Game On! RallyPoint Games Celebrates One Year In Hughesville

HUGHESVILLE, Md. — RallyPoint Games is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary with a weekend full of tournaments, demonstrations and family-friendly activities, marking a year of building more than just a game store — but a place where people gather.

The Hughesville shop will host its anniversary celebration April 10–12, welcoming experienced players, beginners and families to take part in the growing community built during its first year.

Owner Chris said that sense of community has always been the real goal.

“Our goal is just to give people a space to come together,” told The BayNet.

Over the past year, RallyPoint Games has grown into a regular meeting place where players gather weekly for tabletop role-playing games, trading card tournaments, strategy games and beginner sessions.

From Unexpected Opportunity To Local Gathering Spot

RallyPoint Games itself came together unexpectedly.

Chris said he had originally been planning to open a laser tag business before finding the opportunity to purchase inventory from a game store that was closing.

“I actually came across the game store by accident,” he said. “I was originally trying to start a laser tag business, but when I found the opportunity, everything just kind of fell into place.”

While the business idea changed, the purpose remained the same — creating a place where people could gather, have fun and connect.

Today that vision shows itself in busy tables filled with players running campaigns, learning new games or simply spending time together.

Keeping The Hobby Welcoming And Fair

Chris said one of the biggest things he learned entering the gaming industry was how expensive the hobby can become, especially with collectible card games.

He said some retailers identify high-value items in products ahead of time and adjust pricing accordingly, something he tries to avoid.

Instead, RallyPoint Games focuses on keeping products as close to retail pricing as possible and making sure players can still enjoy the experience.

“This is already an expensive hobby,” Chris said. “I try not to make it any more expensive than it needs to be.”

That thinking also carries into how the store operates day to day. Casual players can use table space for free, with small entry fees only applying to organized events where staff are coordinating tournaments or activities.

“If you want to just hang out and play around your friends, our tables are free,” Chris said. “We just want people to have a place to play.”

Chris said even the typical $5 event fee is structured to benefit players rather than the store.

“The $5 event fee basically just holds your spot,” he said. “We give it back as store credit so people are committed to showing up.”

That same community-first approach also led to the creation of monthly ladies nights, which often center around gaming-adjacent activities like miniature painting and hobby projects rather than structured tournaments.

“We do monthly ladies nights because this is a pretty male-dominated hobby,” Chris said. “The whole point is creating a space where everyone can come in, feel comfortable and have fun.”

A Place Where Young Players Become Regulars

Chris said the store has also seen younger players become regulars simply by spending time in the shop and getting involved in the hobby.

One example is Mike, now 15, who first started coming into RallyPoint Games at age 14 to play games. Chris said he quickly stood out because he already knew several card games and became a familiar face around the store before eventually applying for a job when a position opened.

Chris said having someone closer in age helping with youth sessions makes a difference.

“If I sat down and tried to run youth D&D, they probably wouldn’t listen the same way,” Chris said. “They identify with him more.”

The store now hosts youth Dungeons & Dragons every other Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m., giving teens a place to learn the game while meeting others who share similar interests.

Anniversary Weekend Designed For Everyone

Regular events include War Game Wednesday, Tabletop Thursday and Magic: The Gathering Friday Night Magic, giving people several chances each week to stop in, learn something new or just play with friends.

The three-day celebration will include competitive events, learn-to-play opportunities and casual activities. Click the links below to register for events.

Whether someone is curious about Dungeons & Dragons after seeing it featured in shows like “Stranger Things” or simply looking for a new hobby, the anniversary weekend is designed as an easy way to stop in, try a game and meet others who share similar interests.

RallyPoint Games RallyPoint Games is located at 8132 Old Leonardtown Road in Hughesville, next to All American Harley-Davidson.

For event details and updates, visit games.rallypointsomd.com or the RallyPoint Games Facebook page.

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