Game On with Foxes Board Game Shop
Images by Brette Little
Board games are a perfect way to bring people together (even while you’re playing against each other). For years Bryan Dubien—owner of the Foxes Board Game Shop—has created inclusive play spaces for Salt Springers to come together around games of all kinds, from brand new board games to tabletop classics like Dungeons & Dragons.
Bryan is dedicated to creating community, from his previous epic game nights at the public library to the installation of public pianos around the island, and was recognized at the 2019 Salty Awards for being the “Person Who Goes the Extra Mile.”
Running a game shop during the pandemic while people are spending a lot more time at home has become a type of community service of its own; people crave personal connection, and board games are a popular activity within social bubbles. So how does a physical store adapt events to our socially-distanced reality? We met up with Bryan at his brand-new storefront on the park side of Ganges Alley to learn about their recently re-launched weekly game nights.
The bright, airy store is intentionally designed to be inclusive and welcoming. “Historically, gaming was a very straight-male dominated area that intentionally excluded others,” Bryan reflected. Alternatively, Foxes is “a play space where everyone can feel comfortable.” The store has space for two tables of four players and hosts multiple game nights each week: D&D on Mondays, board games on Tuesdays, and Magic: the Gathering on Wednesdays and Fridays. Masks are mandatory (the store can provide masks if players forget their own), and events are capped at 8 people who must pre-register through the store; the slots usually fill up in advance. A small fee covers beverages and cleaning.
“A play space where everyone can feel comfortable.”
-Bryan Dubien
Another option for those who want to play in a private group is renting a table from the store to take into Centennial Park. You can even enjoy a locally-made Mavericks ice pop while you play outside, as they’re now sold in store too!
We visited the store on board game night, where two four-player games would be underway. This edition saw Elizabeth Hargrave’s Wingspan laid out on one table, and Root set up on the other.
At first glance, a new board game can be intimidating. There are so many pieces, cards, and rules to consider! Yet Bryan has become a skilled and empathetic games teacher after many years of selling games and organizing events, and welcomes first-time players. New games can be daunting but he’s “there to make sure everyone is comfortable and having fun;” no need to pore over the rulebook. In Bryan’s words, “A game is a set of rules that makes you feel safe to play,” and Foxes game nights are all about play being fun.
“A game is a set of rules that makes you feel safe to play.”
-Bryan Dubien
With a new Instagram account boasting a bright and jovial flair, your friendly game shop has become even more accessible. Now you can peruse new games, be reminded of upcoming games nights, and window-shop their Saturday-Market-inspired “farmer’s market stand” which has cleverly included goodies like Bananagrams, the Point Salad game, and hand-picked dice.
Foxes Board Game Shop wants to know, what’s on your kitchen table? Everyone is welcome to come in to chat about games or stick around to play. Game on!
