Where the Dice Fall, Friendships Rise

A Las Vegas game store turned safe haven is building something bigger than business — it’s rolling for connection, creativity, and community.

On a recent Saturday afternoon in Las Vegas, a 13-year-old girl clutches a set of purple dice, nervously eyeing the Dungeons & Dragons character sheet in front of her. Across the table, a volunteer game master offers a patient smile and asks, “What does your elf want to do?” She hesitates — then grins. “I want to punch the goblin in the face.” Laughter erupts from around the table. The girl’s face lights up. She’s found her people.

From One Table to a Thriving Kingdom

When Zach and Katie first opened Natural 20 Games in 2014, they had no roadmap. What they did have was heart.

“Neither of us had ever run a game store,” Katie says. “But we saw a need. There were a lot of places that sold games, but none that truly welcomed everyone.”

Back then, the Las Vegas tabletop gaming scene was fragmented and competitive. “It was kind of a turf war,” Zach recalls. “Other shops would see each other as enemies. But we just wanted to build community.”

Armed with a single table, a few shelves of Magic: The Gathering cards, and a bold vision, the couple opened the doors with one mission: create a place where everyone — regardless of age, background, or experience — could gather and play.

It wasn’t about profit. It was about people.

No Gimmicks. Just Heart.

From the beginning, Zach and Katie were clear: Natural 20 would be different. They didn’t push sales. They didn’t shame newcomers. They didn’t chase trends.

Instead, they focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive space — one where you didn’t have to buy something to belong. And that simple decision has paid off in the most meaningful way.

“We’ve had people tell us this place saved their life,” Katie says, her voice softening. “Teenagers with no other safe space. Adults who’ve never felt part of a group before. It’s more than a store — it’s a home.”

Along the way, they faced challenges. The pandemic forced them to temporarily close their doors. Rising costs threatened to derail their plans. But through it all, they held fast to their values.

“We never compromised,” Zach says. “Even when it was hard. We believe if we take care of the people, the business will take care of itself.”

From Card Games to Craft Cocktails

Today, Natural 20 Games Las Vegas is more than just a gaming store. It’s a dynamic community hub offering a massive library of board games, weekly D&D sessions, Magic and Pokémon tournaments, and family-friendly events for all ages.

And now, they’ve leveled up — launching Natural 21 Game Lounge, a full-service bar and restaurant right next door.

“Nerds don’t always feel comfortable in bars,” Katie says with a smile. “So we made one for them.”

Complete with a chef-curated menu, custom cocktails, and game-friendly seating, the lounge offers a new kind of nightlife — one where you can order a burger, sip a potion-themed drink, and battle monsters with your friends.

But even with this expansion, their mission remains the same: community first.

“We Care More About People Than Sales”

“People are surprised when we send them to another store to find something we don’t have,” Zach says. “But that’s who we are. We care more about people than closing a sale.”

“We’re not just giving people jobs,” Katie adds. “We’re helping them build confidence, skills, and a future. Most of our staff have never worked anywhere before. We train them. We believe in them.”

Their hiring philosophy is simple: passion over polish. Their social media coordinator had never run a business account before. Now she’s creating viral TikToks and driving engagement. One employee reworked the entire website before age 21.

“We tell everyone, ‘Find a problem, take ownership, and run with it,’” Zach says. “That’s how we grow. Together.”

A Safe Space, A Second Home

Natural 20 isn’t just a store. It’s where kids build confidence through role play. Where veterans gather to reconnect. Where awkward teens find their voice. Where introverts discover lifelong friendships through shared adventures.

It’s where the LGBTQ+ community is seen and celebrated. Where neurodiverse players are embraced, not excluded. Where adults bring their kids to learn the same games they loved growing up.

And it’s not just locals who notice. Visitors from out of state often say the same thing: “We wish we had something like this back home.”

Come Sit at Our Table

The official launch of Natural 21 Game Lounge is set for July 23rd. With big plans on the horizon — from Twitch streams to local partnerships with Opportunity Village and the National Ataxia Foundation — Zach and Katie aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

“We want to keep creating opportunities,” Katie says. “For staff. For players. For anyone who walks through our door.”

So whether you’re a seasoned DM, a curious beginner, or just someone looking for a place to belong — there’s a seat for you at Natural 20.

Visit natural20lasvegas.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @natural20lasvegas to join the adventure.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.