There’s something special about discovering a new game at your local game store. From an employee-recommended pick to the demos you try on a whim, these tabletop titles become automatic favorites that everyone wants to play again and again.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, Game Store Day gives players a reason to get out and explore new games.
The second annual celebration unites retailers, publishers, creators, and players to celebrate Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS) and their communities. Participating stores will put their own spin on the day with games, demos, tournaments, free play, special promotions, and more.
Whether you already have a game shelf that needs its own room or you’re looking for something new to do with the family, the idea is simple: Play local and discover your next favorite game.
New Surprises Are Coming to Local Stores
This year, publishers from across the tabletop industry are helping make the celebration even bigger.
GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association is distributing 500 Publishers’ Boxes to participating FLGS partners. Each box is packed with products and promotional materials contributed by game publishers. These boxes contain new games, pre-release demos, promotional cards, exclusive items, and RPG content. Participating stores can also create their own Game Store Day experiences with additional surprises from publishers, including Allplay.
“Allplay has been looking for new ways to work closer with our brick & mortar partners. When GAMA announced Game Store Day, we knew this would be an amazing opportunity. Allplay is all in,” says Joe Wiggins, COO and co-owner of Allplay.
And for players, all this publisher support means one thing: There could be something new waiting for you when you walk through the door. You might get an early look at a game, sit down for a demo, or pick up a special item — and that’s just half the fun!
Every Game Store Day Will Have Its Own Spin
The best part of Game Store Day: There is no one way to celebrate.
Participating FLGS might host a tournament or fill their tables with learn-to-play sessions. Players can even enter a store and find special promotions, new releases, or creator appearances. That individuality is what makes FLGS worth celebrating.
FLGS are not just a place to buy games. You can learn how to play, get recommendations based on your favorite games, and discover new tabletop titles. Players can even meet others like them, invite family and friends, and find a community built on a shared love of play.
Game Store Day is a chance to celebrate all of this and support the independent businesses making it possible.
Make Nov. 7 a Play Local Day
The possibilities are endless for this year’s Game Store Day.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, players can bring their gaming group, kids, and friends to celebrate the latest tabletop games. You don’t need to know every rulebook or already have a favorite game — just be willing to pull up a chair and see what you discover.
To play local and discover your next favorite game, visit gama.org to find a participating store and learn more about Game Store Day.
