To sum it up: Many games for purchase, clean and organized store, MSRP Pokemon trading cards, and allows donations. My husband and I are huge Pokemon fans and we love to open and collect cards. But with the surging popularity of this hobby, many stores such as Target, GameStop, and other collectible places sometimes increase their prices, so it's not worth it to buy them overpriced. Gamescape keeps their prices as MSRP and their staff is very friendly. They keep it simple and easy with their Pokemon trading card items behind the counter and if they have more, they'll tell you and if they're not, they're out. None of that "hiding items from customers" nonsense that you see from other stores because they want to keep it for themselves, and etc. I also appreciate them accepting our donations of Pokemon items and accessories such as playmats, dice, binders, etc. After opening Pokemon cards, my husband and I do not need 10+ playmats, bunch of dice, and countless binders. With all of these in "never used" conditions, we would rather donate them to kids who would appreciate them more and have fun with them. I definitely do not want to sell those to kids or others as well, since they are free items with the Pokemon cards. Gamescape accepted our donations and was very appreciative. Thank you Gamescape for being one of the few places who sells their Pokemon items at MSRP and allowing us to enjoy this hobby without burning our $$$ too much lol read more

Tempted to gate keep this place but I can't. They are hands down the best game shop in San Francisco! I came here for a One Piece card tournament and it was so fun. The bustling murmuring of fans chatting bout the game. Everyone in the community here is so helpful and open. They gave me card protectors and even game resources. The staff is the best. Always friendly and enthusiastic about helping you. Their price are the best in town bar none. Even the official Bandai store is 20$ more. Ironically, during this pre release event for a new set, the official store didn't have any products. ( Gamescape price are the best and they give free packs per win. I definitely recommend you to shop here for your TCG and figuring hobbies needs. read more

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Was looking for a fun and creative puzzle and found this place on Yelp. When I walked in I was amazed by the amount of puzzles, board games, and playing cards in the store. Even though I wasn't looking for anything too specific, I enjoyed walking around and seeing the variety of games. There's also a section of games to play in store at a small table in the back. They even had an entire shelf full of games on sale. Definitely will prefer going here as opposed to target when I need more games and puzzles. read more

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My personal favorite hobby shops in the city as the community and staff are amazing. They carry a wide selection of products from board games, puzzles, card accessories, miniatures, and more. Their weekly event schedules are also accessible through their website or on a board deeper inside the store. read more

Today, for the release of Mega Evolutions Pokémon cards, we were fortunate to find a mid-day restock here! Earlier, we had opted not to wait in the extremely long line at GameStop, so we were super excited to get cards. The staff here were incredibly friendly and helpful, and they sell the cards at MSRP, which is even cheaper than GameStop! We will be back! read more

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This place really has the best community. I joined the discord before ever coming in here, looking to help fill out some of the missing bulk from my son's pokemon sets. There was another member that had a bunch of his missing cards and left them for us to pickup at the counter. We planned a trip in and luckily found parking super close. I can see how parking could be a challenge in this hustling and bustling area. The staff was very welcoming and had the stack of cards in hand. In addition, they don't usually have bulk cards, but today they had a stack for us to look through. "Just pick whatever you like, or take all of them". I was blown away. Between the donated cards and the ones from the shop, we filled another 40+ spots. We also walked away with one of the Mewtwo plastic models that was a lot of fun to build when we got home. Looking forward to our next visit and hope we can pay the kindness foward. read more

Came here for a Pokémon TCG pre-release event (never ever played before, nor had I even held cards in my hands), and had a great time! The folks working at the store and those participating at the event were all so nice and great stewards in welcoming people in learning and getting into the hobby. Don't love the street parking situation here, but that's not the store's fault. Looking forward to coming back again in the future! read more

This place had every game I was looking for on my list- which was long. The store was very organized and there was an intuitive logic to how the games were arranged. They had so many different editions and expansions of the games as well - not just the core sets. The cashiers were helpful and directed me to the games I was looking for - I did not ask for recs but when I go back I would be curious to see what they would recommend given some of my preferences. There is a space in the back where people were playing various games and it looks like there were also games you could try before you buy. Overall the prices were comparable to what you find online - but unfortunately Amazon still beats the prices here, which is to be expected. read more

