Game On:
Level up the fun at Hashtag Gaming Arena!
Drew signs his books at the Junior Writers' request!
Have you heard about Hashtag Gaming Arena? If not, let me enlighten you about this awesome location right here in Herndon! For our May Stroll Junior Writer Meeting, we were invited to Hashtag Gaming Arena to learn about what they offer the community. Hashtag Gaming Arena is owned by Drew Crowder, who opened the store in February 2019. Besides owning the Arena, Drew is a writer and producer, and also is a Stroll sponsor with NVblu!
The meeting started with Drew giving us a tour of the multi-use facility. We gathered in an area that is used for comedy nights, company pitches, and more. Drew told us about how his experiences led to writing. Before opening Hashtag, he worked on films and movies and became interested in the idea of world-building in fiction. He then started to write fantasy novels inspired by many people and places. That led to opening a store that provided novels, games, and experiences.
Today, Hashtag Gaming Arena offers board games, video games, books, merchandise, food, and much more! The ambiance is a mix of community and fun, making it a great place for everyone. For all the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fans, Hashtag has a whole section just for the game. Some D&D products they sell include how-to-play guides and how to create your very own D&D game. They even host regular D&D sessions and workshops for teens, in addition to lots of other video game tournaments, RPG (Role-Playing Game) meetups, and more! There's a whole wall of popular board games free to use. The gaming area is large and open, with big tables and super-comfortable chairs. There's something going on nearly every night at Hashtag!
Merchandise areas at Hashtag include a whole aisle full of board games. When Drew was showing us this area, he explained that board games have writers. And often, the success of a game is based on if the story makes sense, is compelling, and fun - all thanks to writers!
And who doesn’t like Funko-Pops? Hashtag also has a whole section dedicated to collectible merchandise. Drew explained how all of the licensed products were a result of writers, just like the games.
Additionally, Hashtag Gaming Arena is hosting a writer's convention this year. These meets will allow new and seasoned writers to share experiences with one another.
Our meeting wrapped with a special treat: Drew gave everyone a copy of one of his books! Overall, Hashtag Gaming Arena offers so many opportunities, from gaming tournaments to writer meets. Whether you're a gamer, or writer, Hashtag has it all! So next time you find yourself in Herndon, don’t think twice about visiting this awesome place. It's more than just a store; it's a community hub where everyone can find something they love.