The Manaverse Podcast

In this episode of the Manaverse Podcast, I’m joined once again by Kylie Prymus, the owner of Games Unlimited in Pittsburgh — one of the oldest game stores in the U.S. We dig into the current state of the board game industry, the tension between CCGs and board games, the role of retail, and the long-term viability of friendly local game stores.We talk about:Why board games might feel like they’re in trouble — but aren’t.How Games Unlimited succeeds without Magic, Pokémon, or miniatures.The downsides of Kickstarter exclusives and FOMO-driven content.The difference between stocking games and selling games.Why community and inclusion mean more than just packed event tables.How to structure your store (physically and culturally) to appeal to casual customers, not just diehard hobbyists.Let's talk about the future of local game stores, what it means to be board game-focused, and how to win without following the traditional FLGS model.

Today’s episode is called "The Biggest Lie in the Tabletop Games Business." And that lie is some variation of this thought: "You can't be really successful or make a substantial amount of money running a game store."Now, if you've been in this industry for any amount of time, you've probably heard some version of this. Maybe you've even thought it yourself. I’ve been putting together this podcast for over 10 years now, and I can recall several guests more or less saying the same thing. The idea that running a game store or launching a tabletop game is a passion project at best.But here's the truth: that belief is not only false, it's holding back countless game store owners, creators, and entrepreneurs from achieving the success they could be having.Let me caveat this real quick. The folks repeating this belief online mean well. Starting a game store has a notorious and well earned reputation of having a low bar for entry, which means that most would-be store owners are under-funded and under-prepared for the realities of running a retail business.Finding hard numbers on this is tough, but I would estimate that for every game store that exists and has been open for 3 years or more, there are between 10 and 20 stores that didn’t last more than a year or two. And those failed store owners, whatever the cause of the failure, disappear from the conversation, so we have a Survivorship Bias situation in online retailer groups.So the general advice given online when someone asks about starting up their own shop is “Don’t do it.” The advice givers knows how difficult the business is to build and grow, so it’s correct to discourage someone who might not be ready to put off their dream or try something else.I’m not arguing against that. I think recommending a prospective store owner come to the table with more resources and knowledge of the business will only increase their odds of success.This isn’t what I’m talking about in this podcast.I’m referring to the ingrained belief/mindset of game store owners that it’s not possible to become “wealthy” running a game store. One manifestation of this mindset is store owners discouraging would-be store owners from entering the market in the first place, but it also subconsciously limits their own potential.There’s a quote attributed to Henry Ford that encapsulates this really well.“Whether you believe you can or can’t, you’re right.”If you believe, deep down, that the best you can do with your business is to muddle along and provide yourself and your team with a basic level of income, you’re not only wrong, you’re doing yourself and the people who rely on you a disservice.Let’s get into the psychology of this for a moment. There’s a psychological phenomenon called the Pygmalion Effect, where higher expectations lead to an increase in performance. It suggests that when someone, for example, a teacher, manager, or leader, expects a person to perform well, that person is more likely to meet those expectations due to the positive reinforcement and belief in their abilities.The concept is named after Pygmalion, a figure from Greek mythology who sculpted a statue that he fell in love with, which was later brought to life by the goddess Aphrodite.Positive expectations can influence behavior, motivation, and self-esteem, leading to improved outcomes. Well, this applies to more than just the people you have working for you. In many ways, you are your own manager. The things you believe and say get internalized over time, and shape the actions you take in the future.If you believe you’re destined for great things, that you are smart, talented, and capable of making a big impact on the world, you are much more likely to actually make it a reality. There is also the opposite phenomenon known as the Golem Effect.When low expectations are set for an individual, or yourself, performance tends to decline, leading to a negative self-fulfilling prophecy.By operating under the assumption and belief that a game store isn’t a “real business” or can never really become a way to have more than a middle class lifestyle, you’re constructing the Golem one piece at a time.Let's break this down. Why does this belief exist? First, tabletop gaming has always been a community-driven hobby. Most of us are nerds at heart and up until recently, our hobbies were looked at with a side eye by most of society. We banded together to create our own communities of people who share the love and passion for games in the same way that we did.If I had to arm-chair psychoanalyze again, and it’s my show so I get to do what I want, I would say most game stores were created out of a desire to create a safe space to enjoy the things we enjoy, and to allow others who feel the same way to gather. A consequence of this is the business existing and functioning as a business is often secondary.A games store is usually fueled by passion, creativity, and a love for games. But somewhere along the line, passion became synonymous with poverty. As if loving what you do means you shouldn't expect to make money doing it.This is often entangled with the dual problems of: feeling like you have to “serve the community” first with making money becoming second, and the people in your community becoming friends.Having your customers become friends is one of the nicer aspects of running a game store. You are surrounded by people that love the same things you do and want to talk about them all day. It can be great, but it also usually blurs the lines between customer and friend. Friends expect special treatment from you. You’re not a stranger, so they should expect special treatment from you in some ways.But as a business, it can be awkward when a friend expects you to give them a deal. Do you give the friend what they are asking for and sacrifice your margins to maintain the friendship, or do you risk the relationship and tell them no?If your friendships are the top priority of the business, you will lean towards the first option. Integrity is hard. Not keeping it will erode your ability to stay in business, as well as your perception of yourself and what you should be doing to pursue your goals.I’m not saying your relationships with people aren’t important and you should be a ruthless capitalist who only thinks about profit. Relationships have a place in the hierarchy of how you make decisions and run your game store, but they can’t be the deciding factor.The game stores that operate on the thinnest of margins in order to serve the community and make their friends happy almost always inevitably fail.Second, most game store owners' goals are simply too small. I think this is gradually changing as the industry has become much more professional over the last ten years, but there is still the afterimage of the idea of the local game store in people’s minds that shapes their perception of what’s possible.Maybe this is a downside to the moniker “friendly local game store”. Language matters, and the words we use to talk about something simultaneously program our minds in how we think about it. There’s something inherently small about the local game store, and maybe that’s why most store owners aim for moderate success instead of swinging for the fences. At this point, I’ve helped several game stores in my work with their marketing and seen the inner workings of what’s possible in the business. I’ve seen stores go from $0 to over a half a million dollars in yearly revenue in the space of a year. Game stores that have seven figure revenue numbers with 8 figures in sight. Teams of dozens of people making a decent wage.How many Star City Games, Game Nerds, Cool Stuff, Face to Face Games, and Card Kingdoms have to exist before people feel like “yeah, there’s real money to be made in the games business”?The difference between those who struggle and those who succeed often comes down to mindset and strategy. Are you treating your store like a business or a clubhouse? Are you investing in marketing, building an online presence, and diversifying revenue streams? Are you managing your inventory and putting in the work to make it work for you? Or are you stuck in the mindset that "this is just how it is"?Here’s the truth: You can absolutely make a substantial income as a tabletop games store owner. But it first requires the right mindset. If you hold yourself back because you don’t believe it’s really possible, you’re only going to create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Of course, you need a ton of other skills in order to build a business that achieves those ambitions too!You need to embrace modern marketing, understand your customers, and be willing to innovate. You need a great operation with people who can sell, you need to be able to cultivate a strong community. You need organizational skills. You need to be able to spot the winning products and manage inventory correctly. You need to maintain your passion for games and persevere through the inevitable hard times.But without the vision and belief that you can build something great, you’re going to constantly undermine what your game store could be.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more game store owners discover the show. And if you're ready to take your store to the next level and want to talk about how we can help your game store grow with some ridiculously effective digital marketing, head over to manaversesaga.com/mma and let's make it happen.Until next time, keep building, keep growing, and keep gaming.

