Casey Harris, co-owner of Game On, explains how to play a game during the first Trans Gaming Night at Game On, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Capital City Weekly)

Casey Harris, co-owner of Game On, explains how to play a game during the first Trans Gaming Night at Game On, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Capital City Weekly)

Opinion: Let’s keep playing

Recently, I learned that Juneau is on the verge of losing one of its good business neighbors, Game On.

Game On, an award winning video game store continues to expands their retail side for fans of all things video game. While also expanding their multiple programs ranging from hosting birthday parties to plans for making gaming available at the library.

But, strategic to the Juneau community are the game room spaces and a store where young people can gather with friends. Their “Sensory Night” for autistic customers is only one facet of consistent support for young people of all stripes and abilities.

Emry and Casey Harris started the business just three years ago in the Airport Mall slotted between a tattoo parlor and a shoe store. In late 2018 they made the move to Nugget Mall.

There they have been able to add more staff, game spaces and a repair area to accommodate an enthusiastic and what Casey calls a “surprisingly large … inclusive of all ages,” customer base.

Now, Game On is up against some financial deadlines that have left the owners scrambling for funds after falling prey to a suddenly absent bad contractor of the sort that seem to dog small businesses. Determined not to close, Emry simply states, “we’ve worked too hard to get this (their store) to where it is.”

We can help through on-going social media fundraising. For more details visit the Game On facebook page, Instagram or in person at Nugget Mall.

As Game On works through this crisis, Juneau needs to pay attention to this good business neighbor and add it to the family summer bucket list!

Carol A. Kell,

Juneau


My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.