A NEW business in Launceston is building a thriving community as its owner passes his passion onto others.

In June, Pete’s Games opened its doors in Launceston, a fresh addition to the town’s businesses and for many a space to enjoy some of their more ‘nerdy’ hobbies among a thriving local community.

Pete’s Games is a boardgame and trading card game(TCG) shop based on Southgate Street. Run by Pete Bailey, in its first few months the shop has grown beyond belief building a strong community within the town.

The space features two floors, equipped with everything a LGS (local game store) could need, including a free-to-play games area, plenty of tables, a second upstairs space, a pool table and plenty of food and drink.

Speaking to the Post, Pete explained where his dream of opening a games shop came from.

He said: “My want to open a games shop started well over a decade ago with Smiphees Newsagents in Callington, my hometown. Inside the newsagents he also ran a games shop, Zaggy Games. I spent many hours in that place, becoming an integral part of the community there, I loved it and the people, many of whom I am still friends with to this day.

“Unfortunately, life and circumstance took me away from Callington, and Zaggy Games has since closed down. I moved on, and life moved on. Then, my dad got sick...Alzheimer's. I changed my job and moved back to Callington to look after him. I tried my best to be there for him, like he was for me when he raised me. But I couldn’t do it. Being there with him, watching the man I love more than anything disappear before my very eyes. Watching the man who worked so hard to get me the games I so loved, and spent so many hours with me playing and enjoying them, enjoying my love for those games and falling in love with them himself. Watching the source of so many happy memories lose them. Watching my father fade to something almost unrecognisable. I couldn’t do it.

“We contacted the council about assisted help, however, after three visits they stated that they were unable to help us. So, I need money for private care.”

Suddenly, Pete’s love of games – much of which was passed on to him by his father – was an avenue to support his family.

He continued: “I started looking for options, looking at my skillset, my abilities, and my desires. I’ve always loved games thanks to dad, and my family. I’ve been tinkering about designing my own for a few years. I can sell games. So that was it, use the love of games imbued to me by my father, to help him now in his late years.

“Spread the joy and happiness he brought to me, bring his laugh, and his enthusiasm somewhere new, and use it to ensure he’s looked after.”

Before opening the shop, Pete had a variety of jobs, from hospitality, retail, to call centres and delivery driving. However, his love of games was always what called to him.

He explained: “Importantly, I played games. Never ever have I stopped playing games. I’ve always ensured I had at least one weekly gaming event to go to. Whether that be ‘Friday Night Magic’ at my LGS or working with Wizards and Warlords or playing with friends. What has always amazed me about games is how they bring people together, how they truly are a community creator, and how they make friendships.”

Since its launch at the end of June, the space has been a hive of activity, with local game enthusiasts coming from far and wide to get in on the action – forging its own community. This has been seen in the shop’s financial success, in its first month, sales were 50 per cent above projections and in August that figure grew to 75 per cent.

“Uptake has been so much more than I could have ever imagined,” said Pete. “I have been able to hire my first employee six months ahead of schedule. Not only has business been great, but the community we are creating has been wonderful, with so many people offering to help, putting on events, and teaching new people the games they love. I’d like to especially thank: Caitlyn, Chris, Anthony, Max, Luca, Catherine, Martin, Matt, Ben, Greg, and Faith for their support and assistance. These people are my first pillars of community, and I look forward to working with them and developing a loving and supportive community with them.”

Although some locals were skeptical at first, according to Pete there is a huge desire for shops such as his within the area — with these spaces acting as community zones in much the same way churches, libraries and pubs have historically.

He said: “On the same day I opened, DNA Games opened in Bude, along with Tic Tac Tabletop in Tavistock, we make up three shops within a half-hour radius. Although, I don’t feel that there is especially a desire for shops such as Pete’s Games, more that there is a desire for spaces like Pete’s Games.

“There is a desire for what the sociologists Oldenberg and Christensen call “the third place”. Third places are creative, and community spaces, wherein people can exist for low to no cost, and gather to be together.

“Historically, these places were churches, bingo halls, clubs and pubs, or libraries. However, in the current social climate, these places have lost their appeal to the general public, whether that be pubs and clubs being too expensive now for most people and families, or other places not being able to cater to the modern practicalities.

“I want to fill that hole, to be the third place you spend your time at, not home, not work, but a third place. I am open from 3pm to 10pm, so that when people finish school or work, they can come in, pick up a game, have fun, then go home for dinner. I don’t want to be a shop. I want to be a community space, with a shop attached.”

It is clear to see that at the heart of this all is Pete’s desire to build something special. Anyone who enters the shop is welcomed with a warm “hello” and often to the sound of a bustling crowd located across the space.

“Building a community in Launceston has been a truly amazing experience. The pillars of the community I mentioned have been wonderful, and the members even more so. Universally enthusiastic, kind, and happy people have made their way to Pete’s Games, and have made it come to life.”

Already off to a flying start, Pete is naturally looking ahead to what comes next.

He explained: “Practically, I’d love to see the shop grow. We have people come in asking for product I don’t have in at the moment, and I’d love to help these people with their gaming needs. On a community level, I cannot wait to put on more events.

“Hosting events at the shop is currently free. This month we have our first birthday party. We are also hosting a talk for the folk festival.”

Pete has become a welcome figure within the town, creating a safe and welcoming space for all to attend.

Already a member of this growing community, this reporter looks forward to seeing you on your next visit and maybe even picking up a game together.