Roll2Play Games and Updates

2011-01-28T07:19:00.001-08:00

I responded to a blog that was on the Texicon.nt about how Game Stores are having a challenge with growing business. The issue is not having gamers in the store, but having them purchase. Here is the website for the blog, then Roll2Play's response.

http://texicon.net/blog/2010/11/10/gamestores-elusive/comment-page-1/#comment-68

Response:

I agree with everything you have written here. Getting, keeping and growing the business is the challenge for game stores, isn’t it? Game stores, well any business, with an actual store front have the same challenges. How do you get people to come in and spend their bucks with you instead of going into your store for a reconnaissance to find the same product cheaper online. That phrase, ‘build it and they will come’ no longer applies anymore. Like newspapers that have gone under because they can’t keep up with the online mass media. Businesses have to change and adapt to what they are doing. They have to go beyond the normal marketing and promoting. It’s time to think outside the box.

Look at the difference between Borders and Barns & Noble. BnN developed a product, Nook, that enable people to easily download and read books. Borders, instead of developing its own, reached out to other ebook developers and failed and may go bankrupted. BnN is not happy about this, because two book stores in one area will generate greater traffic. They have been growing the industry together. More people were reading books than ever before. Observers fear that loosing Borders may drop the number of readers out there. Businesses have to adapt and get creative. They can’t just stay cooped up in the store.

Here are things that store can do to offer something special and help change the mindset of buying online, versus going into the store and supporting your store. Games stores need to friend other game stores too. Create that healthy network that will grow the gaming industry. They need to know when new games are coming out and learn how to play them. When a customer walks in the staff needs to know the basics of all the games, not just their favorites. More people that know how to play Dominion, Catan and so on, the more people will want to pick it up and play it at home. One store alone cannot get the word out, it’s takes the gaming community as a whole.

Games store are going to have to host events, workshops, and so on to get people into the stores. Exposure is the key: Going to conventions, local events, supporting libraries, even getting involved with the schools. Support the chess club at schools, sponsor an anime club at the local middle school. Gaming tournaments, teaching games will also help to show the non-gamers how awesome these games are. This helps to influences people to pick up a game and take home so they can share with their friends and family.

The other area that game stores have to look into is bringing in mainstream folks. They need to reach out with events that will get non-gamers into the store. Reaching younger generations is crucial to establishing a base. The potential market is huge, it is the game store responsibility to get that exposure, bring those folks in and make them feel welcomed. I’ve been told over and over how important fandom is. Store can’t just sit back anymore. Some of the more successful game stores I know about, the owners rarely gets to play a game. He is out there talking to the people, teaching games, and doing so much more to not just be a store, he is creating a community.

Fund Raiser Tee Shirts Are In!!!!

2011-01-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

"That's How I Roll" tee shirts are completed and on sale now. I will get them on the website once I take pictures of them. I will also share the pictures here and on FB. They are a heather gray shirt with the print in white and black of a dragon rolling dice.

The sales for these tee shirts will go straight to savings that is funding the costs to open a brick and mortar store. These shirts are soft and cool. Short sleeves are only $20 and the long sleeves are $25. I have from small to 3L sizes. *I have to add tax, sorry folks. :-( * More details later. Here's your chance to support a future local game store that is already plugged into the local community, schools and gamers. Email me if you're interested.

A Year in Review for Roll2Play

2011-01-03T06:32:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Roll2Play-
As of mid November, Roll2Play became a year old as a gaming retailer. Yay!! We have played a lot of games since then. Inventory has quadrupled and the product lines are still expanding. We started with just a few board games, card games and dice games and just a few dice choices. Now when we go to conventions, we have to get at least two spaces. Miniatures are finally part of our product lines. We started with Anima Tactics and Heroscape. We have even begun scheduling the gaming events at different cons, including Yulecon and Texicon. Our dice selection has grown tremendously that I now order directly from two different dice companies, Crystal Caste and Chessex. Yup, we even have the inflatable d20 for the pools parties you nerds throw each year. :-D Our services have also grown. We don’t just sell games, but teach them too.

