Games and the Geeks Who Love Them

The game store is a unique part of the gamer culture. Video gamers and Scrabble addicts go to the mall, buy a game at a chain outlet, and play it at home; other types of hobbyists also have shops that supply the things they need to enjoy their favorite pastime. It appears that only Geek Gamers combine their supply store with what is essentially a community center.

A typical game store has an eclectic retail area- a wall of books for RPGs, a wall covered with pegs from which hang dozens or hundreds of plastic blisters holding pewter miniatures, frequently a section for "Eurogames" (boardgames originating in Europe, usually Germany), boxes of collectible card games or "CCGs" under and behind the counter, and racks containing collectible minatures games, other card games, and painting supplies for the pewter minis. None of that would surprise anyone, right? That's what a store is: displays full of stuff to buy. In many game stores, however, there is also a section of the store or even a separate room set aside for playing the games.

Usually the games are scheduled, but not always. Geeks will go to the game store the way some people (ah, my misspent youth!) might go to a bar- go, hang out, see who's there, have a drink/game and talk with whoever's around. The topics of conversation might be a little different, but the idea is basically the same. It's an opportunity to relax and socialize in an environment where it feels safe to just be yourself- uncool, brainy, and weird.