Woodburn Games — Local services in Cincinnati

This store straight up stole my money.

I ordered a game from them online and got a confirmation email that it was ready for pickup so I went to go pickup the game and they said they didn't have it in stock but that it should be there Tuesday. Ok not too big of a deal. Mistakes happen. I return Tuesday evening and they tell me their order hasn't arrived and that I could try back later in the week. I try back Wednesday evening and they are unpacking the order when I arrive. I ask for help finding my game and after some searching back and forth the employee can't find it. He proceeds to get on the computer and make a call and informs me that their distributor ran out of copies before they were able to fulfill their order so they won't be getting the game for quite some time. The employee then asks me if I would like to keep my order placed for when it comes in or if I would like a refund. I tell him I would like a refund, he says no problem does something on his computer and says the refund process has started, and I leave. This was 14 days ago and I still have yet to receive my refund. Absolutely...

I've had bad experiences at game stores before, so I was cautious and pessimistic when I moved to Cincinnati and started checking out local game stores, but Woodburn is great. The employees and the patrons treat everyone, regardless of age, sex, race or gender identity equally and it's a very positive, welcoming atmosphere. Safe spaces can be disappointingly hard to find among local game stores, but from my experience Woodburn doesn't have that problem. Presentation is important, and I've been to plenty of game stores that are disorganized or cluttered, but Woodburn uses the space they have very well and the store always looks clean and organized. The only downside is that they have a very small space, so there's a good chance if you show up to an event late or don't pre-register they won't have spots. Because of limited space they also have a smaller inventory than some bigger game stores, but it should cover most of your basic needs, and they can also order stuff for you if they don't have...

Five stars is not enough.

The thing about Woodburn games is, they're the most welcoming gaming store in the region. Their selection of board games and indie RPGs is second to none. The staff always has phenomenal recommendations if you're unsure about what game meets your needs. Plus, they've got a bunch of demo copies in the store's open play area that they can show off.

I've been playing and making games for the better part of three decades, I've spent hundreds of hours in various stores across the area, so when I tell you that they're my favorite game store in Cincinnati I hope that the gravity of that recommendation comes across. I cannot recommend them...