Great Escape Gaming

Flint's premier tabletop gaming and hobby store — board games, trading card games, miniatures, and hobby supplies in a welcoming community space. MTG, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and regular tournaments.

Great Escape Gaming is downtown Flint's go-to destination for tabletop gaming, and one of the most warmly regarded hobby shops in Genesee County. Founded in 2016 by Scott Hempel and Tyler Bienlein — who met through the University of Michigan-Flint's Entrepreneurs Society and Habitat for Humanity's Work and Live program — the shop was born from a genuine love of gaming and a commitment to Flint's revitalization.

The store stocks a broad selection of board games, trading card games (Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and more), tabletop miniatures, hobby paints, dice, and collectibles including Studio Ghibli plushies and other curated items. The retail floor is clean, well-organized, and visually inviting, with ample play space for weekly tournaments and casual gaming nights that draw regulars from across the Flint metro.

What sets Great Escape Gaming apart is the atmosphere. Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable and genuinely friendly staff, who are happy to help newcomers learn a game or point veterans toward their next obsession. With parking on the west side and a layout designed for lingering, it's the kind of store where a quick browse turns into an afternoon. For anyone in the Flint area looking for a true local game shop with community at its core, Great Escape Gaming delivers.