On a July afternoon at Imperial Outpost Games in Glendale, owner Darren Johnson is posted up behind the counter like a veteran NPC. A customer strolls up with a purchase and hits him with the question he’s heard many times recently:

“So why are you guys closing?”

Johnson doesn’t flinch. He’s been fielding that one a lot since announcing in July that the store will close its doors at the end of August, capping off a 27-year campaign. Not even rolling a nat 20 could change Imperial Outpost’s fate.

“It’s just time to move on,” he says sadly.

A laidback gaming and geek hub

Imperial Outpost has been a mainstay of metro Phoenix’s gaming scene. Located near Thunderbird Road and 51st Avenue, the 5,800-square-foot emporium is a one-stop shop for all things tabletop.

One room features floor-

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