‘Have a Gouda Time’ – Lake Charles Gathers over Board Games

by Kerri Cooke

Having always connected with family over board games, Gouda Games is the brainchild of Morami and Megan Engler.

The determination to bring a communal space to Southwest Louisiana where the locals could relax, stay off of their phones and connect with others was sparked earlier this year after the two returned from a trip in Colorado.

“Throughout our travels, we fell in love with the atmosphere of board game spaces and that ‘third space’ feeling they offered,” Morami says. “They felt welcoming, comfortable, and like somewhere people could simply gather and belong. With my background in education, I also understood and loved the impact games could have on students and how they help people connect and communicate.”

With two floors and a board game library that has games for all ages, even for children as young as two or three years old, the Englers have formed an affordable attraction where everyone can escape from the world for a while. “Gouda Games is affordable for a reason. It has multiple rooms and gathering areas for a reason. We want it to be a safe, comfortable space away from electronics where people can gather, play, connect, communicate and feel like themselves.”

The library has around 300 games in all categories including role playing games, strategy games, word games, puzzle-style games and party games. “In the center, we have quick games and card games that can be played in about 15 to 20 minutes,” Morami says. “One of the things I love most about board games is if you have five minutes or five hours to play, we have something for you. If we do not have a certain game in our library, guests are also welcome to bring their own.”

The game of the moment nationally is mahjong and Morami says it became apparent early on the community would love a mahjong room. The area is upstairs in the loft, available to ages 18+, but the sets can always be brought downstairs. There are three dedicated mahjong tables complete with tiles and racks.

Thursdays are reserved for Strategy Night at Gouda Games, which includes mahjong, chess and other similar games. In the future, Morami says they hope to host mahjong learning events and tournaments.

Gouda Games is filling a hole in modern society as it encourages in person interaction. “We have heard Gouda Games feels familiar, almost like a space people remember having when they were young, and something today’s younger generation is now searching for.”

Another exciting development coming soon will be an expanded availability of food. So far, Gouda Games just has pre-packaged snacks and drinks, but eventually they will serve grilled cheese sandwiches. “We are considering several options, including a limited menu or working with a food truck,” says Morami. “We are also exploring ways to work with local restaurants, caterers and other businesses in Lake Charles.”

Change is something Morami and Megan aren’t afraid of. “We want Gouda Games to continue growing into a place with as few limitations as possible. We want it to be a place where people of different ages, interests and backgrounds can come together and feel welcome.”

For more information, visit playgoudagames.com.