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Quest Log: Entry 1 (New Local Game Store Opening Day)

Date: July 29, 2024

Quest Log: Entry 1

Mission: Opening Day (August 3rd, 2024)


Intro:

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. While I’ve barely managed 40 hours on College Football ’25 and only a handful of matches in the new 2v8 mode on Dead by Daylight, our preparations for the grand opening of White Lotus Gaming have been advancing at warp speed. As each sunset brings us closer to the big day, the excitement—and the stress—builds. We’ve wrapped up construction (it looks spectacular, by the way), established our network, and set up most of our machines and shelving. Though so much has been accomplished, the countdown has our anxieties at an all-time high. With just 5 days remaining, I realize I’ve jumped ahead. Allow me to properly introduce who we are, what we’re doing, and what lies ahead. The success of this mission hinges on our community's support.


Who Are We?

We are White Lotus Gaming, the newest hub for gamers in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Our name pays homage to gaming and geek culture: the White Lotus from Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra and the iconic Black Lotus from Magic: The Gathering. Much like the Order of the White Lotus, our mission is to transcend boundaries and unite gamers with a shared passion for adventure, strategy, and camaraderie. Here’s a deeper dive into our philosophies:


  • Unity in Diversity: Just as the O.W.L. unites masters from various disciplines, we bring together gamers from all backgrounds.

  • Pursuit of Knowledge and Skill: We encourage exploration and learning. White Lotus Gaming is a hub for both seasoned and novice gamers to grow and evolve together.

  • Fostering Harmony and Peace: Our environment is dedicated to fair play, respect, and camaraderie. We aim to create events that strengthen community bonds.

  • Embracing Enlightenment and Rebirth: Like the white lotus, we symbolize growth and innovation. We’re committed to staying ahead of gaming trends and technologies.

  • Inclusion and Accessibility: We strive to make our space welcoming and accessible to everyone, breaking down barriers in gaming.

  • Community and Connection: Valuing connection, we focus on building a supportive network of gamers.


What Are We Doing?

Aligned with our philosophies, White Lotus Gaming is committed to building a community that embraces all aspects of gaming. We aim to be a welcoming space where everyone can discover their passions. Here’s what you can expect:


  • Trading Card Games (TCG): From Magic: The Gathering to Pokémon, we offer dedicated spaces and host tournaments and events.

  • Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPG): Explore and play games like Warhammer 40k, Dungeons and Dragons, and more in our dedicated area.

  • Modern Gaming: Our store features 5 high-performance gaming PCs and 2 VR bays with Oculus Quest 3s. Engage in quests, competitions, and esports tournaments, both online and in-store.

  • Board Games: We offer a wide range of board games, from classics like Catan to innovative new games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Resident Evil.

  • Collectibles and Decor: Show off your fandom with our selection of collectibles and decor items, including framed prints, statues, and Funko Pop figures.

  • Community Collaboration: We’re eager to support local vendors and artists. Look out for a surprise pop-up bookstore on our grand opening day!


Hopes Moving Forward (Our Future Plans):

As we navigate the ever-evolving world of gaming, we plan to innovate and expand. Here’s what’s on the horizon:


  • Esports: Launch leagues, dual monitor setups, and add 5 more gaming PCs.

  • Tabletop RPG: Host campaigns for new players and unveil an exciting, undisclosed project.

  • Events: Board game nights, TCG tournaments, and trivia nights.

  • Community: Collaborate with more local vendors, offer STEM classes, support local charities, and connect with other game stores.


We’re excited about our journey, but the extent of our success depends on you. While we won’t always have everything, we encourage you to support other local stores too. Here’s a list for your convenience:


  • Bibliotech (123 East Main St, Shawnee, OK 74801)

  • The Guilded Grayland (222 E Main St, Shawnee, OK)

  • DM Dave’s (122 W Main St, Norman, OK)

  • Wizard’s Asylum (3717 W Main St, Norman, OK)

  • DZ Comics & Gaming (625 N Moore Ave, Moore, OK 73160)

  • Game HQ (9118 S Western Ave B, Oklahoma City, OK 73139)


Maybe we could all get together and form the League of Extraordinary Game Stores. Or… maybe we just do something like forge rings that can help preserve the majesty of the gaming world. I don’t know, I’m just kind of riffing. If you have ideas or want to collaborate, please reach out!


White Lotus Gaming is set to be a vibrant haven for all gamers. We welcome your feedback and ideas to help us grow and improve.


Until next time,

Zero (aka Chad)

 

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