Came here to buy gifts for a Secret Santa! I was a little stressed about finding something, but the store associate was able to help me pick out the perfect gift! They even have a sale section with really great deals! I was planning to go to Target to get gift wrap, but the store actually has complementary gift wrap towards the back of the store! They were well stocked on wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, etc! This store was such a lifeline - would definitely recommend coming here for gift shopping! read more

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The largest puzzle store in San Francisco. 75 pieces - 3,000 pieces. I never had an interest in puzzles until COVID, & now I'm hooked, thanks to Big Puzzle. But wait, there's more. Lots of popular games that I've never heard of- but go to the back of the store on Saturdays & you'll find tables full of adult men playing them. The guys working there are super friendly & helpful. They really know the inventory. I've seen loads of parents taking their kids to find a family game as well. What a great place to find a gift. Support local! read more

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If you like board games, this store is a must visit in the city! The store has a very wide range of selections from board games, card games, puzzles, paints, stickers, etc. They also have a small sale section in the back of the store as well. The staff are very well informed if you have any questions and they have always been friendly. If you want to meet people while playing games, they also host events in the evenings throughout the weekend. I have been to a couple and it has been a blast every time. The costs are the normal market-price. We usually buy here instead of Amazon to support small businesses. Also, their sales have great games I'm interested in from time to time. read more

Great knowledgable service. Great prices. Only bad thing was no parking. Selection was ok in regards to Pokémon. But all else was great.

This is a board gamer's dream first sure. Just came in to browse and all my fave games were up and center. The only reason I didn't buy anything is because I bought everything online already. Comparatively speaking (without shipping), things were a lot pricier at Gamescape than online (for instance they sell Red Rising for $40 and it's on Amazon currently for $15). But honestly I went for the vibes and would return for the vibes. I've never played board games with strangers but will try to go on one of their Wednesday night board game nights read more

Gamescape - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We have played one piece and Gundam TCG at this shop occasionally. Today we mixed up the date of a preregistered tcg event and showed up to find the shop was closed and preparing for a private event. Instead of sending us out the door to figure it out ourselves, gamescape staff made sure we were able to get refunded and also helped process an order. Thank you for the great customer service and always going the extra mile for the players! read more

Outstanding example of what a card shop should feel like. They're organized, communicative, and true enthusiasts of the hobby. Absolutely recommend, best spot in SF. read more

10 STARS if I could give them. Such an amazing Game store with an incredible Positive staff. Everyone is very knowledgeable about the products they have available. They treat everyone with respect and have so many different game events weekly for whatever you may be interested in, there IS a game community for you. I personally play Pokemon TCG. Lastly Gamescape probably has the best prices in the city. Gamescape Magic :) read more

I took my kids to Gamescape's TCG Beginner Weekly event, and they had a wonderful time! They learned so much from the teacher Chad, who taught them Magic, Lorcana, and One Piece! They had starter decks so you don't need to bring anything. As my kids put it, "He was super nice and friendly and explained stuff really well. Like for Magic he showed us all the special abilities and explained the rules and also special cases." We'll definitely be coming back! Also my husband and I got to shop around the store while the kids were learning, and the other staff were very helpful in recommending games based on what we were looking for. The store has a great, diverse selection of games. read more

I have been meaning to write this review since Christmas, but I finally remembered to take a photo of the amazing self-service gift wrapping station (it's free!) that is now set up. I'm impressed that they found a way to make an already amazing store even more awesome. Gamescape SF has a fantastic selection of games, super nice & well-informed folks working there, and a full calendar of game-centric events. My kid and I both love coming here. Highly recommend! read more

Gamescape - Free self-service gift wrapping station! This is just what I need for those last minute bday gifts. - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great store! Miniature games, board games, card games, rpgs, hobby supplies, puzzles AND more! They run events, staff are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. Great atmosphere. Highly recommended! read more

