When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Players' Union Games / Experience Point
Why Players' Union Games / Experience Point is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Players' Union Games, also known as Experience Point, stands out as Oregon's first worker-owned and operated game store, embodying a unique cooperative spirit that resonates deeply with its community. This distinct ownership structure fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, making it an ideal gathering spot for gamers of all backgrounds. The store goes beyond a typical retail experience, positioning itself as a true "third place" — a social environment separate from home and work where people can come together to engage in their shared passion for games. Visitors to Players' Union Games find an extensive selection of board games, card games, role-playing games, and related accessories, catering to casual players and dedicated hobbyists alike. The cooperative model translates into attentive and knowledgeable staff who are passionate gamers themselves, enhancing the community feel and support among patrons. Experience Point regularly hosts gaming events, tournaments, and meetups, providing ample opportunities for both newcomers and veterans to connect, compete, and collaborate. Its commitment to inclusivity and community-building creates a vibrant space where friendships flourish, making it a go-to destination for socializing, gaming, and exploring new experiences in the gaming world.
Here's what people think of Players' Union Games / Experience Point
As of recent, Players' Union Games / Experience Point holds a 4.5-star rating based on 153 reviews.
Customer feedback on Players' Union Games / Experience Point consistently highlights the welcoming atmosphere and strong community focus fostered by its worker-owned model. Positive reviews often praise the staff's friendliness, expertise, and genuine enthusiasm for gaming, which helps newcomers feel comfortable and supported. Many users appreciate the breadth of the game selection, the quality of curated events, and the store's role as a social hub where friendships grow beyond the game tables. Reviewers also note the inclusivity and diversity embraced by the store, making it accessible for gamers of all skill levels and backgrounds. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues such as limited parking, busy periods that can feel crowded, or pricing that some customers find on the higher side compared to online options. A few mentioned event scheduling conflicts or limited seating during popular game nights. However, these concerns appear relatively minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Overall, the reviews depict Players' Union Games / Experience Point as a vibrant, friendly, and knowledgeable community-driven space that successfully balances retail with social gaming experiences. The positive aspects far outweigh the negatives, establishing it as a treasured gaming destination in Oregon.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Stephen Carboni
Fantastic group! Very friendly and everything is very fairly priced. Will be giving them business from now on.
Luckyone Kenobi
I came up from Eugene to do my first two headed giant draft a month ago. Now I am up here every other week for $10 drafts. This place has it going on. Fun times, cool crowd, very informative staff. Thanks for everything.
Jake Kwong
Everytime I've been in I have been greeted by welcoming and excited staff who are very helpful and seem to really love what they do. They have a ton of really great cards and try to keep the newest and best new products well stocked and they also have a bunch of older set to look through as well. A really great shop!! I'll be going there whenever I'm in town!
LENRSMITH Gaming
Great store and super helpful staff. Amazing prices too.
B
This is my favorite trading card store in Portland. Alex is awesome and by far the best person I've done business with in my pokemon collecting thus far. Thanks for the piepi-puppe Alex. ^___^
How to reach Players' Union Games / Experience Point
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Website: None
Why Players' Union Games / Experience Point may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Players' Union Games / Experience Point with your friends?
Gathering with friends and family for a memorable outing requires a venue that not only fosters fun but also creates a welcoming, engaging atmosphere conducive to shared experiences. Players' Union Games / Experience Point excels as this ideal destination, making it a prime spot for meetups. This establishment, acclaimed with a stellar 4.5 rating from over 150 reviews, is more than just a game store — it represents a vibrant community hub where gamers and social enthusiasts from all backgrounds come together. The uniqueness of being Oregon’s first worker-owned and operated game store adds a layer of authenticity and commitment to quality in service and environment. The space is powerful in its inclusivity, designed as a "third place" that balances comfort and excitement, encouraging connections whether you’re there to compete, learn, or simply unwind. The diverse range of activities available caters to different interests and skill levels, ensuring everyone in your group finds something intriguing to engage with. Thus, rallying here promises enriching interactions, shared laughs, and lasting memories forged in an atmosphere of friendly competition and camaraderie.
What activities can you enjoy at Players' Union Games / Experience Point?
Players' Union Games / Experience Point offers a rich variety of gaming experiences that make it perfect for group meetups. First, the store features an extensive library of board games, card games, and tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), catering to all interests from casual players to seasoned hobbyists. Whether you want to settle in for a cooperative strategy game or a lively competitive card battle, the options are abundant. Moreover, the venue organizes regular game nights and special events, providing an entertaining schedule that groups can plan around. These events foster social interaction and friendly rivalry, making them ideal for bonding or sparking new friendships within the gaming community. Additionally, because the store is worker-owned and community-focused, staff members are knowledgeable and passionate, readily offering game recommendations and teaching newcomers how to play, thus enhancing the experience for mixed-skill groups. This hands-on approach creates a welcoming learning environment and keeps the energy high among participants.
Why is Players' Union Games / Experience Point ideal for a group meetup?
The ambiance and layout of Players' Union Games / Experience Point are intentionally designed to accommodate groups comfortably. Spacious tables and well-organized seating arrangements allow groups to easily gather, share snacks, and play games without feeling cramped. The environment strikes a careful balance between lively and relaxed, suitable for enthusiastic competition or casual hangouts. Moreover, the communal spirit encouraged by the staff and patrons alike transforms your meetup into a collective experience where everyone — regardless of their familiarity with gaming — feels welcome. The store’s commitment to inclusivity means it cultivates a diverse crowd, making it a place where people from various backgrounds can connect over mutual interests. Additionally, the flexibility of the space means groups can extend their visits as long as they want, giving time for multiple games and socializing. Thus, it’s not just about playing games but about creating shared moments that deepen friendships and build community ties.
How does Players' Union Games / Experience Point support inclusivity and community?
One of the standout aspects of Players' Union Games / Experience Point is its identity as a worker-owned cooperative. This means decisions are made with community welfare and staff welfare in mind, leading to a more genuine and respectful customer experience. It prides itself on being a "third place" — a social surrounding distinct from home and work, where people feel comfortable and connected. This philosophy manifests in a welcoming policy for gamers of all identities and skill levels. The store actively cultivates an atmosphere free from judgement, where anyone can explore new games without fear of exclusion or discrimination. Community-building events further promote inclusiveness, such as themed game nights or charity fundraisers, which bring people together over shared purposes beyond just entertainment. This strong community ethic ensures that group meetups here feel safe, inclusive, and rich in positive social interaction, enhancing the appeal for gatherings of friends and family.
What additional features enhance the players' experience at this venue?
Besides the core gaming activities, Players' Union Games / Experience Point offers several amenities that enhance group meetups. There is often access to snacks and beverages, allowing visitors to relax and refresh between games without needing to leave the location. The staff members frequently assist with setting up games or explaining complex rules, which is a substantial benefit for groups with beginners or those unfamiliar with specific games. The store’s commitment to being a worker cooperative also reflects in customer service quality—employees are motivated to create an excellent, friendly experience rather than just selling products. Furthermore, because the store keeps up with the latest gaming trends and releases, visitors can expect to find fresh, exciting games to try, keeping each visit new and engaging. Some meetups might even plan their outings around new game launches or special community events hosted by Players' Union Games, transforming a simple meetup into a dynamic celebration.
In summary, Players' Union Games / Experience Point is an exceptional destination for hosting meetups with friends or family due to its welcoming community-focused atmosphere, variety of gaming options, inclusive policies, and supportive amenities. It offers an experience that goes beyond entertainment to foster genuine connection and belonging among its visitors, making it a favorite gathering spot for anyone who values shared fun and communal engagement.