Why Local Game Stores Matter
- Big Game
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
In a world where almost everything can be purchased online with a few clicks, local game stores continue to offer something that websites simply can't: community.
At The Big Game in Amherst, Ohio, we see it every day. People don't just come through our doors to buy cards, board games, miniatures, or collectibles. They come to meet friends, learn new games, share strategies, and become part of something bigger than themselves.
A Place to Gather
Gaming has always been about bringing people together. Whether you're battling in a Magic: The Gathering tournament, learning a new board game with your family, or trading cards with fellow collectors, local game stores create opportunities for face-to-face interactions that are becoming increasingly rare.
For many players, their local game store becomes a second home—a place where friendships are formed and memories are made.
Learning From Experienced Players
One of the greatest benefits of visiting a local game store is access to a community of knowledgeable players.
Want to learn how to play Magic: The Gathering? Curious about a new trading card game? Looking for advice on building a stronger deck?
At a local game store, experienced players and staff members are often happy to help. That kind of personal guidance is difficult to find when shopping online.
Supporting Local Events
Local game stores host tournaments, leagues, game nights, prerelease events, and special community gatherings that keep gaming communities thriving.
These events provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to compete, learn, and have fun in a welcoming environment.
Without local game stores, many of these events simply wouldn't exist.
Discovering New Games
Online stores are great at showing you what you're already looking for. Local game stores are great at helping you discover something new.
You might walk in looking for a pack of cards and leave with a recommendation for a new board game your family will love. You might meet someone who introduces you to a game you've never heard of before.
Those unexpected discoveries are part of what makes visiting a local game store so exciting.
Building Friendships
Gaming creates connections.
Many lifelong friendships begin across a game table. Players who start as strangers often become regular opponents, teammates, and friends.
Local game stores provide a welcoming environment where people from all walks of life can connect through shared interests.
Supporting Small Businesses
When you shop at a local game store, you're investing in your own community.
Your purchases help support local jobs, local events, and a gathering place where gamers can continue to connect and grow the hobby they love.
Every booster pack, board game, and collectible purchased locally helps ensure that the gaming community remains strong for years to come.
More Than Just a Store
At the end of the day, a local game store is more than shelves filled with products.
It's where players celebrate victories, learn from defeats, meet new friends, and create stories they'll remember for years.
At The Big Game, we're proud to be part of the Amherst gaming community. Whether you're a longtime player, a collector, or someone looking to discover a new hobby, we invite you to stop by, say hello, and see what makes local game stores so special.
Because the best part of gaming has never been what's in the box—it's the people gathered around the table.
You never know what you’ll find…
The Big Game
2290 Kresge Drive, Amherst, Ohio 44001
Hours
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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