How Game Stores Can Change Lives and Build CommunityIn today's episode of the Manaverse Podcast, I dive deep into a topic that's been on my mind a lot lately: the growing loneliness and division many of us are experiencing in the modern world. With nearly a third of adults in the U.S. feeling lonely on a regular basis and our society becoming more polarized, I believe local game stores have a unique opportunity to bridge these gaps and foster genuine human connections.The Loneliness EpidemicLoneliness has become a silent epidemic with significant consequences for our health and well-being. Studies show that social isolation is linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. It's clear that people are craving connection more than ever, but finding meaningful ways to connect can be challenging.That's where game stores come in.My Story: How a Game Store Changed My LifeI want to share a bit of my own story to highlight just how powerful these spaces can be. When I was about 12 years old, a kid from down the street introduced me to a local game store called Deja Vu Games. It wasn't much to look at—a small, basement unit with a few folding tables and some shelves of Magic cards. But for me, it was a magical place where I discovered a community of people who shared my passion for games.I spent nearly every day after school at Deja Vu Games, and over time, I met the friends who would shape my life for years to come. These were the people who became my core group, my business partners, and eventually even the ones who helped me meet my wife. The connections I made there were deep and lasting, and they all started with a shared love of games.The Unique Role of Game StoresGame stores are more than just retail spaces; they're community hubs. Unlike most other social environments—like schools, workplaces, or bars—game stores provide a unique space where people from all walks of life can come together over a shared interest. Whether it's playing Magic: The Gathering, hosting a D&D campaign, or participating in a board game night, these activities naturally foster conversation, cooperation, and connection.At a time when many people feel isolated, game stores offer a welcoming environment where new friendships can be formed and old ones can be strengthened. The structure of playing games with others helps remove the awkwardness of meeting someone new, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages more social interaction.Building a Better World, One Game at a TimeI genuinely believe that game stores have the potential to make a significant impact on their communities and, by extension, the world. Imagine a future where every community has a friendly, well-run game store that serves as a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds. These stores could host a variety of events—game nights, paint nights, puzzle parties, and more—that bring people together, encourage socializing, and help build stronger, more connected communities.By fostering these connections, game stores can help combat the loneliness epidemic and create a more open-minded, cooperative society. It's a small step, but one that could lead to a much happier and healthier world.So, if you're a game store owner or thinking about becoming one, know that you're not just selling games—you're offering a space for connection, joy, and community. And that, to me, is something truly special.Thanks for reading, and if you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out the full podcast episode. And if you'd like your game store featured on the show, feel free to reach out to me at tom@manaversesaga.com.Together, let's build a better world, one game at a time.

