Game Matrix

Great game store with just about every tabletop game you can think of. The best part is they offer a free place to play. I started going here for the D&D nights and I made a lot of friends which was great because I had just moved to the area. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this store and the fact that they offer a free place to play is by far one of the best perks of shopping at The Game Matrix. Better than any other game store in the Lakewood-​Tacoma area.

My husband and I have been going here for over two years now and have spent somewhere around 1500 dollars on 40K models. Within the past month alone we have been here around 5 times to pick up models and supplies, because they are the closest to where we live.
When we stopped in today I was immediately asked if I could «park my purse» at the counter (mind you, my purse is not very big), even though I have been inside with my purse every time this month. The lady at the counter was very snide and rude while talking to me, and I told her I would just wait outside while my husband shops instead of leaving my purse (wallet, phone, and personal items inside) with her. I am clearly not one that would take products, and they are able to watch us while we shop with no difficulty. The way she spoke to me was highly inappropriate and rude, especially for a longstanding customer.
While my husband was shopping he was asked, by the same attendant, if he had ever shopped at their store — in a clipped tone that bordered on snide and distrusting. It was clearly as if she did not want us in the store.
I am not sure what the deal was, but the lady was overly rude to both of us. Not only that, there was another employee standing at the counter next to her (who we have seen on multiple occasions) the whole time looking bored. I hate to say it but we will be taking our business back to Games Workshop. My husband is a tournament player in 40k and has been playing for 18 years, we know how important it is to support the local game stores. It just saddens me this one comes with a lot of snide attitudes. Save your money folks, this place is not worth it.

Ugh! Let me preface this with letting you know that I love board games and tabletop gaming, so it’s not like I didn’t know what I was getting into when I walked into this store…
…That being said, this store is just kind of gross. It’s a little smelly, and it’s in a rough part of town. The games are all jumbled up and difficult to navigate. The prices are way above MSRP and the staff is usually too wrapped up in their little group of friends to actually help new costumers.
There are plenty of much better, more friendly, and generally cleaner gaming establishments to frequent in Tacoma.

Being a gamer, I am quite familiar with The Game Mateix. I have known the owner since he was at his old location and actually worked for him for a time. This is not a disgruntled review.
Pros:
Huge location
Late night gaming
They can order it and get it for you
Gaming tables
Terrian usable for table top gaming
Daily and weekly events
Cons:
These games aren’t cheap but are worth the price
The noise on some nights
No longer have LAN gaming
Chris has done a great job keeping the store up and running. There are always some sort of events going on. If you prefer Warhammer over AD&D the store has stuff for both anyhow. There are dice, paints, cards, and other hobby items to help you. This store has it all or can get it.
I only took a star for the noise and gamer smell on certain nights. The owner does, however, take care of both issues when he can. Some gamers just need to shower. So how did they get 5 stars if I took one? They started with six.
I can’t say enough good things about the matrix. This is my premier gaming store. Give it a shot and it will be yours too.

The Game Matrix is a great asset to the gaming community. A great selection of games and gifts, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. The owner Chris personally helped me, and showed genuine interest in taking care of us. The same goes for the rest of the clients there as well. Friendly atmosphere and people. If you have never been to The Game Matrix, make sure you stop by. You will soon be hooked, too!

Great place! The staff and owner are super knowledgeable. If you want recommendations for games, this is THE place to go.
There’s plenty of room for gaming too.

There are few game stores as great as the Game Matrix. I live in Seattle even, but visit the Matrix any time I can. Chris the owner takes a hands on personal approach, always willing to sit down and demo a game before you buy. They will special order hard to get items and reserve pre-​orders of new releases. This is one of the great game stores on the Puget Sound. They support many local game events, you’ll see them at local Cons. Be sure to check out the boffer sword parties they offer, fantastic for kids birthdays.

While this store has had some challenges, the owner is responsive and willing to reach out to the gaming community. In general the selection is wide and the staff helpful, although at times can get a little stressed. I would love to see some low maintenance carpet in the gaming area and maybe less cluttered front windows, but these are quibbles.
This replaces a strongly worded negative review that was written in anger and frustration. The owner wrote me a wonderful note explaining the situation and upon further reflection, this is a more accurate review. I’m less inclined to say never again and more inclined to say well it’s on the way to our game, let’s see if we can get those dice.

Stock galore! Staff helped me with any and all questions I’ve had. No they are not jumping out of their seats all excited to see you when you walk in but they are professional and helpful. I would definitely recommend this store.

**DON’T TELL MY WIFE ABOUT THIS REVIEW**
OK, now that no one is looking… I LOVE THIS PLACE! My wife would not approve, I do my best to hide my inner geek, the good thing is she loves me no matter what! This place is a great place for a quick geek-​gasm. They have all things needed for RPGs, table top games, board games, mini’s, etc. I can spend all day in here.
The only thing I can think of is some of the workers are pretty laid back and usually talking with customers/​friends, don’t get me wrong, they are talking work related stuff but if you are new to this world of fantasy it can be a little intimidating. They are very helpful though and do not make you feel dumb for not knowing certain things.
If you are into boffer (I am not) this I guess is your mecca. They have all the items you need as well as a league you can join. They come out to events and parties if you want to have them host a boffer event for your party, the prices are real cheap.
I love how they have all the fun and exciting fantasy stuff and still have board games like connect four and monopoly! They are completely legitimized in my book now that they carry most of the zombie games!
UPDATE: My wife is aware of my infidelity from my «coolness» She is such a good wife, she broke down and played a round of D&D mini’s with me. I am not going to say who won… I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT!!! :)
P. S. Don’t tell my wife that I told you that she played D&D :)

I play Pokemon here occasionally, probably 7 – 10 times a year on average.
Overall it’s a pretty nice shop. It’s decent sized, it’s got a solid selection, it’s not hard to find, close to food, etc.
I have to only give it a three though because I’ve found the staff to be generally unhelpful/​unfriendly, and the building also has a horrible smell. Now, I understand that gaming shops aren’t exactly day spas, but I’ve been in my fair share and this place has the most ridiculous odor I’ve ever smelled. I have a hard time playing there sometimes, because of this.
As far as it’s merits as a shop though, it’s solid except for the staff. I enjoy my time there.

Recently I saw An independently released movie that featured this little store in it. If you have a chance to see The Gamers: Dorkness Rising I think you will find yourself mildly surprised at this good sequel especially if you have ever done any role-​playing.