordage.

Stores like Sentry Box, the largest game store in the world, immediately suspended their play space.

Located upstairs on a mezzanine, owner Gord Johanson took this as an opportunity to make needed renovations to the space now that it isn’t being used.

Having as large of a retail space as they do, they were able to make sales for curb-side pickup and limited in-store capacity.

Ogre’s Den, another store in Calgary’s NE, has limited their play areas, removing tables to ensure social distancing. As well as requiring players to book time slots to use store facilities to reduce traffic.

Ogre’s Den often sold products based on customer orders, this way they reduced the amount of inventory needed at once, thus reducing their overhead costs.

However, that overhead is counterbalanced by the size of the store and the cost of the rent.