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.