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Reflecting on the Joy of being at Athoria Games

September 9th, 2024

Let’s Make Time for In-Person Gaming and Fun!

Hey Gamers,Life’s moving at lightning speed, and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of digital notifications and virtual meetings. But there’s something seriously awesome about coming together in person to roll some dice, trade cards, or just chill and play a game. Especially here in Arizona, where it’s so hot outside that even the thought of being outdoors feels like stepping into an oven, finding a cool spot for gaming is a total win.At Athoria Games, it’s been amazing to see folks drop by for everything from epic RPG sessions to intense Magic: The Gathering tournaments. And let’s not forget the Pokémon card trades! Seeing everyone light up with excitement and enthusiasm reminds me why I got into this in the first place. One of my favorite things is introducing new players to the world of gaming—whether they’re 8 or 80. The joy and curiosity on their faces as they pick up a new game or figure out a tricky strategy are priceless. It’s what keeps me pumped and loving what I do every day. Even though I’m running the show at the game store, I’ve got to remind myself to dive into the games too. It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in store duties, but actually playing keeps me connected to the fun and excitement that drew me to gaming in the first place.Speaking of excitement, the return of the Standard format in Magic: The Gathering has me seriously stoked. It’s like a fresh breath of air for the game, and I can’t wait to see the new strategies and epic plays that come with it. It’s going to bring a whole new level of energy to our tournaments and events. But it’s not just Magic that’s buzzing. Lately, we’ve had some cool pick-up games of Yu-Gi-Oh, Digimon, and Flesh & Blood popping up. We even had a group of Universus players swing by and ask us to host their events. These smaller communities have so much passion and dedication, and they help keep that mom-and-pop vibe alive and kicking.In a world where we’re all glued to screens, it’s more important than ever to balance our digital lives with some good old-fashioned face-to-face gaming. There’s something incredibly satisfying about unplugging and enjoying a game in person, where the laughter and excitement are real and shared. So, let’s make a point to cherish these moments of in-person fun. Whether you’re hitting up a game night at Athoria Games or gearing up for a Magic tournament, remember that these are the moments that make gaming truly special.Can’t wait to see you all at our next event!Catch you soon,Lady Athoria
Owner, Athoria Games
Tempe, AZ


A Fantastic Summer and a Thrilling Fall Ahead at Athoria Games! 

August 18th, 2024

A Fantastic Summer and a Thrilling Fall Ahead at Athoria Games!

Greetings, gamers and friends!As we bid farewell to another sizzling summer here in Tempe, AZ, we at Athoria Games want to take a moment to reflect on the fantastic experiences we've shared and look forward to the exciting times ahead.Summer HighlightsThis summer has been nothing short of extraordinary! From our lively game nights to the incredible turnout at our summer tournaments, it’s been a season filled with enthusiasm, camaraderie, and, of course, games. We’ve seen epic battles, unforgettable victories, and so many new faces joining our gaming community. Whether you were here for the latest board game releases, trading card duels, or the immersive RPG sessions, your energy and passion made this summer truly special.A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our summer events and made them a tremendous success. Your support and engagement are what keep Athoria Games buzzing with excitement and innovation.Looking Ahead to FallAs we transition into fall, we’re thrilled to bring you even more thrilling events and exclusive releases. Autumn is a time for cozying up with new games, exploring fresh adventures, and gathering with friends and fellow enthusiasts. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:
  • Fall Game Nights: Get ready for themed game nights that will embrace the cozy vibes of fall. Expect seasonal snacks, festive decorations, and, of course, epic game play.
  • Upcoming Releases: We have some amazing new titles and expansions on the horizon that are sure to get you excited:
    • Flesh & Blood: Rosetta – Dive into this highly anticipated set with new strategies and exciting cards that will shake up your deck-building game.
    • Magic: The Gathering - Duskmourn – Experience the latest set in the Magic universe, full of fresh mechanics and enchanting artwork that will enhance your collection.
    • One Piece and Digimon – Both beloved franchises are dropping new releases, offering fresh content and thrilling updates for fans of these epic worlds.
  • Spooky October RPG Sessions: Embrace the Halloween spirit with our vampire and horror-themed RPG sessions throughout October. Whether you’re delving into dark mysteries or battling supernatural foes, these sessions promise to deliver chills and thrills for all participants. Don your best costumes and prepare for a month of spine-tingling adventures!
  • Special Events: From Halloween-themed tournaments to special guest appearances and workshops, we’re cooking up a variety of events that will keep you engaged and entertained throughout the season.
Join Us in Celebrating FallWe invite you to celebrate the change of seasons with us at Athoria Games. Whether you’re a long-time member of our gaming family or new to the scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Drop by our store, check out the latest arrivals, and join in the fun!Thank you for making this summer unforgettable. Here’s to a fall filled with great games, good company, and countless memorable moments. We can’t wait to see you soon!Warm regards,Lady Athoria
Owner, Athoria Games
Tempe, AZ


Modern Horizons 3: A New Era of Power and Excitement

June 1st, 2024

Hey gamers!

As many of you know, Modern Horizons 3 is just around the corner, and it's got the Magic community buzzing. The latest spoilers have revealed some truly overpowered cards, and while I'm a bit concerned about the balance, I can't deny my excitement for how these cards will shake up the format.