Events bringing gamers together-
There have been many events that we have tried out that have worked out great. Some of these events are teaching games to kids at the local Children Courtyards, fund raisers for different schools and organizations and vending at many conventions. I love how successful each of the fund raisers were. They have been a ton a fun, easy to host and many awesome games have been introduced to people fairly new to the gaming world. Other events that have been successful are gaming events hosted at home base. What a great way to feature new games like Dixit or introduce games like Dominion or even feed the already big following of Munchkin. You can bet we will have many more of these events. Our convention schedule has grown a lot. We now participate in a convention at least once a month. I hope to grow that to twice a month. It’s a lot of hard work, but well worth it. It’s a great way for us to hang out with our growing number of gaming friends as well as meeting new ones.

Fandom!-
Our fan following has grown past my expectations! We have more than 200 fans on Facebook. Facebook has proven to be a great way to share when we are having events, when game masters are needed, when new games come in and so much more. When Roll2Play shows up at conventions, our fans come by to chat it up with us. That makes my heart warm up fast! Many convention organizers have invited us to other conventions just because they see us having a blast and they noticed how well received we are. This is really helping us to get plugged into the convention circuit. We would do anything for you guys!! Roll2Play is here for you!

Staffing, it’s still volunteer-
We have lots of game masters that love to get a free con badge, free food and play all weekend long at different events. You are guys are freaking awesome. The Roll2Play staff/support is getting well known and we continue to be welcomed back to future events and conventions. This is all because the folks helping Roll2Play don’t judge, take the time to teach the rules and do this with total respect to the gamers no matter their level of gaming knowledge. Remember, we have fans that are younger than 13, fans that are older than 60 and all those in-between. With this awesome pace, who knows what will happen next. I can’t wait!! We are here to spread the joy of gaming to everyone!!

I was invited to become Board Game Magnate for the Texicon gaming convention hosted in Fort Worth. Their second convention will be held in May 20-22, 2010. Roll2play will be there as a vendor and I am supervising the gaming schedules for that weekend. This convention is run by folks that are well plugged into the gaming industry. I like their welcoming attitude towards any kind of gamer and passion in bringing more folks into the gaming world. Their programs that help out small game stores are awesome. Just wait till you see the Game Wagon at the convention. I highly recommend making room in your May schedule to come out, support Texicon and try some new games.

So, what to expect from Roll2Play next year-
More events! More teaching! More games! Now that we are into our profitable months, it’s all about growth and getting an awesome war chest full of games and funds for even more growth! I am looking forward to getting more involved in discussions about the gaming industry that impact the casual gamer to the serious gamer to gamer that still has to be found. I think that this will definitely help to bridge that gap between serious nerds and main stream folks. Games bring people together. We have seen that happen over and over and over. I also hope to start bringing in guest bloggers. I realized over the last couple of months that my goal of a weekly blogging is not a reality. I need help! So, please, let me know if you are interested in blogging for Roll2Play. You can give a game review, share a gaming experience, bring to light interesting gaming trends and anything else gaming related.

What’s that, a real store? What are the rumors??
Yes, I have also been thinking about where and how to get the actual brick and mortar store open. First things first, it’s important for a new business to have at least nine months of bills saved up in the bank before actually signing a lease agreement. I hope that the numbers continue to look good and grow. At this rate, a store in two years is a real possibility. Imagine a store that you fans can say you were part of from the beginning. Phrases like, ‘I remember back when there was no store’… and so on will be used by the friends of Roll2Play today. So keep spreading the word about Roll2Play!

Here’s to an awesome 2011!!

