Most of us have played a number of board and card games in our lives. A standard pack of cards, the Monopoly box on the hall shelf. Maybe Risk or Clue, if you’re feeling up for something a bit more complex.

You may not be aware just how much games have changed over the last few decades. They go so far beyond the relatively simple competitive games most are familiar with. Cooperative games, games developed for all ages, games with mindbogglingly in depth rules for immersive play. Independent game developers have expanded the hobby so far beyond the couple massive toy companies that previously dominated.

Jillian McCrohan was introduced to the world of games beyond Monopoly at a young age, by her cousin, when she was growing up in Appleton. Since that time, by her own admission, she has been obsessed. She has made it her mission to share this love for all things games with the community. Along with games, Jillian loves community.

As soon as they were old enough to understand the simplest rules, Jillian was playing games with her daughters, now nine, 10, and 15. Her closets filled with exotic board and card games of all types. Her dream was to own her own games store- a dream finally realized, with the opening of the store in Rockport.

It happened quickly — the store front on West Street in Rockport was available, rent was reasonable, and next thing she knew, Jillian was heading over with a bucket of paint. A monthlater, May 1, Crow’s Keep Games was fully stocked and open.

The space is packed with games of all types and for all ages. Board games, card games, tabletop roleplaying games. Crow’s Keep has two gaming rooms which can be rented by the hour, perfect if your Dungeons and Dragons group needs a place to meet, or to set up Magic tournaments. Jillian also stocks packaged snacks and drinks for purchase, which is always a necessity for gaming sessions. 

Best of all, Jillian has offered up some of her private stock of boardgames to rent, giving the opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of the games with complexities that go a bit beyond the game of Sorry!

Jillian’s knowledge and enthusiasm for her products is infectious, and she will happily assist the uninitiated.

Crow’s Keep Games hosts various theme days and events, which are updated on the Facebook page, including a Wednesday evening Magic: The Gathering tournament.

Magic is a highly popular game played with collectible cards — a game I admit I never learned, as when it was first introduced when I was in college, it resulted in weeks of no sleep for a number of my friends, and I had a thesis to write. I never outgrew my childhood love of Dungeons and Dragons, though.

Jillian would love to work with gaming groups in the area, and will be hosting Camden Hill’s board game club in the Fall. 

So step away from the screens for a bit, and engage in some traditional gaming — with friends, with family, or even by yourself with the many solo games on offer. Go and support this new local business.

Crow’s Keep Games is at 534 West Street in Rockport and is open Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. Game on!