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VERY knowledgeable staff who is helpful at answering questions and very friendly. The team shows that they care about long-term business relationships, and have been generous at times with events and promotions. read more

This is the best table top game store! So many selections of board games, card games, puzzles, and so much more. The staff is very attentive and will happily answer any questions you have. read more

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Went back again to get some more Pokemon cards. Friendly staff as always and great selection of TCG for people. I like how the prices are comparable to market and not upcharged like many other shops. (That is a huge plus!) David was great to work with and was helpful in all my questions. read more

This is a great little shop I discovered on Divisadero when I was searching for the 5 Minute Dungeon card game. Then it became my go-to when I needed something new to bring to game nights. And now, it's my go to spot for Trading Cards! Parking is not the easiest around this place, but if you manage to find one, Gamescape is absolutely worth the time, products, and the people. Everyone overall is extremely kind, but I wanted to give a call out to David. Every time he is around, I'm always greeted with a warm welcome, and he's always so very informative. He'll always go out of my way to help me find board games he's found interest in, and he keeps me updated with the latest Pokemon Trading cards. I absolutely love paying a visit to Gamescape, and it adds to the experience of finding your next game or expanding your hobby. read more

Today I got my grail. It was a very trying process however it's mine now. Honey Buzz. Missed it on Amazon by a day. Bought it from The Gaming Goat only to find out it was on back order with no date of it coming into stock. Luckily was able to get a refund. Even asked the game maker for a copy. That was a no go however I knew that was a long shot at best. Found a small shop Gamescape North in San Rafael California which had one copy let. They truly went above a beyond to get it to me. Shout out to them. I highly recommend them. Honey Buzz is finally mine. I have already pre-ordered the expansion Honey Buzz Fall Flavors. read more

Gamescape - Honey buzz - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Customer service is good, they have a big selection of games and TCG no Yugioh though but if you want anything else like board games and other games this is the spot! I highly recommend it if you're in the area! read more

Nice local game store, good selection of games if you're into "euro" or "ameritrash" games. They have some deals for bargain games in their sale section, but prices generally aren't competitive with online prices if you're looking for the best deal, but prices aren't bad considering that this is a small, independent, game store operating in an area with very high rent. They have a pretty good sized shelf of games you can play for free at the store, including expensive games you might want to try before you buy, like Feast for Odin, Gaia Project, and Terra Mystica, which all have an MSRP of $80 or more! One caveat is, while the people who show up to their weeknight events are friendly, some of them could really use a bath. There's actually a sign indicating that people should take care of person hygiene, but the fact that they need a sign is quite evident if you sit next near the wrong person. read more

Gamescape - Big wall of games that are free to play in the store! - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

As an SF native, born and raised, how in the hell have I only discovered this gem of a game shop now?? Pandemic times and I've developed a new addiction to jigsaw puzzles. Did you also know that everyone else in the whole freaking world also developed this addiction? Because the high-quality, brand-name puzzles are hard as hell to get your hands on nowadays. Anyway, Gamescape has all their stock online (yay!). They have curbside pickup or you can go in the store to pick up your online purchase. They have COVID precautions in place, and employees will ask that you sanitize your hands before you walk in the store. The store itself is amazing and a great example of why I miss living in SF sometimes. It's a locally owned and super cute shop. It's clean, it's relatively spacious, it's well lit, and it's well organized--for example, the jigsaw puzzles are organized by brand and by the number of pieces, which makes browsing so much faster. The employees are all super nice and helpful, too. I picked up 5 jigsaw puzzles to tide me over the next couple months and they didn't judge me! Will definitely swing by the store again when I need to re-up my supply. I only wish they'd deliver outside of SF, but that's a small nit. If anything, it gets my butt out the door to do something other than sitting in front of my coffee table puzzling (haha get it?) over where this piece goes. read more

I have to admit, I've never been physically into this store. Yet the online shopping experience has been seamless! I saw a post on Nextdoor about Gamescapes opening an online shop to support demand during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place. Jigsaw puzzles seem to be the hardest thing to get your hands on, yet Gamescapes seems to have a consistent restock of them. Being local and less than a mile away, I'm bummed there isn't a curbside pick-up option. However, the shipping process has been a breeze. Once the order is placed, I receive shipping confirmation less than 24 hours later, and my packages have arrived on time with a little note. read more

