The board game industry is really suffering thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can do to help out your local game store.

The coronavirus pandemic sucks for everyone, but it sucks for board and tabletop gamers the most. Many of them had local communities of like-minded gamers that congregated at the local game store–a store that is most likely closed almost indefinitely due to the ongoing outbreak.

Not only are gamers losing a key part of their social lives, but those stores are also losing crucial revenue for every day they can’t open. This is a disaster of unmitigated scale for indie game stores, but there are at least a few things you can do to help.

In an interview with Polygon, Game Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA) executive director John Stacy recommended that you continue to socially distance as much as possible, but also continue to shop at your local game store from afar. Many stores have moved to online sales rather than in-store sales, and that means you can still shop there even without showing up in person.

You might even be able to call ahead and purchase products via a quick handoff, although remember to wash your hands if you do.

Stacy estimates that as many as two-thirds of the country’s 3000-4000 independent game stores have shut down due to the pandemic. As local game stores are “critically vital” to the tabletop gaming industry, GAMA has set up a website to provide shuttered stores and furloughed employees with quick links to where they can receive government assistance.

Wizards of the Coast has also stepped in to try to help local stores. Although Friday Night Magic has moved online to Magic: The Arena, WotC is working with local game stores to set up Discord servers in order to stay in touch with their local game crowds. Those local stores are then given in-game codes to hand out on social media.

There are also many online resources to help out with your tabletop game. D&D Beyond comes to mind as the premiere D&D resource, while those lucky enough to have a VR rig can try Tabletop Simulator to get their tabletop fix.

Source: Polygon, GAMA