The geek are inheriting the earth... or at least North Texas. While Dallas-Fort Worth in particular has had no shortage of nerdy hotspots over the years, two new contenders are about to enter the fray.
Closer to home (and more unique to the area) is Game Theory, a board game lounge coming to Fort Worth. As first reported by CultureMap, the lounge plans to open later this year on South Main Street, with the hook being that you can pay a "library fee" of $5 and get unlimited access for the day to their library of more than 500 tabletop games. Co-owner Patrick Lai told CultureMap that they are also considering a monthly membership plan, and he hopes to expand to Dallas in the future.
While plenty of comic book shops in D-FW have game nights and similar events where people can play in their stores, Game Theory's approach sounds more in line with the popular trend seen at local video game arcades, like Free Play and Cidercade, where you pay to get in but play as long as you'd like. The tabletop game focus is timely, as the industry has seen a major revival in recent years.
While you wait for the lounge itself to open. Game Theory is also hosting board game nights elsewhere. They've got one scheduled for July 19 at Wild Acre Brewing Company in Fort Worth.
Further away (both physically and chronologically) and more familiar to the North Texas area is HeyDay Entertainment, a bowling alley and arcade mashup that started in Oklahoma. D Magazine reports that HeyDay has its eyes on Texas expansion, starting with a Denison venue that is planned for a summer 2019 opening. In addition to arcade games, HeyDay sports laser tag, miniature golf and a ropes course.
According to D Magazine, HeyDey is also looking at Frisco, McKinney and Plano for its next locations, "including a possible Fort Worth location (or two)." Don't get in line yet, though. The company is only planning to open a new location every 18-24 months, at least at first.
