SPRINGFIELD – It’s all fun and games on Main Street in Springfield with the arrival of Castle of Games in the Paramount Center.
Kimberly Buckmaster, owner of Castle of Games, was joined on Feb. 28 by Springfield Chamber Area of Commerce members and the public for a celebratory opening of the store’s new location at 2100 Main St. in Springfield.
Castle of Games is a game store that offers miniatures, family and board games, role-playing, collectible card games, comic book subscriptions, and a wide selection of gaming accessories and gadgets.
“I wouldn’t be here without my business partner of 11½ years, Chris (Knapp),” said Buckmaster during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Buckmaster and Knapp started Castle of Games in 2013, but the move was a fresh start for Buckmaster.
Buckmaster said the new space is more fitting. “It’s just better,” they said. The business’ old location at 660 Main St. was in a “hodge-podge shape” and had difficult parking.
The new location boasts a better fitting layout with easy access to the store’s various supplies.
Besides the store’s main inventory holding area, there is also a playing room where visitors can play games and host and participate in tournaments. Tournaments are community-run and happen about once a month, according to Warhammer player, Avery Yeck.
Yeck and other gamers said they started playing during Covid and according to Buckmaster, family game nights have revived since the pandemic. “It’s nice to see that resurgence of families together,” Buckmaster said.
All are welcome at Castle of Games. Buckmaster said clientele ranges from teenagers to 70-year-olds. “Everybody plays games,” they said.
Sanderson’s reporting is supported by the Catalyst Journalism Project at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication.
