When people think of a board game shop, they often picture shelves stacked with Monopoly, Scrabble and a few familiar classics.
Step inside Odyssey Games on Ely High Street and you’ll quickly realise it’s something much bigger than that.
In the latest episode of the Made in Ely Podcast, we sat down with founder Robyn to talk about the journey from passionate gamer to independent business owner, why Ely was the perfect place to open a specialist games shop, and how something as simple as sitting around a table can help bring people together.
Finding Home in Ely
Robyn’s journey into business wasn’t a straight line.
Having lived across Somerset, Devon, London, Cambridge and even France, it was only after moving back following the pandemic that she discovered what made Ely so special.
Rather than simply seeing another market town, she found a thriving community full of clubs, events, independent businesses and people genuinely passionate about supporting one another.
Like many entrepreneurs, the idea for Odyssey Games started as a simple thought.
“I think I’d like to open a board game shop.”
Two years later, that idea became reality.
You Don’t Need Everything Figured Out
One of the strongest messages throughout our conversation was reassurance for anyone thinking about starting a business.
Robyn openly admits she understood board games inside and out after working in the industry, but running a business was completely new territory.
Like so many founders, she learned by asking questions.
From accountants and suppliers to neighbouring businesses helping with everything from internet connections to where the bins lived, she discovered that building a business isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about knowing who to ask.
It’s a reminder that every successful independent business has a support network behind it.
Why Board Games Matter More Than Ever
One of our favourite parts of the conversation wasn’t actually about games at all.
It was about people.
In a world dominated by phones, social media and constant distractions, Robyn believes board games offer something increasingly valuable:
Real human connection.
Games create an excuse to sit together.
To laugh, to compete, to chat without awkward silences, to spend an hour without looking at a screen.
Whether it’s a family gathering, friends meeting for coffee or complete strangers discovering a new hobby together, games remove barriers that conversations alone sometimes can’t.
It’s something we talk about a lot at Ely Work Collective too—community doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people have reasons to spend time together.
There Really Is a Game for Everyone
One misconception Robyn is passionate about changing is the idea that people are either “board game people” or they aren’t.
Her answer?
If you’ve ever played Scrabble, played cards on holiday, enjoyed Uno with family, or dusted off Monopoly at Christmas… You’re already a gamer.
The challenge isn’t whether someone enjoys games – It’s finding the right game.
That’s why Odyssey Games spends time getting to know customers before recommending anything. Rather than simply selling the latest bestseller, they help people discover games that suit their personalities, families and interests.
Every customer’s journey looks different—and that’s exactly how Robyn wants it.
Building Around the Community
Like many small businesses, Odyssey Games didn’t open with unlimited resources.
The shop has grown gradually, listening to customers along the way.
Some sections have expanded far beyond what Robyn originally expected, while others have evolved based entirely on feedback from local people.
Instead of forcing a vision onto customers, Odyssey Games has allowed the community to shape the business itself.
It’s a brilliant example of something many successful independents do well:
Listen first, adapt second, grow naturally.
The Future of Gaming
Fresh from the UK Games Expo, Robyn shared some fascinating trends shaping the industry.
While competitive games remain hugely popular, there’s growing interest in experiences focused on mindfulness, creativity and wellbeing.
Solo games are becoming increasingly common, giving people a way to relax after work without needing a group.
Other games encourage storytelling, creativity and even activities like embroidery, blending traditional hobbies with immersive gameplay.
It’s another reminder that modern board games have come a long way from simply rolling dice around a board.
More Than a Shop
What stood out most during our conversation wasn’t the games themselves.
It was Robyn’s philosophy.
Odyssey Games isn’t just there to sell products.
It’s there to help people discover hobbies, build friendships and create moments away from screens.
In many ways, it’s another example of what makes Ely’s independent business community so special.
Businesses here aren’t simply places to buy things.
They’re places where communities grow.
Listen to the full episode
Want to hear Robyn’s full story, discover her favourite games and learn why play is just as important for adults as it is for children?
Watch or listen to the latest episode of the Made in Ely Podcast, recorded at Ely Work Collective.
And if you’ve never stepped inside Odyssey Games before, perhaps it’s time to see what all the fuss is about.
You might just discover your next favourite hobby.
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