Board gamers compete in 2016 Prairie Games Expo

REGINA – Board game enthusiasts can test their skills against other gamers in a day filled with everything from casual games to tournaments.

Whether its defeating the dragons, or testing your dexterity, the Prairie Games Expo has something for everyone.

Prairie Games Expo organizer Chad Boudreau said “it’s a chance for people to play board games and other style of games, whether they’re new to the hobby, or experienced gamers”.

The 12-hour expo drew crowds of more than 60 people to the Core Ritchie Neighbourhood Centre.

Organizers say the event was created to fill a void within the community.

“At Comic Readers, over the last five years or so, we’ve seen an increased interest in all styles of gaming, so we partnered with a community run organization called Sask Games , which promotes gaming throughout the province,” said Boudreau.

He also adds that “there’s a real interest in sitting down at a table, and having real conversation with real people and connecting as the community”.

That growing interest for the love of board games is what drew first-timer Thomas Hermans to the expo.

“I’m originally from Belgium, me and my wife moved to Regina a year ago. My wife and me, we both like to play board games, and we moved here we were just two of us.”

“Then we noticed there was a whole community of people playing board games, and loving board games and we joined, and they’re really friendly,” said Hermans.

Sask Games runs weekly board games nights every Tuesday at 6:30pm at the North Albert Boston Pizza.

The event is free and everyone is welcome.