Tabletop Gaming: The Enduring Allure of Classic Board Games in the Digital Age

In a world increasingly dominated by high-tech gadgets and digital entertainment, a surprising trend has emerged: the resurgence of classic board games. Amidst the fast-paced, technology-driven landscape, a new generation of gamers is discovering the timeless appeal of tabletop gaming, and a Milwaukee-based store is leading the charge.

Bringing People Together Through the Power of Play

Fostering Community and Camaraderie

While the primary goal of Old Guard Games is to turn a profit, the store's founder, Ben Checoda, has a deeper vision that extends beyond the bottom line. Checoda, a healthcare marketing executive, has long been passionate about the power of board games to bring people together. "The reason behind all of these games is to have one or two, three or four people sitting across the table having a good time," he explains. "Camaraderie, having a chance to come together to spend time with another human being."Checoda believes that live gameplay has a unique ability to foster connections and social interaction in a way that video games often lack. "The whole feeling of the place, we wanted it to be a place where people wanted to come, wanted to hang out," he says. "The perfect day for us is to have a group of people playing magic cards which appeals to a younger crowd, a group playing Pokemon, chess, historical games, something that appeals across generations."

Bridging Generations Through Timeless Classics

Old Guard Games is not just a repository for the latest gaming trends; it also celebrates the enduring appeal of classic board games. From timeless favorites like chess and checkers to beloved franchises like Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering, the store's diverse selection caters to a wide range of age groups and gaming preferences.Checoda's vision is to create a space where people of all ages can come together and share in the joy of tabletop gaming. "We wanted it to be a place where people wanted to come, wanted to hang out," he says. "The perfect day for us is to have a group of people playing magic cards which appeals to a younger crowd, a group playing Pokemon, chess, historical games, something that appeals across generations."

Fostering a New Generation of Gamers

Checoda is particularly excited about the store's proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus, which he hopes will help attract a new generation of gamers. "We wanted it to be a place where people wanted to come, wanted to hang out," he says. "The perfect day for us is to have a group of people playing magic cards which appeals to a younger crowd, a group playing Pokemon, chess, historical games, something that appeals across generations."By offering a diverse selection of games and creating an inviting atmosphere, Old Guard Games aims to inspire a love of tabletop gaming in both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Checoda believes that the tactile experience and social interaction inherent in board games can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the digital world, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that transcends age and gaming preferences.