December of 2020 was not an easy time to start a new business.

Just ask Noah Reed, the owner of The Rogue Trader Gaming on Route 903, Jim Thorpe.

“It was difficult at first,” Reed explained. “We didn’t even have a grand opening because of COVID; there were a lot of restrictions back then. But since then, COVID actually has helped the hobby. A lot of people were locked up inside, and they wanted to get into a new hobby, or get back into hobbies they were into when they were younger.”

The Rogue Trader Gaming specializes in the Games Workshop products like Warhammer, Warhammer 40k, and Age of Sigmar. A look around the store tells you that there is a lot more than just playing the game.

“There are three basic types of people who get involved,” game enthusiast Hunter Oberle explained. “There are those who enjoy building and painting models, those who play the tabletop game, and those who get involved into the in-depth world of the game.”

“People of all ages and backgrounds play,” Reed added. “Police officers, firefighters, doctors, construction workers, retired and active military.”

One thing unique they do is they will buy used models and give store credit or cash to use toward other models and sets. They turn around and resell the used models.

“People will come in. They’ll build armies, they’ll play them, they’ll want to try something new, trade them in, and get a new army,” Oberle said.

The basic premise of the game is that players use miniature models to build their armies and fight battles. The playing “board” is like a diorama in that it uses models of buildings, trees, hills and more. Each player takes a turn using dice and arithmetic to fight the battle. There are core rules for the various battle settings that give instructions on the size of the armies and how to play. Though the gameplay is mostly based on medieval warfare, it incorporates fantasy elements such as wizards, dragons and magical spells.

Unlike a video game, where you play so many levels and then the game is over, this game has so many options and versions, sub-games and levels, you could play it for a lifetime and never get through it all.

“People enjoy coming together here; it’s a great place for community,” Reed added. “People like to hang out here. We all have that common bond.”

“It’s almost like a club, where people of like minds come together, and they all share that same similar passion,” added Oberle.

Warhammer has seen a lot more mainstream publicity thanks to British actor Henry Cavill, who has played DC Comics character Superman in the DC Extended Universe, and Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix fantasy series “The Witcher.” Cavill has mentioned in interviews his love of the game.

Rogue Trader Gaming offers first-time players and experienced players a chance to come in and play the game with models and boards set up for that purpose. They also hold events like game competitions, where players can bring in their own armies to compete. They also hold paint night where they can get together and share ideas on the models and painting aspect of the game.

“The way Noah has sponsored this amazing community over the past year; we have a lot of regulars now,” added gamer Benjamin Mortensen. “Everyone is just so welcoming, and that brings more and more people in.”

To learn more, you can start with the store’s Facebook group or stop by the store at 1550 Route 903 Jim Thorpe, directly across the street from Pocono Whitewater Rafting.

They are open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 570-657-8025 or visit theroguetraders.com.