Four years ago, Tiana Chase and Bobby Whitcomb opened Excelsior Comics and Games in Maynard to provide a place for all ages to hang out and socialize over games, tournaments, and events. According to Chase, the couple reinvests earnings into the store to give back for all that has been given to them. The lounge was opened with funds raised through T-shirt sales, a local Boy Scout troop painted the walls, and players have donated video games, TVs, and furniture.

Q. Why did you want to open a gaming store?

Whitcomb: When I was younger, I was really into computer games and Magic: The Gathering cards, but they weren’t mainstream at the time. There was no place to belong, so I spent a lot of time home alone, interacting with other kids online. A kid can come in here and get excited over a new game, or a pack of cards, and everyone else is just as excited. No one is looking down at them. That’s the most important part to me.

Q. What differentiates your business?

Chase: Most places have an hourly rate, but unless we’re paying out for product, everything we host is free. Bobby and I both work outside the store [as an assisted living facility dining services manager and graphic designer, respectively], so we’re able to use the store’s earnings to buy new games, books, and whatever else is needed. People who play here also shop here, because they know their money goes toward improving their experience.

Q. Who is gaming right for?

Chase: Everyone has a place here — except bullies, for which we have zero tolerance. People can feel intimidated in a new environment, and there’s a competitive nature to some of our games, but we’re not a competitive place. We’re not going to deal with you being a sore loser or winner.

Q. Are any games educational, or are they just for fun?

Chase: One example is Pokemon, which on the surface is just a game you play with your friends. But when you really look at it, it involves reading comprehension, strategy, communication, mathematics, and sportsmanship. There’s a lot more to many of these games than meets the eye.

Q. What is your goal for Excelsior?

Chase: We want to be a place for the next generation of geeks to call home and grow into their confident selves.

Excelsior Comics and Games is located at 6-10 Waltham St. in Maynard. For more information, visit facebook.com/excelsiorcomicsandgames.

Cindy Cantrell may be reached at cindycantrell20@gmail.com.