Tiffany Franzoni
Owner/Founder of Roll2Play, LLC
www.roll2play.com

Anima Tactics and Heroscape

2010-07-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

It’s been over a week on the blogging. No real excuses except that things have been very busy around here! I’ve also been thinking a lot about the next steps for Roll2Play. Improving the blogging and You Tube for sure! Now that we hooked up with Clan of the Fanboys, we will have more videos to share from them. They interviewed us and are a lot of fun. We sent them some games to try out for FREE! I will also be investing in the new iPhone. This will make creating videos on the spot quick and easy to upload to YouTube. I am also working on how to add a news fee or RSS to the site along with a link to the blogging. It’s all been part of the plan, but I have a lot of learning to do, technical learning.

Roll2play is definitely going to expand our product line in the next two months to include miniature gaming. We are starting with Anima Tactics and Heroscape. These games are fairly new to the miniature gaming industry and are quickly becoming high demand. I got to meet a rep from Anima Tactics and he taught me how to play. It was a lot of fun. You can place with as little as three heroes or build an army for a more epic game play. The stats are all on the character’s card. That means no memorization. He also recommended what packs and heroes to start with. My partner, Becky, and I wanted to learn how to play Heroscape recently. We did this by joining a tournament and checking out how to play Heroscape videos. We had a blast!! Everyone was so welcoming and fun loving. We even won a prize! Then again they did have enough prizes for everyone. No one left empty handed. We are definitely going to enter more tournaments! We will keep you posted as to win the products are in stock and on the site.

Last but not least, I wanted to let everyone know that the ever so popular Munchkin games by Steve Jackson Games are getting updated to include multiple colors. That will be so cool!! I can’t wait to check this out. I have some of the cards left that will now be considered out of print. *hint* Buy now as these will go fast. As soon as the distributor has the new updated cards in stock, I will replenish the Munchkin games. I expect that to be in the next month.

Coming up events:

*End of Summer Reading club event at Lake Cities Library on July 29th. We will be demo-ing games. We will also have games for sale to help fund raise for the library.
*Gen Con August 4th – 8th to scope out new games. I will be getting my gaming on with my brother. We are serious gamers and are looking forward to being with other serious gamers.
*Dallas Comic Con August 28th and 29th as a vendor. Come check out the con and see us in the dealer’s room.

Roll2Play future is looking good!

2010-06-24T07:25:00.001-07:00

I read an article about Gordon Lugauer and his store, The Board Game Barrister. This was very inspiring to me and exactly what I needed to hear. His family owns two stores that has gained an older following. They have successful open gaming nights and many many regulars. Gordon admits not being rich, but very happy.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/successstories/article183060.html

Part of this article as discussed the growing gaming industry. I built Roll2Play at the perfect time!! As you all know, I am trying hard to grow Roll2Play to the point of having a real brick and mortar store. This place will have a coffee shop feel that will be inviting, warm and relaxing. Roll2Play is growing and Hubby is very supportive. It’s just a matter of when. I want to make sure we have $$ in the bank and a grand huge opening. I already have people that want to help spread the word when I open. I am very excited, but trying hard to stay cool, level headed and patient. Solid decisions must be made to be successful!!

Meanwhile, I am gaining momentum locally. I have been asked more and more to talk to groups on the gaming industry or bringing game night back into households. I love doing that!! I plan to continue to expand my event calendar to more schools and even start selling my wares in the lobbies of the corporate headquarters around here. Online visits are steadily growing. Sales are still sporadic, but with time and more exposure to Roll2Play as a ‘big’ name this will pick up too.

Keep on rolling!

Cheers,
Tiffany

June gameline, product and website updates for Roll2Play

2010-06-14T13:40:00.001-07:00

Roll2Play is going after Lego Company. Why you may ask? Because they have a fantastic line of games that we want to carry. Our distribution doesn’t carry Lego products yet. We tried to contact Lego about two months ago with no response. It’s time to step it up! Just check out how cool these games are!

http://games.lego.com/en-US/default.aspx

We will keep you posted as soon as we start carrying these innovative and imaginative games by Lego!

