DeckADice game store celebrates grand opening in Mackay

A new business is offering hard-to-get stock and merchandise as well as regular tournaments for the Central Queensland gaming community which its owners say is sizable and “desperate” for get-togethers.

Co-owners Tylah Joy, Josh Berger, and Stuart Joy (not pictured) decided to open DeckADice to give the Mackay region's gaming community a place to play. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Gamers gathered on Saturday to support a new game shop opening up in the middle of Mackay, with DeckADice throwing open its doors on Victoria St.

Co-owner Tylah Joy said the business was a labour of love for herself and the other owners, husband Stuart Joy and their friend Josh Berger.

“Especially for my husband and Josh it was a dream of theirs to open up a store like this,” Tylah said.

She said they had seen an opportunity to create a space in town for gamers after Haven Gaming and Pop Culture Store moved on from their Sydney St venue in late 2023.

DeckADice will stock games and merchandise otherwise unavailable in regional towns like Mackay. Photo: Zoe Devenport

The long-held dream soon came into reality when the lease for DeckADice was signed in January.

On opening day, the playing tables at 75 Victoria St were full and the walls stocked with various games and merchandise that otherwise would only be available online.

“We knew there were a lot of gaming communities that were still wanting to play,” Tylah said.

“It’s a lot bigger than you would think in Mackay.

“They’re very passionate about it and they very much just want the space to play.”

A small crowd at the grand opening of DeckADice on February 3, 2024. Photo: Zoe Devenport

From Yu-Gi-Oh to Magick the Gathering to Dungeons and Dragons, Tylah said each gaming community had its own vibe but competition could extend across the state and beyond.

Some players even travelled to play in tournaments in Townsville or Brisbane with statistics and rankings able to be found online.

Pokemon plushies and toys at DeckADice game shop on Victoria St, Mackay. Photo: Contributed

Digimon card player Ben Holmes attended the grand opening and said he was “super excited” about the shop as gamers were “desperate” for a place to play together.

DeckADice is planning regular tournaments with specific nights allocated for various games throughout the week, with weekends having Pokemon games for kids and family fun.

“We want to make it a community place and as long as we can achieve that, we’ve done what we set out to do,” Tylah said.

Originally published as DeckADice game store celebrates grand opening in Mackay