Gamescape - Jigsaw puzzles online - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Went in to check for some product avail which can always be hit or miss, but they had it. But what's more noteworthy were the two people that helped us out and I remember them by the way they spoke to us all the times we've come in. They are consistent w how they treated us even at low and high velocity times so deserves review. One gal was so sweet, very welcoming and helpful, clearly passionate bout what she does here. The other guy wearing a type of kimono like overwear was also very kind, friendly and helpful each time. Good job!! read more

Great local store! I haven't shopped there as much as I would like but yesterday I treated myself to some jigsaw puzzles (my pandemic non-screen activity) and a few xmas gifts for the game players in my life. When I used to walk by prepandemic it was always bustling at night with events! really loved see it. Events are back! Very nicely set up store and great prices for puzzle that you can get "right this minute" versus Amazon delivery which you never know will come through. read more

Went here a few weeks ago, they had a nice selection of products but the staff had an attitude. I kindly asked the guy if they carried a certain type of card sleeves and he rudely responded with an attitude, "No! We do not carry those!" And just immediately walked away. I would understand if the store was busy with customers, but it wasn't... read more

"We long for fairytales in a world full of nightmares." Gamescape since 1985. Wow how time flies. Gamescape has been located on Divisadero in the Western Addition for almost eternity. I admit I've been here a dozen times in another lifetime filled with dragons, fairies, ogres, and heroes. I also admit I'm from the old school of Dungeons & Dragons to Warhammer. Yet, I wasn't into the nerdy men sitting around a table with yesterday's pizza, man. I enjoyed my fantasy world with paint and brush strokes. I was one of those that painted these lead & pewter miniatures. To me it was all about Ral Partha & Grenadier! If I'm speaking French to you it's because the gaming world can be foreign soil to many. Of course, Gamescape had the French Napoleon Army of two centuries ago, most in the 15mm to 25mm sizes. I'm sure George Washington's Blue Coats and the British Royal Red Coats could be had too, for two-bits more than a six-pence, but for me I delved fully into the fantasy world of Mythology. Some of my prized pieces included: Gryphons, Cyclops, Cerberus, Medusa, Minotaur, Harpies, Chimera, Pegasus, Sirens, Centaurs, Lions, Hydra, Balrog the Dragon, Fairies, Angels, Flying Dragons, Earth Dragons, Elves, Minions, Giants, Unicorns, Ninjas, Samurais, Knights, Queens, Beauties, a few Demigods too. Definitely Venus! Again I didn't role-play with other humans, silly. I, Sir Eric Robert, however did learn the tongue of the middle earth Elves & medieval Knights. It was well for him, with his chivalry and mysticism, to make the grand renunciation. But it takes two to make love, or to make a quarrel... Lastly, you might not consider yourself a gamer, but if you ever played games like Monopoly, Checkers, Chess, Clue, Scrabble, Risk, Candy Land, etc. then you're a gamer of some sort. Maybe not the chubby man sitting with a fantasy game card in his left hand, but you have crossed into the realm of games. For me, it became more art and fantasy in my past gaming life. *hides cedar chest* Days of yore... "Through this same man and me hath all this war been wrought, and the death of the most noblest knights of the world; for through our love that we have loved together is my most noble lord slain." "This is the heart of Camelot, not these stones, not these timbers, these palaces and towers. Burn them all and Camelot lives on, because it lives in us. Camelot is a belief that we hold in our hearts." - King Arthur Gamescape since 1985. That says it all, m'lady... read more

Gamescape - Grendel-ish Beast (Grenadier) & Armored Ninja (Ral Parta). Both vintage & still in my *cough cough* collection. - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

Gamescape - is nearly exactly identical to the store I grew up playing D&D at late into the night when my parents would drop me off and come back and pick me up around midnight. It's a safe place for geeky people and dorks. I instantly knew where I was when I walked into this store. I was blown away with their adventure game collection and the amount of figurines as well as paint supplies. I love figurines. Stop by....it'll blow your mind. Peace read more