Welcome to another episode of the Manaverse Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Travis Severance, the co-owner of Millennium Games in Rochester, New York. Join us as we dive into Travis's incredible journey in the gaming industry, exploring the challenges he's faced and the strategies that have made Millennium Games the largest game store in the USA.In this interview, we cover:Travis's early passion for gaming and how his family's gaming habits influenced him.His unique career path, from professional poker and mortgages to owning a game store.The origin story and growth of Millennium Games, expanding from a small store to a 28,000 square foot gaming haven.The importance of diversity within product categories to handle market fluctuations.Strategies for creating a successful game store, including the significance of customer feedback and community building.The role of game stores in fostering a welcoming environment and adapting communication for new customers.Insights into balancing a strong online presence with the success of a brick-and-mortar store.Personal lessons and the importance of learning from mistakes in the business.Links Mentioned:Millennium Games TV on YouTubeMillennium Games and Travis on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/MillenniumGameshttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009368408612Millennium Games on InstagramMillennium Games on Twitter/XMillennium Games on TwitchTravis also shares his experiences from industry events like the ACD open house and GenCon trade day, offering invaluable insights for aspiring game store owners and gaming enthusiasts alike.Don't miss this episode if you're looking to learn from one of the best in the business! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and insights from the gaming industry. Enjoy the interview!

Welcome to another episode of the Manaverse Podcast! My name is Tom Traplin and I am your host and this is the podcast where we talk about building successful friendly local game stores. Today, we’re talking with Michael Bahr, the mind behind the LGS Net Income newsletter and former owner of Desert Sky Games in Arizona. Michael relatively recently sold DSG to another game store owner, and I say relatively because I’ve been sitting on this recording for way too long, but we dive into what it takes to build a game store into a sellable asset. The processes and systems that you need to have in place to create a business that not only functions without you, but also gives you the opportunity to potentially exit the business profitably and on your own terms. It’s an excellent conversation, and if you want more of a backstage pass look into the operational side of a local game store I definitely recommend signing up for the LGSNI Substack. I’m a member and Michael’s insights into the crunchy, data driven aspects of the business are tremendously valuable. You can go to manaversesaga.com/lgsni to sign up. I’m not affiliated or anything with the newsletter, but I am a big fan, so check it out!Before we jump into the conversation, I’ve also got a fairly big announcement to make as well. As of today, I am officially a co-founding member of the 2nd Hand Geek team! I’m coming on as the CMO for 2nd Hand Geek and together we are going to build a marketplace that truly supports the local game stores that are the heart of the hobbies we all love.If you haven’t heard of 2nd Hand Geek yet, check out my interview with Alan Blakeborough in episode 138, to find out more about what it’s all about. I am very excited about the future of 2nd Hand Geek and how it will change the way hobbyists buy and sell online, while also giving back and supporting the local game stores that built up those communities of gamers that make everything possible in the first place.LinksLGS Net IncomeMVP1382ndHandGeek.com

Welcome to another exciting episode of our podcast! Today, we dive deep into the world of gaming retail with Joshua Pyle-Carter from The Deck Box. Joshua shares his incredible journey of building a successful gaming store from scratch. We explore how The Deck Box has created a community-centric environment, offering a personalized client service that goes beyond just selling products. You'll hear about the innovative strategies in inventory management, pricing, and staff empowerment that have contributed to the store's success. Joshua also sheds light on the future plans for The Deck Box, including balancing online and in-store sales and maintaining a profitable margin to support community events. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in gaming retail, community building, or just loves a good success story. Tune in for insights and inspiration from a gaming retail expert!Linkshttps://www.thedeckboxhalifax.com/https://www.facebook.com/DeckBoxHalifaxhttps://www.instagram.com/thedeckboxhalifax/

This is Part 3 of my interview with Joshua Pyle-Carter from The Deck Box, Halifax's Premier local games store. We delve into inventory management, pricing strategies, and how Josh empowers his staff to make good decisions without requiring his input as the owner. Joshua talks about balancing pricing for different card rarities, adapting to market changes, and setting prices appropriate for the local market, and why he doesn't use platforms like TCGPlayer to set his prices. This one is real crunchy if you're curious about the back end operations of how a local-first game store really functions and cultivates a profitable TCG ecosystem of local customers.Book a 30 minute strategy session with us to get your game store digital marketing plan created for free. It's yours to keep either way so you have nothing to lose. Go to https://manaversesaga.com/mma to book your call and start off 2024 strong.