Oasis Games
“When we opened the shop, I wanted it to feel different, " says Josh Wiitanen, General Manager of Oasis Games. “We want it to be a place where everyone feels at home - whether you're here for Magic cards or your first board game - somewhere where you don't just play; you belong.” Oasis Games is a gathering place that has transformed the experience of gaming into something truly communal. Opened in 2012 by Alex Sittner, an avid Magic: The Gathering player, Oasis Games was born from a vision shared by a small team with decades of passion for games and camaraderie.
A significant chapter in the store’s history involves Alex’s long-time friend, Josh, who came on to handle the operations of the store in 2017. Josh, hailing from California, also had a background in professional Magic: The Gathering play. The two met during tournaments as young teenagers, often competing against each other, and traveling together to events worldwide. Their shared experiences and mutual respect for the game fostered a strong friendship. "We would practice and prepare for the tournaments," Josh reflects. "I was about ten or eleven when we first met. Alex is a bit older." As the two continued to compete in Magic tournaments, they also saw what they liked and disliked about other game shops they visited. “Alex and I had these notebooks we kept since we were teenagers. Every store we went to, we'd jot down ideas: ‘great lighting,’ ‘better seating,’ ‘clean bathrooms.’ All these details became the blueprint for Oasis Games.”
While traveling, the two boys quickly realized that they were both really interested in selling the cards, unlike others who only wanted to win. "We were focused on how much we could make selling them,” Josh admitted. As a result, they slowly drifted away from playing and focused on making sure they had cards to sell to other players. "From selling out of a backpack, then two backpacks, then a suitcase, we, ultimately, landed a real space together."
Before joining forces with Alex, Josh operated his own game store in California, located in the Laguna Hills Mall. However, the high costs of operating in this state prompted him to seek new opportunities. When Alex expanded Oasis Games into a larger venue, Josh saw an opportunity to collaborate, bringing his expertise and passion to the Salt Lake City community.
Oasis Games has grown into an expansive, welcoming space designed to be both visually inviting and incredibly comfortable with Pokémon and Magic the Gathering being the "epitome of what we do." One side of the store is a sprawling gaming area with tables to seat over a hundred players, dedicated spaces for board games, role-playing games, and even larger “wargaming” setups. The other side of the shop is lined with aisles of meticulously organized games, collectibles, and one particularly eye-catching feature known as the “Wall of Magic” - a display of Magic: The Gathering packs dating back to the game’s inception in the early 1990s. For a Magic enthusiast, the wall is a timeline of memories, each pack evoking the thrill of opening a new deck.
Beyond Magic, Oasis Games caters to all types of players, offering a diverse selection of games. Shelves are stocked with classics including Monopoly, Scrabble, Life, Clue, Yahtzee and Trivial Pursuit, alongside modern hits like Terraforming Mars, Spirit Island and Exploding Kittens. According to Richard Howard, the store's Event Manager, "We're not just about competitive play. Oasis is also for families, for people new to games, and for those just looking to meet up and unwind. You want to bring your own game in? No problem. We want you to feel like this is your space.”
In addition to serving casual visitors, Oasis Games has created an inclusive space for Salt Lake City’s diverse gaming communities. “We host an LGBTQ+ board gaming group once a month. They bring in all kinds of games - new and classic. Everyone just comes together to play. That's what we're about - creating a safe, inclusive place where everyone feels they can have fun.”
Oasis also keeps a close-knit community feel, with staff who remember frequent customers by name and have extensive game knowledge to answer questions or help with gaming strategies. “We even get calls at the front desk from people needing help with a game rule. We love that level of involvement. Where else are you going to find that?” Richard laughs.
"Utah boasts more game stores per capita than any other state," a fact that Josh attributes to the childlike joy that gaming brings. “Salt Lake City leads in both Halloween decorations and the number of game stores. We're a community that holds on to fun and creativity. Gaming, for us, isn't just about winning or losing; it's about coming together and strengthening relationships.” And in true community spirit, Oasis ensures it is always accessible and approachable, even for kids coming in with their parents for the first time. “We make sure to welcome everyone with a smile and a sense of belonging. This isn't just a store. It's a place to share in the joy of gaming.”
As Oasis Games continues to grow, Josh and Alex stay true to the values they held as teenagers scribbling notes in their notebooks: clean bathrooms, open spaces, bright lighting, and a welcoming atmosphere. They have built a haven for anyone looking to escape for a few hours into a world of games, connection, and friendly competition. “At the end of the day,” Josh says, "It's about giving back the same warmth and community that we found in game stores as kids. This is a place for everyone, where memories are made over a board game or a trading card, and that's something we're proud of every day.”
