Livingston Shop Takes Game-Playing to New Heights

For years, New World Manga has provided a forum for gamers to gather and play. The shop, which carries a variety of board games, trading card games and comic books, has been in Livingston for 17 years.

But on Saturday, it will take gaming to another level.

New World Manga will take part of an event led by the web show, "TableTop" on the website "Geek & Sundry," an Internet community centered around board games, comics and hobbies.

The site is sponsoring a game day and giving out prizes. Participating shops have registered in advance to be part of the event.

"For us, we do game days all the time. This one is branded for us," said Lionel Ruland, co-owner. "It's taking an opportunity to be part of the big community."

Ruland said Saturday will be action-packed, first with the shop's regular Pokemon League tournament at 1 p.m., followed by its Magic: the Gathering tournament at 6 p.m.

Then, at 10 p.m., TableTop Game Night will begin. Participants will demonstrate and play several games featured on Tabletop, Ruland said.

Ruland said the popular web show has introduced a slew of games that are usually demonstrated by celebrities. The public has become aware of many board games thanks to the program, he said.

Wil Wheaton hosts the fast-paced show.  In every episode, one or more boardgames are explained briefly by Wheaton and then he and his guests, usually web or TV personalities, play the game.

Once a game is introduced, it becomes a hit, Ruland said.

"When they do web shows, our sales rise," he said. 

Admission is $8 for the Pokemon tournament, and $6 for the Magic the Gathering tournament and $6 for Tabletop.