How do I know if my child is accepted into Empire?

Once you have signed up to Join Empire, David will email you within a week to confirm your child’s place and give you payment details. Wait for this email and check your spam just in case.

If you think something has gone awry, please contact David and let him know!

What should I pack for after-school snacks?

Please follow your school’s guidelines for lunchboxes, which usually prefers fruit and vegetables and avoids processed sugars, sweets, and chocolate.

David will advise you if there are any food allergies (e.g. nuts) that need to be catered for. 

Can my child bring their own board games into Empire?

YES, with consent from David first. Simply use the contact form, or email David at empiregamesclub@gmail.com the name of the game in advance.

Are there digital devices or computer games played at Empire?

NO. The focus at Empire is on live, face-to-face interactions using physical copies of board games.

Where should I purchase games from?

Online is usually most cost effective:

• Board Game Search is an aggregator that will check many Australian stores for you – sometimes finding great deals! A great first option. http://www.boardgamesearch.com.au/

• Gameology – https://www.gameology.com.au/  and  Games Empire -- https://gamesempire.com.au/  are great websites with swift service. David uses them regularly. 

• eBay — https://www.ebay.com.au/   (sort by price + shipping: lowest first) 

• Amazon — https://www.amazon.com.au/ (especially with Amazon Prime for free shipping)

  
  

Supporting local businesses:

• Tactics, 119 Barrack St, Perth

• Good Games in Morley, Cannington, and Joondalup

• Games World in Karrinyup, Claremont, and Belmont

Are there any websites you recommend for board game reviews or how to play?

Reviews: Explore family-friendly video reviews from Tom Vasel at The Dice Tower on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thedicetower

How to Play: Want to learn how to play a game? Watch Rodney explain everything succinctly on his Watch It Played YouTube channel to get started:  https://www.youtube.com/c/WatchItPlayed

What are Empire’s Values?

Respecting Materials: caring for physical games and the play area. Using clean hands, keeping food and drink outside, and packing away materials when finished.

Inclusivity: inviting play with members across year groups. Learning each other’s names and building new friendships.

Fun: wanting to win, but not needing to. Having a sense of humour and being excited about gaming.

Flexibility: being positive about the games your friends enjoy playing. Trying all types of games – you might discover a new favourite!

Respecting all players: being patient, encouraging each other, welcoming other player’s actions (or playfully ribbing), and taking turns at a reasonable pace.

Using “a light touch”: genuinely offer support and ideas to others in a way that empowers them, rather than trying to be seen as a great helper.

Being a great winner: winning is great, but it isn’t everything. No one wants to game with arrogant players. Thank everyone for playing afterwards with eye contact and a handshake. Be willing to debrief the game and help train others to become better competition for you in the future!

Being a wise loser: accept loss in a game without complaining. You can’t win every game and this is a part of life. Don’t ruin the fun for others. Instead, find a way to sincerely compliment winners and ask if they would offer advice to improve your play.

Theme: get into the theme of the game by using fun voices and vocabulary. Stay in the spirit of the game!

Listening to rules: if someone has taken the time to learn the rules and is teaching them to you – pay attention! Listen carefully to what is said and remember that you’re about to play the game. Be willing to learn, read rulebooks, and teach others. Rules lawyers are great!

Focus: Keep your focus on the game you’re playing. Other exciting events may be happening nearby though remember that a game involves many players and you’re needed at the table.