Pittsburgh game store Games Unlimited still innovating after 45 years, scoops pair of GAMA Power Retail awards

A Pittsburgh tabletop game store which is still pushing new boundaries more than 45 years after being launched has picked up a pair of The Game Manufacturers Association‘s Power Retail Awards, including retailer of the year.

Games Unlimited was created by a trio of friends in 1979 – just a few years after the original release of Dungeons & Dragons – and says it has been ahead of the game over the years in being quick to stock products such as Magic the Gathering, Pictionary and Rubik’s Cubes before they achieved major popularity.

The Squirrel Hill-based business won two of the four categories in this year’s Power Retail Awards, which are nominated by Friendly Local Game Store (FLGS) customers before being voted on by a GAMA committee of retailers and emeritus ‘team retail’ members.

Games Unlimited picked up the Innovation in Gaming award this year after being praised for its innovative approaches to marketing, which includes regular YouTube and TikTok videos from store owner Kylie Prymus and other staff about upcoming releases and hot new games.

Prymus was briefly president of GAMA three years ago after being elected following a restructure of the non-profit trade organisation’s board, but stepped down after three months due to the demands on his time. He had previously been a member of the GAMA retail division board from 2020.

The 2025 awards were presented at this year’s GAMA Expo trade show in Louisville, Kentucky earlier this week.

GAMA retail chair Jay Mason-Grant said, “Kylie and the team at Games Unlimited do an amazing job with their marketing, especially with their game- and industry-focused videos on TikTok.

“Through consistent digestible content, Kylie shares information about top games, new releases, and the game industry as a whole – including advice for those considering opening their own shop! The videos are modern, splashy, and are sure to attract interest to their shop and to the games industry itself.”

Games Unlimited was also named retailer of the year in this year’s awards, being praised for its outstanding achievements in innovation, contributions, and design.

Mason-Grant added, “While it was their excellent marketing that earned them their Innovation award, Games Unlimited racked up points in all three categories.

“From their contributions to GAMA in the past and their promotion of the game industry itself, to their beautiful store design featuring amazing live wood demo tables, brick facades, and beautifully organized merchandise, Games Unlimited is an incredible example of what a game store can be – a true jewel in the city of Pittsburgh.”

This year’s Outstanding Contribution to Games Industry (Retail) award went to UK-based Eclectic Games, which GAMA said had been an “essential advocate for tabletop games, using their platform to
educate and engage the public while fostering a deep sense of community”.

The Reading, UK-based store was launched by Becky and Darrell Ottery in 2006, and has since expanded to four sites.

Mason-Grant said, “Darrell and Becky have been regular names at industry shows and in retailer forums and groups for years – which is even more notable because their shop, Eclectic Games, is in the United Kingdom.

“From the streets of their town to regularly representing the industry on the BBC, they have contributed in so many ways over the years.

“Winners of many local awards because of their excellent reputation, and community support, we at GAMA are proud to add our voice to those congratulating Eclectic Games for their outstanding contribution to the games industry on both sides of the pond.”

The 2025 Outstanding Store Design award went to Springfield, Missouri-based Meta-Games Unlimited, which was launched by Rick Latham and Allan Reid in 1998.

Mason-Grant said, “Meta-Games Unlimited has clear branding that fills the space and is used prominently on feature walls.

“The collection of game-related art draws the eye upwards, giving you the sense that you’re in a museum honoring the hobbies you love.

“Their large and clean gaming space is capped off by a delightful wall of pinball machines which reassures shoppers that this is a place for fun. Any gamer would be delighted to play or shop in a space like this.”

GAMA executive director John Stacy added, “The impact that these retailers have on the tabletop game industry cannot be overstated.

“Through their dedication, creativity, and passion, they are shaping the future of gaming. We are proud to celebrate their remarkable contributions and look forward to honoring them at GAMA Expo.”