The Manaverse Podcast: Magic: the Gathering Busine

Google calls Q5 a ‘distinct, high-value shopping season,’ and their data is fascinating which is why I wanted to talk about it. But the magic here goes way beyond Google ads. Game stores can use this Q5 behavior across their entire business — events, email, merchandising, community building, all of it. So this episode is all about how the psychology of Q5 works… and how you can tap into it in ways your competitors probably won’t. Check out the Game Store Mastermind https://www.skool.com/lgs-success-mastermind-6743/about Book a strategy call for your game store https://manaversesaga.com/mma

 Today we're tackling one of the biggest weekends of the year, black Friday, small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is three days, four days technically of pure intensity. Everyone is running promos, customers are hunting for deals, and the whole retail ecosystem usually kicks into overdrive. If you don't have a plan, it is going to feel like chaos. But if you do it right, if you go in with a strategy this weekend. Can generate a massive surge of momentum for the rest of the holiday season, along with a ton of sales and revenue for your store. Of course. So in this episode, we're gonna talk about how to build your BFCM strategy. We're gonna go over how to design smart promotions that drive sales without gutting your margins. How to build anticipation leading up to Black Friday. So customers think of you first instead of your competitors. How to leverage small business Saturday to deepen community ties, how to gamify your store. And make the weekend fun for your customers. How to use this weekend for content creation. And finally, what to do Tuesday morning to lock in those long term gains. Want to knock Q4 out of the park but not sure where to start? Book a consultation call and we'll create a custom marketing plan for your game store that you can use immediately. Head to https://manaversesaga.com/mma to get on the schedule today!

Q4 is make-or-break for local game stores — but without a plan, the holiday rush can feel like chaos. In this episode of the Manaverse Podcast, I walk you through a simple Holiday Game Plan to help your store maximize sales, get in front of more customers, and stay sane this season. You’ll learn: Why Q4 is the most important quarter for your store A quick “holiday audit” to focus your efforts The 3 pillars every successful game store holiday plan needs

In this episode of the Manaverse Podcast, we delve into the significant changes in shipping to the US from the rest of the world due to the removal of the de minimis exemption. David Finn, the owner of Giga-Bites Tabletop Gaming Cafe and Bridge Distribution breaks down why this change might actually be good for US and global businesses and strategies for adapting to the new rules. Discover how this policy shift is reshaping global trade in the games business and how you can shift your operation to thrive in the new environment. Get in touch with David Finn david.finn@bridgedist.com Sign up for SortSwift and use code MANAVERSE at checkout get your TCG singles business online while saving 5%! https://www.sortswift.com/?ref=manaverse Ready to take your store's visibility and growth to the next level? Visit manaversesaga.com/mma for a free 30-minute strategy session where we'll review your current marketing approach and show you exactly what's possible with some expert guidance.

Cardmill—a compact, cost-effective card sorting device designed for everyday players and collectors of trading card games. Get a behind the scenes look at the CardMill and how Jonathan Domanus is working to make professional and efficient card sorters affordable and accessible to TCG collectors and stores around the world. Meet CardMillDesigned for Players The CardMill is the only automated trading card game scanner and sorter on the market, priced for the everyday collector and player. Automated Scanning The CardMill can scan and sort batches of 300 cards at a time, hands-free! It moves, scans, and sorts all on its own. Fast Sorting Settings to sort cards alphabetically, by set/type/color and more! The CardMill auto-sorts your collection so you can find what you need when you need it. Intelligent Identification This AI-model learns and grows with your collection. The CardMill scanner identifies cards by name, set, foil, you name it! Digital Dashboard Scanning is just the beginning. Use CardMill's digital library to organize, filter, track price trends and add your inventory to your favorite collection tracker! Track Collection Value Integrated with up-to-date TCGPlayer pricing, you'll always have the latest prices of your inventory at-a-glance. Find out more about CardMill by going to https://cardmill.com/manaversesaga and sign up to get notified when the Kickstarter campaign goes live on July 22nd.

Mikah, the founder of SortSwift and MTech Cave, comes onto the Manaverse Podcast to talk about his journey from running a phone repair shop to building cutting-edge tools for the collectible card game industry. Mikah shares how his business evolved from selling Magic: The Gathering singles to creating a Kickstarter for card drawers that raised over $150K, eventually leading to the development of his own card sorting machine—one of the first new production machines in over 20 years. Get started with SortSwift today - https://manaversesaga.com/sortswift But hardware is just part of the picture. SortSwift also offers an integrated software suite for game stores and at-home sellers that includes: Inventory management Auto-pricing via TCGPlayer Buylist management Shopify and marketplace integrations Chaos-style organization (bin-level card tracking) POS and customer kiosk systems CSV tools and fuzzy match imports Plans for a vetted seller marketplace and fulfillment network If you're tired of dealing with legacy systems like BinderPOS that aren't performing as promised and want something more responsive, modular, and affordable, you should take a look at SortSwift. Many game stores are already switching, and growth is accelerating. Sign up for SortSwift today! https://manaversesaga.com/sortswift SortSwift quick hits: Over 2.2 million cards scanned Nearly $750K in customer sales processed 90+ active subscriptions and growing 21 sorting machines ordered, with more in production

