Game Theory celebrates second anniversary with fun filled, prize ridden week with community

WASILLA — Wasilla’s homegrown hobby shop, Game Theory recently celebrated two years of spending quality time with an ever growing cycle of regulars and newcomers.

Brandon and Amber Sumner opened Game Theory in August of 2018 with a vision to create a gathering place where everyone feels welcome. They wanted their game and card store to encourage as many young players to join as the novice players; a place that encourages children and their families to come together.

“If they haven’t been in since we opened it’s changed a lot in 2 years. When I look back at the pictures and how far we’ve come it makes me really glad the community has helped us grow… We look forward to continuing to grow,” Amber said.

As a way of giving back to the community that’s supported them to this point, owners Brandon and Amber Sumner offered a variety of events, workshops, giveaways, and other activities over the course of a week which wrapped up Sunday, Aug. 30.

Customers were able to participate in a number of events related to their favorite role playing, card, and tabletop games. There was even a “Paint and Take Night.” Magic the Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Pokemon nothing was off the table, literally. They even were able to celebrate with a brand new table crafted specifically for game nights by new employee, Justin Elyard.

“It’s been going fantastically well. We are doing great,” Amber said.

According to Amber, overall business has gone fairly well in spite of surrounding circumstances. She said they’ve acquired a loyal customer base that only seems to grow in strength and closeness over time.

“It’s actually been pretty good for us here,” Amber said.

Game Theory was closed for a period of time, and as soon as they got the okay to open up, they got right back to it. Amber noted that while still slower than usual, particularly with events, customers have been steadily strolling through.

“We’ve had such an outpouring of support from the community,” Amber said.

“Human connection… Especially in this community, it’s really vital,” Amber said. “We’re just continuing to be the place in the community we aspired to be. I guess we feel really blessed we’re able to keep operating and there’s people who want to come hang out and play some games. It’s important.”

Brandon is opening a deli in downtown Wasilla. Amber said they hope to be open by the second week of September.

There’s game nights and events scheduled each week at Gamer Theory. The next big event at the shop is a Magic the Gathering release weekend from Sept. 18 to Sept. 20. They’re also working to establish a War Hammer plague by the end of September.

For event schedules and more information about Game Theory, visit their Facebook page or call 907-373-4263.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com