Game Guys
Today we’re featuring Game Guys, a Houston game store with an incredible 20-year history and the most impressive TCG play space we’ve ever seen. We spoke with Mandy, the Card Singles Manager, and Jonathan, the Operations Manager, to learn how Game Guys grew from arcade gaming roots into a major TCG destination and how the CardBot fits into their ever expanding operation.
From Console Repairs to Everything Gaming
Over 20 years ago, Game Guys started out as a gaming console repair shop. The owner and his son loved arcade games, so that became a focus for the store too. This started a trend that the business has followed to great success - listening to what the staff are passionate about and supporting it at the store.
“The entire idea of Game Guys has been a passion project of every employee here. From arcade games to Funko Pops and now TCGs - we kept adding the things our staff loved and the store has grown around that.”
Jonathan
Four years ago, a staff member with a passion for TCGs cards suggested that the store should stock them.
What began with a small collection of Pokémon cards quickly snowballed - the store now offers Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, YuGiOh, Lorcana, and many more. They have over 10,000 singles listed online and thousands more in-store.
Even today, with 25 team members, Game Guys still follows that philosophy - if someone on the team is excited about a product, the store finds a way to try it.
Events at Game Guys
The tournament center at Game Guys is the most impressive play space we've ever seen, with seating for over 480 players! It's not just huge, it's beautiful too - the space includes custom remote controlled LED lighting, digital table signage, and high quality gaming chairs to keep players comfortable for hours of cardboard slinging.
They’ve hosted 12 Yu-Gi-Oh! Regionals, often drawing 300 to 400 players, including many who travel from other states. Their biggest Regionals event had over 500 players in attendance!
They regularly stream their larger tournaments as well as e-sports events.
Digitizing a TCG Singles Operation
One innovative project underway at Game Guys is a complete overhaul of their singles operation.
They’re migrating their entire TCG inventory to a digital-first system, supported by giant touchscreen TV kiosks that allow players to browse their singles inventory without needing to rummage through boxes or binders. Of course, there'll still be a cabinet to show off all of the high end eye candy!
The plan is to build a “TCG bar” - a sleek singles counter with the kiosks in front and the CardBot operating behind the staff. It will consolidate all singles into one space, eliminate binders and boxes, and make ordering easy for customers.
CardBots at Game Guys
Game Guys use their CardBot to scan, sift, and list their Magic, Pokémon, and Lorcana singles. It has quickly become an essential part of their workflow.
Mandy uses it to:
- Speed up the listing process after new set releases
- Process collections and determine offers
- Quickly list bulk and sift for hidden value
“Not having to count every card and manually upload bulk has taken a huge burden off my shoulders”
Mandy
When new sets launch, the CardBot helps get singles online within hours rather than days.
“With the Spider-Man release, I just threw all of the commons into the CardBot. It counted everything for me and I uploaded the spreadsheet - done!”
Mandy
This automation allows Game Guys to profit from lower value singles that would otherwise be too time-consuming to process. They’ve already made hundreds of dollars on bulk alone thanks to the CardBot.
Currently working away in the backroom, the CardBot will eventually be moved into the main store as part of the new TCG bar, where customers will be able to see it running as they shop.
Powered By Passion
Game Guys is a store built on passion, the kind that starts with a single staff member’s excitement and grows into something the whole community can enjoy. From console repairs and arcade games to one of the most ambitious TCG operations in Texas, they continue to invest in whatever brings players together. We’re thrilled to support them as they grow.
You can browse Games Guys' website, shop at their online TCG store, or check out their social media at the following links:
Website: https://game-guys.com/
Buy TCG Singles Online: https://gameguys.tcgplayerpro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameGuysGaming
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstongameguys/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/houstongameguys