In this episode of the Manaverse Podcast, Douglas Johnson (DJ) and I discuss the recent turmoil surrounding TCG Player and eBay. TCG Player recently announced the closure of it's Syracuse authentication center and the firing of 220 employees, right as the union was within weeks of finalizing a collective agreement. We talk about TCG Player's history in dealing with its employees, what this means for sellers and buyers on the platform, and the ethics (or lack thereof) in running a multibillion dollar corporation. Here's a short summary of the situation In early 2023, the graders and authenticators at TCGplayer’s Syracuse Authentication Center voted to unionize under the Communications Workers of America (CWA). On May 22, 2025, eBay announced it would close that Syracuse facility, affecting about 220 employees, and shift all authentication work to one of its logistics centers in Kentucky. The closure came just days after union leadership and eBay management wrapped up their first contract negotiations—CWA says the timing is suspicious. eBay’s official line is that consolidating in Kentucky “streamlines operations” and keeps costs down. Minimum wage and overhead in Kentucky are much lower than in upstate New York. Workers and the union claim this move is a union-busting tactic—there are new unfair-labor-practice charges filed with the NLRB arguing eBay shut down a unionized site to avoid bargaining. The Syracuse center was TCGplayer’s original headquarters and a key local employer—many of those 220 workers were specialized in grading card condition and verifying authenticity. With the Syracuse center gone, sellers and collectors in the short term will likely face longer turnaround times for grading and authentication. The CWA and local labor leaders have already staged rallies outside the shuttered building, started petitions, and enlisted state politicians to pressure eBay. eBay acquired TCGplayer in 2022 for $295 million, aiming to double down on the booming trading-card market—this shutdown is the first major union battle under their umbrella. Helpful links and alternative platformshttps://cardgarden.com/ https://www.cardkingdom.com/ https://manapool.com/ https://www.cardtrader.com/ https://theroccoalition.com/ https://x.com/amandalws

In this episode of the Manaverse podcast, we explore a variety of low-cost yet highly effective marketing strategies to help you increase the visibility and customer base of your friendly local game store. Inspired by a question from the Opening a Table Game Store Facebook group, we dive into 23 actionable tips, from optimizing your Google Business profile to running new player game nights and using attention grabbers to pull people into your store for the first time. Most of these strategies won't cost you more than the time you put in, so if you're looking for ways to boost your reach and bring in new customers, emphasis on new, give this episode a listen and deploy them in your game store. Several of them you can accomplish in under 30 minutes! Ready to take your store's visibility and growth to the next level? Visit manaversesaga.com/mma for a free 30-minute strategy session where we'll review your current marketing approach and show you exactly what's possible with some expert guidance.

In this episode of the Manaverse Podcast, we sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases and expert in small business PR, to dive deep into how local game stores can harness the power of press releases and media outreach to grow their customer base and boost their reputation. Mickie shares why small businesses have exactly the kind of human stories that local journalists love, and how easy (and inexpensive!) it can be to start getting media attention. Whether you're brand new to PR or just looking for simple ways to build stronger community ties, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can use right away. What You'll Learn:What a press release really is — and why most small stores don't need a fancy one How a simple email or phone call can open the door to local media coverage Why human interest stories are your secret PR weapon Tips for building your own “local journalist Rolodex” Easy, creative ideas to make your store’s events and customer stories media-friendly Why consistency in outreach pays off (even if it feels slow at first!) How PR can beat a $10,000 ad campaign for a fraction of the cost Real examples of how small businesses used PR to move the needle in a big way Resources Mentioned:eReleases Website Free PR Masterclass by Mickie Kennedy: ereleases.com/plan Connect with Mickie Kennedy:LinkedIn eReleases

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.

In this episode of the Manaverse Podcast, I sit down with Dustin Staats from BGE Tabeltop and Dae from Fire & Dice to talk about their journey as local game store owners and their ambitious plans for their first-ever convention, LFG Con. We dive into their backgrounds, the challenges of organizing a convention from the ground up, and the budgeting hurdles they've had to navigate. They also share what makes LFG Con unique and how they’re working to create an event that stands out. Throughout our conversation, we explore the power of community, the value of collaboration, and the excitement building around the convention. Check out LFG Con everywherehttps://www.lfg-con.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lfgconvention/ https://www.youtube.com/@LFGCon https://www.tiktok.com/@lfgconvention

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.

