Why Your Local Game Store Matters More Than Ever

Our Take on Community, Connection, and Play

In a world where screens and social media often take center stage, there’s something uniquely powerful about gathering around a table with friends, family, and fellow gamers. That’s the belief at the heart of The Hidden Lair — where gaming isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to connect, create memories, and grow community.

More Than Just a Store — A Place to Belong

The Hidden Lair started as a small family business driven by a simple idea: share the joy of gaming with others. What began from a love of role-playing games, board games, and dice has grown into a destination where people of all ages and interests can come together around something they love. 

Owner Derrick Bradshaw sums it up best: as a child, games gave him a sense of belonging, and many of his lifelong friendships were forged at the table with cards, dice, and miniatures. That same spirit — that sense of connection — is what The Hidden Lair brings to the Mt. Zion community today. 

Family First — Game Nights That Build Bonds

At The Hidden Lair, gaming is more than entertainment — it’s a way for people to step away from electronics and really spend quality time together. Whether it’s an epic session of Dungeons & Dragons, a clever strategy game, or a classic word challenge like Scrabble, the focus is always on togetherness, creativity, and fun. 

This emphasis on family and shared play isn’t just good for gamers — it’s good for relationships, communication, and making memories you just can’t get scrolling on a screen.

Community at the Core

What truly sets The Hidden Lair apart is the community focus. The store isn’t just about selling games — it’s about bringing people together and giving back. Each month, The Hidden Lair hosts events that support local organizations and shine a spotlight on rising stars within the community. That outreach mentality strengthens local connections and creates a supportive space for everyone who walks through the door.

Why It Matters

It’s easy to forget the value of local, in-person experiences in our digital age. But stores like The Hidden Lair are vital for:

• Building real community ties

• Helping new gamers learn and grow

• Creating a welcoming space for people of all ages

• Supporting local culture and connection

In a time where so much of life happens online, having a place where people can meet face-to-face, share stories, laugh together, and roll dice is more important than ever.