Gatekeepers Games: Gatekeepers Offers All Your Favorite Games & A Place To Play

By Sara E. Teller

TIM AND KRIS BARNES HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED PLAYING GAMES – so much so, in fact, that they met doing just that, and then decided to share their love of games with the community. Six years ago, the couple opened Gate Keepers Games, an amply-stocked retail shop in downtown Berkley.

“We rented a space downtown,” recalled Tim, adding it was meant to be a bit of a test run to see if their bet on Berkley’s love for gaming would pay off. And it certainly did.

Barnes explained, “We chose Berkley because of the many young families that live here, and we were able to successfully run our shop those first few years.” The customers came flooding in, excited for a new hobby store in town, and they kept coming back, impressed by Gate Keepers’ wide selection of social, role-playing, board, and card games, among other collectibles.

After realizing the store was a big hit, Barnes wanted to take the couple’s vision one step further and begin offering a gathering space for anyone interested in trying the inventory in real-time. This space would expand upon the retail portion and allow customers to compete against each other, just for fun or for prizes. The Barnes bought the more than 7,000 square feet of vacant space that was once the Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop and moved their items down the street, excited to extend an opportunity for game lovers to mix and mingle.

UNFORTUNATELY, HOWEVER, THE PANDEMIC HIT SOON AFTER THE NEW BUILDING WAS READY. “Our whole business model is built on people spending time together,” Barnes said. “We don’t charge for the space. We just hope you buy a game if you enjoy it.” So, things have been much more slow-going than expected and the focus has remained largely on the retail portion.

In the meantime, Gate Keepers Games has secured a liquor license so patrons of age can enjoy their favorite drinks while playing, and there are monthly trivia nights alongside other, more intimate gatherings.

“Right now, we’re able to host events and we’re asking that you’re vaccinated to come in,” Barnes said. “We have everyone spaced out and are just having smaller events.”

In addition to trivia nights, Gate Keepers Games offers painting classes, birthday and Christmas parties, and social games such as Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Cards Against Humanity, chess, euchre, and others. There are also opportunities to learn how to play certain games. While most of the time, the space is totally free and designed for open play, Gate Keepers also hosts tournaments in which there is a small cover and prizes available. All ages are welcome and there are plenty of family-friendly fun activities.

GATE KEEPERS ALSO HAS MANY PAINT SUPPLIES AND MINIATURES IN STOCK, and patrons can pick up their favorite games to have on hand at home or even have them delivered. More details about how to request delivery are available online.

Gate Keepers regularly gives back to the Berkley community, offering support to the Library and local schools, and Barnes hopes to do even more outreach when possible. He would like to partner with public centers to host more events and envisions being able to have field trips and after school extracurriculars on-site.

“Right from the beginning, the Berkley community has been very friendly and supportive,’ Barnes said. “I have many positive things to say about the city itself.”

He hopes that anyone who hasn’t had a chance to yet will come check out what Gate Keepers Games is all about. A full calendar of upcoming events is available at gatekeepergames.net.

For more information, email gatekeeper@gatekeepergames.net or call 248.439.0787 3961
Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072