Meanwhile, we are adding Heroscape back to our line of products to offer. The owner had to take her time on understanding the system. *insert rolling eyes* Why carry a game when the staff can’t speak to it, right? Heroscape is a wonder gaming system by Hasbro. It’s for ages 8 and up. It’s got the flavor of Warhammer, but without the painting. The terrains are variety as well as all the awesome characters and factions. We got to play it over the last weekend and had a blast!

One last thing before the blog ends. Please checkout the website. www.roll2play.com. We are updating the categories to make shopping and browsing even easier. For instance, Settlers of Catan has their own category, along with Munchkin, Heroscape and Killer Bunnies. These game lines just have too much going on! Those folks that want to focus on those games and all the expansions will have a much easier time now.

Send us your comments and questions.

Cheers!

Big Promotion on the Website for June

2010-06-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

First of all, Risk: Halo wars is finally back in stock. We have it!!! Secondly, we are running a 15% off everything sale for June. It's summer time, perfect for playing games when it's way too freaking hot outside!

www.roll2play.com

OK, now that I've promoted my website, I have to tell you. I am still not tired of Puerto Rico. I love that game! We played it yesterday along with a bunch of other games. I love having games that everyone loves! Big grins!!!

Next, I now have monthly Game Night events with the Lake Cities Library every fourth Wednesday and the Coppell YMCA every second Friday. It's getting exciting. I have a press release posted with the Star Community Paper and it is posted as an event in Facebook. I hope to see you there!

Coppell YMCA: Friday June 11th at 6:00 pm. Game to play is Munchkin! Munchkin Booty, Munkchin original and one more that I haven't decided on you. I will bring some others just for a little variety.

Lake Cities Library: Wednesday August 25th. First game to share will be Sherlock! Great game for Elementary kids and (believe or not) adults!

Tell your friends!!!

Awesome Game Companies

2010-05-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely amazed with the games that are out there these days. It's not your traditional classic games anymore. My focus in this blog is Z-Man games. I have played two of their games and have falling in love all over again with games.

Pandemic is fantastic and intense! It's a co-operative games where everyone has a role. The goal is to snuff out the diseases that pop up around the world. If you can eradicate the diseases, you win the game. But it's just not that easy. As you draw cards and continue with the game, diseases will pop up. Sometimes the disease will be a pandemic and spread like wild fire. It's a great game and the rules are easy to follow. Play it once and you will be addicted.

Wasabi is one of their newest games. I know that this will be a huge hit at anime conventions where anything Japanese is wanted. Nothing like a game that you get to make sushi recipes. You gather ingredient tiles and action cards. Each chef places the tiles on the board matching the recipes that they have in their hand. If you complete a recipe with style you get bonus points in the form of wasabi cubes. This game is charming! You get little wasabi bowls and menus to hold your tiles.

As a reminder for you folks out there, Roll2Play has 10% everything off everything for the month of May. We have plenty of Pandemic and Wasabi in stock. Let me know if you have questions. I am trying to get pictures of the games and will post those later.

Have a great Sunday and here's to bringing people to the table through games!!

First Blog by Roll2Play

2010-05-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

We are finally at the point that it is time to get into blogging. It's time to step up our network of gaming friends. Our goal with blogging is to describe new games that we are offering and why they should be in your household. We sell many awesome and award winning games. These games are ranked highly by other folks that play them. Check out our website www.roll2play.com. Right now everything is 10% off.

Games have come a long way since the days of the classic Monopoly and Clue games. When we demonstrate these new games, it makes us smile when people get so involved that they can't sit down. That happened at our last event at the Coppell YMCA Friday night event. Refreshing the games in homes, libraries, schools and daycares is what we want to do.

We also plan to share new events that Roll2Play is sponsoring, hosting or even participating in. We will share any good news as we grow. Most of the Blogging with be done by Tiffany Franzoni, the founder of Roll2Play. Tiffany finds neat articles about games or important people in the gaming industry. She will be sure to share that will you as well. You will also see blogs from the other folks that support and get involved with Roll2Play.

As for our fans, we welcome articles, thoughts or even just sharing your ideas.

Here's to blogging!!

Roll2Play Staff