‘Matchmaker’ Alex Niven uses Dungeons and Dragons to make connections

A self-proclaimed “matchmaker” uses dungeons and dragons, board games and decks of cards to bring people together at his Kingaroy business. See how he’s giving back.

Richelle Mclennan, Tatjan Niven, Alex Niven and Tessa Christiansen from Gamez Knight Kingaroy.

It’s not all fun and games at a locally-owned store in Kingaroy which stocks Pokemon cards, board games and more. 

Since Alex Niven opened Gamez Knight in 2021 the store has become well-known for its community efforts from hosting events nights to providing board games to local schools.

The business opened after Mr Niven realised he could fill a gap and make people happy by opening a games store.

He left his job in Brisbane in 2001 to move to the South Burnett with Proston State School teacher wife Tatjana, despite not knowing anyone.

“I figured the easiest way to find people who had similar interests would be to host some board game nights or events,” Mr Niven said.

“We started hiring out the town common hall once a month and advertising it on Facebook … the numbers just slowly grew and grew.”

Eventually Mr Niven started selling board games.

“We started doing the markets, Wondai, Nanango and Kingaroy markets just to sell board games,” he said.

Mr Niven said he often received feedback that many people didn’t realise there were so many in the region keen to play board and card games.

Locals taking part in miniature painting at Gamez Knight Kingaroy.

“It got to the point that people were asking for things I couldn’t get unless I had a physical shop front, so we decided to bite the bullet and open the store,” he said.

In September, 2021, Mr Niven opened up Gamez Knight Kingaroy where anyone visiting can find Dungeons and Dragons, a library of board games, Pokemon and Magic trading cards, miniature painting and tabletop board gaming.

They also host tournaments and events most days or nights of the week.

“We get all walks of life, all genders, all ages. The great thing about board gaming, role playing, miniature painting, it’s very diverse,” Mr Niven said.

Not long after opening the store, Mr Niven and his team became proactive within the community.

“We also do some stuff with the CTC events in store … we’ve recently started doing some NDIS inclusive events on the Tuesdays for board games in the mornings for socialising,” he said.

The Gamez Knight team also helps out local schools by providing them with free board games and hosting events.

“If I can make an improvement to just one person’s day or life by providing them with the opportunity to play some games or paint some miniatures then I’m all there for it,” he said.

Locals playing board games at one of Gamez Knight Kingaroy events.

Mr Niven said anyone is welcome, whether they are an expert or completely new to the hobby.

“I see myself almost more of a matchmaker than a shop owner. I help people form those connections between their interests … if you can tell me what your interests are I can introduce you to people who would be more than happy to play the games or who have similar interests.”

Mr Niven said 2024 will have more introductory events for anyone interested in trying out a new hobby.