With Gamma Ray Games‘ 1st Anniversary coming up on Tuesday, I sat down with Eric Logan, owner of Gamma Ray, to talk about how things are going.

The first question that came to mind was, of course, how has the recession been treating a business that sells games? “Turns out, drugs, alcohol and games tend to sell better during recessions,” Logan said. “We’ve consistently done better than we expected. We’re confident in being able to stay where we are and are gently exploring expanding.” Among the possibilities for growth are satellite stores, kiosks in various locations and Gamma Ray’s own line of game products.

“We’d be more comfortable opening up more businesses on the Hill after running this one – it’s a tremendous market research lab,” said Logan, “There are a number of business models that have come out of geek culture that no one it testing yet.”

Logan said the local community’s diversity is reflected in his game playing customers. “Our customers right now include bartenders, doormen, gay men’s health counselors, burlesque dancers, roller derby girls…these are our customers, and we really try to be the game store for those people, Capitol Hill’s game store, as opposed to being a game store on Capitol Hill.” Logan is considering the creation of in-house games that would expand Gamma Ray’s range into gay culture, cocktails and art.

Logan says Gamma Ray is committed to a local focus and that he conducts all of his business with that focus in mind. “Myself and all three employees live on Capitol Hill, so our rent goes back to the community. Our internet provider, landlord, phone service, utilities, credit card processor and most of our wholesale purchasing are all done through Washington State businesses. We pay slightly more for all of these services so we can do that,” Logan said.

Gamma Ray Games (411 E Pike) will be celebrating their 1st anniversary with good friends, free Cupcake Royale cupcakes and, of course, games, this Tuesday, July 6th from 6pm til closing.