In this special update episode of the Manaverse Podcast, host Tom Traplin sits down with Blake Edward Hawkey, one of the co-founders of 2nd Hand Geek. Together, they discuss the evolution of the platform since its inception, the exciting new features available, and how the marketplace can benefit both players and local game stores. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The story behind 2nd Hand Geek, an eBay-style marketplace for used and new games, miniatures, and other geek culture items. How 2nd Hand Geek differs from platforms like eBay and TCGPlayer by offering a unique community revenue share model that rewards local game stores. An in-depth look at the new features on 2nd Hand Geek, including the innovative "Collection Feature" that helps players manage their collections and track the market value of their armies and miniatures. Details on the platform’s paint standards for miniatures, making it easier to sell and buy painted models with confidence in the quality. Upcoming features such as PayPal integration, secure transactions, and Shopify integration that will allow store owners to easily list their products on the platform. How game stores can benefit from 2nd Hand Geek’s affiliate program, earning 20% of the fees generated from their customer base’s transactions. The vision for the future of 2nd Hand Geek, including plans to become a one-stop shop for all things geek culture. Key Takeaways: 2nd Hand Geek is growing rapidly with over 500 accounts and hundreds of transactions. The team is focused on building out robust features to support further growth. Game store owners can easily sign up and start earning money by referring customers to the platform or listing their own inventory. The QR code and referral link system make it simple for stores to promote the platform and earn a percentage of transactions. The platform aims to support the broader gaming community by making it easier for players to find hard-to-get miniatures and games while also providing a new revenue stream for local stores. Connect with 2nd Hand Geek: Visit 2ndHandGeek.com to sign up for a free account and start listing your items. Join the 2nd Hand Geek community on Discord to share feedback and connect with the team. Interested in getting your store involved? Contact the team for more details on how you can benefit from their referral program and upcoming features. Episode Links: 2nd Hand Geek Website 2nd Hand Geek Discord Manaverse Podcast

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.

This interview that you’re about to hear with Scott Church is fascinating. Scott is the owner of Category One Games, an online only store he started way back in the mists of time, also known as 2004. A 20 year old online only store is interesting enough, but Category One Games specializes in dead TCG’s. Games that have been written off and dumped in the clearance sections of stores in the past are the bread and butter of Category One Games and Scott has a thriving business because of them.  Since game store owners often look at the products they sell as hot potatoes, Scott’s experience may lead you to reevaluate that common wisdom. Maybe there’s gold in those dead games sitting on your back shelves.  We also talk a fair bit about Crystal Commerce and the struggle of working with a legacy system that has a huge amount of potential, and the intricacies of marketing online. Good stuff all around. Speaking of marketing, that’s what we do! We help local game stores get more sales and establish a stronger presence online with digital marketing strategies like email, Google ads, Meta ads, social media, content, and search engine optimization, and we’d love to work with you! If you go to manaversesaga.com/mma and book a free call, we’ll go over your store’s current digital footprint and put together a custom digital marketing strategy plan tailored to your business. We’ll go over the plan together on the call and talk about how we can implement everything for you. If you want to work together, great! If you want to take the plan and try implementing it in house, that’s cool too. Either way, it’s yours to keep. We’ve helped game stores in nearly every stage of the business, from prelaunch all the way to multiple millions in yearly revenue, and we’d love to help your LGS take advantage of the massive opportunities that exist online. Head to manaversesaga.com/mma to get started! Linkshttps://www.categoryonegames.com/ Scott Church on Facebook

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 YouTube Millennium Games and Travis on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MillenniumGames https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009368408612 Millennium Games on Instagram Millennium Games on Twitter/X Millennium Games on Twitch Travis 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!

Andrew Johnson comes onto the podcast to talk about creating Manapool.com, a marketplace just for Magic cards. Learn about the hottest new marketplace for Magic players and local game store owners to buy and sell Magic singles, and how Andrew and his team of co-founders and building a great solution for the Magic community. Sign up for a Manapool.com account and get 0% seller fees for 6 months plus cash rebates.

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 Income MVP138 2ndHandGeek.com

In this episode of the Manaverse Podcast, I interview Marcus Kearsey, a game designer for the Altered TCG team. We discuss the unique aspects of Altered TCG, including its non-combat focus, digital integration, and innovative deck-building mechanics. Kearsey shares his journey into game design, the challenges and rewards of developing a new TCG, and how player feedback shapes the game. They delve into the game's lore, art, and future plans, including organized play and competitive aspects. The episode offers a deep dive into the creative process behind Altered TCG. Questions:What initially inspired the concept of Altered, and how has it evolved from its original idea? Can you share insights into the creative process behind the game's unique blend of lore and visual design, especially with influences from Miyazaki and Dixit-like illustrations? What challenges did you face in creating a balanced yet engaging gameplay experience in Altered? Could you elaborate on how the game’s unique rarity system and algorithmically generated cards impact both gameplay and player strategy? How did you approach the lore creation for the six factions in Altered? What inspired their distinct characteristics and stories? Can you delve into the process of integrating the game's lore with its mechanics and card design? What does a typical day look like for you as a game designer on Altered? How do you balance creativity with the technical aspects of game design? In what ways has player feedback shaped the development of Altered? What future expansions or developments can players look forward to in the Altered universe? How do you envision the growth of Altered in the competitive TCG scene? What have been some of the most challenging aspects of developing Altered, and how did you overcome them? Can you share a particularly rewarding moment or milestone in the game’s journey so far? What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the field of game design, especially in the TCG genre? How has working on Altered influenced your personal views on game design and storytelling? If you could go back to the beginning of the Altered project, is there anything you would do differently? Check out the Altered TCG Kickstarter campaign! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/equinox-studio/altered-tcg 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.

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/DeckBoxHalifax https://www.instagram.com/thedeckboxhalifax/