Apr. 15—Step into the magical world of fantasy and table top games at Katmandu Games, located on South Main Street in Waynesville.
The business opens it doors to the public on Friday, April 21.
Katmandu Games is a social venue for gathering to play games and connect with like-minded fans — all free of charge.
Players can bring their own games or chose from the open-source game library, from table-top and dice games to card-based games, including the ever-popular Pokemon and Magic The Gathering.
Katmandu will feature seven gaming tables, three large wargaming tables, and a stage setup with projector screen where sci-fi and gaming-related material will be played.
The shop owner, Jeff K9' Kuzniewski, has been a game enthusiast since childhood.
Kuzniewski said some game shops are considered "game dens," with scotch-tape posters and a darkened atmosphere. But that's not the vibe he was going for with Katmandu, which features an open concept and bright walls.
"This is going to be family local game store," said Kuzniewski. "I wanted it to be a bright, colorful, clean space that is safe for people of all ages."
Getting the store ready for opening day has proven quite the task for the former-Naval-officer-turned-Pentagon-cryptological-officer — including renovations, deliveries, building social media and making sure all goes as planned for opening day,
"There is not really a day that has gone by that I haven't had to be three places at once," said Kuzniewski. "There is a saying in the Navy and that is 'which alligator is closest to the boat, that's the one you take care of first.'"
Kuzniewski believes table top games are a healthier alternative to video games. Playing games in person, with eye-to-eye contact, provides an outlet for friendship and a sense of community.
"There is a lot smack talking in video games, but if people make the effort to come out to a table, it's going to be good for you," said Kuzniewski.
Kuzniewski says isolation resulting from too much screen time in today's world can have a negative impact on the psyche — something table-top games combats with interpersonal connections.
He hopes to work alongside mental health facilities in the county as well, providing wholesome and fun experiences for those who need it most in Haywood County.
Live streaming
A unique feature at Katmandu will be live streaming of game play on Twitch — a popular game streaming platform — as well as videos for YouTube.
"What's going to make this store different is video will be done in the game store," said Kuzniewski. "The only one I know of that is filming live in the store for YouTube and streaming for Twitch."