The Power Creep Dilemma

One of the first things that jumps out about Modern Horizons 3 is the sheer power level of some of these new cards. There are creatures and spells that seem almost too good to be true. On one hand, this could lead to certain decks dominating the meta, pushing out more creative and diverse strategies. It's always a fine line to walk between making exciting new cards and maintaining a balanced game environment. I'm particularly worried about cards that can turn the tide of a game almost single-handedly, which might make some matches feel a bit one-sided.

The Thrill of Fast-Paced Games

On the flip side, there's something undeniably thrilling about games that are fast-paced and full of surprises. These powerful new cards have the potential to create some incredibly dynamic and explosive matches. Imagine pulling off a combo that seemed impossible just a set ago, or watching a friend’s jaw drop as you play an unexpected card that flips the game on its head. These moments are what make Magic: The Gathering so special. The potential for new strategies and interactions is huge, and I can’t wait to see what players come up with.

Balancing Concerns with Excitement

It's a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions thinking about Modern Horizons 3. Will some of these cards be too powerful for their own good? Possibly. But the excitement of exploring new strategies, discovering powerful combos, and witnessing the creativity of the Magic community is what keeps me looking forward to each new release. Plus, the community always finds a way to adapt and evolve, which is part of the beauty of the game.

I’m excited to see how these new cards will affect the format and am eager to dive into some high-energy games filled with unexpected twists. Whether it’s brewing up new decks or refining old favorites, there's a lot to look forward to. What are your thoughts on Modern Horizons 3? Are you excited or concerned about the new cards? Drop by the store, share your thoughts, and maybe join us for a game or two!

Until next time, keep shuffling those decks and stay epic!

Cheers,

Lady Athoria



Exciting Changes: A Fresh Layout for Athoria Games!

04/29/24

Greetings, fellow gamers! Lady Athoria here, and I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. Over the past month, we've been hard at work here at Athoria Games, revamping the layout of our store to create an even better shopping experience for all of you.

You may have noticed some changes during your recent visits, and let me tell you, we couldn't be happier with the results. Our goal was simple: to enhance the overall flow of the store, making it easier for you to browse and discover your favorite games and accessories.

One of the most significant changes we've made is the reorganization of our displays. We've carefully curated and arranged our collection to create distinct sections for different types of games, from trading card games and board games to role-playing games and everything in between. Now, it's easier than ever to find exactly what you're looking for.

But that's not all—our new layout also includes exciting additions such as a dedicated paint and tools section, complete with improved lighting and a carefully curated selection of paints and brushes. We're proud to feature ProAcryl paints and brushes from GhostBrush, ensuring that you have access to the highest quality tools for your painting projects.

And let's not forget our commitment to supporting local businesses and creators. In addition to our selection of paints and brushes, we're also proud to carry products from local RPG authors. By partnering with other local businesses and creators, we're able to offer you a unique and diverse selection of storage solutions, ways to bling out your game play, and ways to impress your friends and family on game night.

And thanks to your continued support and enthusiasm for gaming, we've been able to expand our play space to accommodate even more players. Just a couple of months ago, our maximum capacity was 24 players—but through the power of math (and some creative rearranging), we can now host up to 32 players! We've added another permanent table to the play space, ensuring that there's always room for everyone to join in the fun.

Keep an eye out for eye-catching displays and signage highlighting the latest additions to our collection, as well as exclusive deals and exciting events happening right here at Athoria Games.

We believe that these changes will not only improve your shopping experience but also foster a greater sense of community within our store. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, we want you to feel welcomed and inspired every time you step through our doors.

So, what do you think of our fresh new look? We'd love to hear your feedback! Feel free to drop by the store and let us know what you think, or reach out to us on social media. Your input is invaluable to us as we continue to strive for excellence in serving our amazing community of gamers.

Thank you for your continued support, and here's to many more exciting adventures ahead at Athoria Games!

Until next time, happy gaming!

Lady Athoria


A New Chapter: Changes in Ownership at Athoria Games Tempe

03/01/2024

Greetings, fellow gamers! Lady Athoria here, and I want to take a moment to share some important news with you all. As you may have noticed, there have been some recent changes here at Athoria Games Tempe, and I'd like to address them openly and honestly.


After much consideration and reflection, I am announcing that there has been a change in ownership at Athoria Games Tempe. Following the end of a partnership, I have taken full ownership of the store. While this transition may bring about some sadness and uncertainty, I want to assure you that it also represents a new beginning—a chance to refocus, recommit, and reimagine what Athoria Games Tempe can be.


In the past, Athoria Games operated two locations, but now we are consolidating to focus solely on our flagship store. While this decision was not made lightly, I believe it will allow myself and my incredible team to devote all of our energy and resources to making Athoria Games Tempe the best possible place to play.


While change can be difficult, it also presents opportunities for growth and transformation. I am committed to building on the strong foundation that has been laid here and to creating an even better experience for our community of gamers.


I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you—our loyal customers, supporters, and friends. Your continued support and enthusiasm mean the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you in this new chapter.


So here's to new beginnings, to focusing on what truly matters, and to building a brighter future together. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to embarking on this journey with all of you.


Until next time, happy gaming!


Lady Athoria