If you're into board games, checkout Gamescape. I know you, I've admit i've done it. I looked at a game, picked up my phone and "Amazoned" the price. It's very tempting to put the game down and buy it from Jeff Bezos, but SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GAME STORE. After spending $250 over the course of a year, I was told that I was now a "preferred member" and will get 10% off on all future purposes. Had I known about this earlier, I would have never purchased BG's anywhere else. Bezos has enough money, PLEASE support your local game store! Also: Shout out to the worker for helping a mentally ill? patron. He was asking about a board game that he could play by himself, asking random questions and was a bit off. He handled it very professionally and was respectful of him. Kudos! read more

Great service and selection! Thanks so much absolutely love the puzzles I bought from them. They are great and so much fun!

#148/2016 While running some last-minute holiday errands, we stumbled into Gamescape and like a heat-seeking missile, my little boy zeroed in on a Star Wars game display. You know it's going to be an expensive proposition when you're told you first have to buy "the starter kit" (groan) in order to play the game. Not to be deterred, my little boy offered to buy it with his "street money" (money he finds on the ground). Instant sale. Walking around the immaculately organized shop, I saw literally scores of board games, most I've never heard of. I wouldn't be surprised if they told me they carried over 400 games, that's how extensive their inventory is. In the back of the store, I saw two super-nerdy teenage boys intently playing a board game, stakes were high. Back to a simpler time; it was good to see kids whose faces weren't buried in a tablet or a smartphone. A hanging sign by the register listed the game nights (Magic, Dungeons and Dragons and far more) where it seems you can sign up and play for free. The two guys working behind the counter told me they were well-attended with a strong community of players. The level of sophistication of this place far outstripped my knowledge. I sensed if I asked if they carried "Trivial Pursuit" they'd scoff at me. Gamescape is a serious gaming store with an over-proud aura I found slightly off-putting. Questions were tersely answered with a whiff of disdain as if I were wasting their time. That said, I'm glad there's space in this city for an eclectic retail business to thrive. Gamescape's been in my neighborhood for over 30 years; they must be doing it right. read more

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I didn't have time for a pre-release event, but I still wanted to collect some cards. I found the closest store after visiting Japantown's Cherry Blossom Festival. First time visiting to see if they sold any Pre-Release kits for Magic the Gathering's "March of the Machines." The store is clean, well lit, and fully stocked of tabletop games and game accessories. They even provide masks at their entrance, encouraging mask safety. It looks like a very family-friendly place. I saw a pair of parents hanging out at the very back while people played cards at nearby tables. I saw 2 young kids talking to a staff about game strategy (poison pokemon stuff). All the staff are very friendly and welcoming. Each one interacted with me at some point, asking if they could help with something. I ended up buying 2 kits and a 300-count card box at good pricing. I really enjoyed my experience and the vibe of this place. Keep up the good work! read more

Previously had only been to Gamescape North in San Rafael, glad I finally made it to this one! Lots of games and an area for playing in the back. The guys working here are clearly all super knowledgeable too and were walking people around the store and suggesting games that would be good for whatever number of people/style of game they were looking for. If you want to get a new game but are a little overwhelmed come here! They will hook you up and steer you towards whatever you have the greatest odds of enjoying. :) read more

Went in to buy some booster cards and sleeves... when we asked if we could use the tables to play magic the guy at the counter informed us they're only available for use during event hours. Well there was no one in the store and I don't really understand why they wouldn't be available for guests spending money especially in the middle of the day when they're not being occupied at all.... Seems like it's bad for business? You can go to any other game store in the city and use their tables and they welcome it so I don't know if it was just the guy working on a power trip or if this is actually some weird rule they have. Either way I'm happy to go out of my way to any other game store in the city that creates a welcoming environment. read more

Service was excellent but prices were a little high. They have a lot of rare items that are hard to find elsewhere. It's a fun store to shop in before or after you dine at the local nearby cuisines. read more